What's Happening

May 23, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – The Dine and Discuss Book Club at Weber Retreat and Conference Center focuses on American Mother, the true story written by Colum McCann with Diane Foley, whose son Jim Foley was imprisoned and killed by ISIS. In this memoir, Diane describes the early life of her journalist son, his capture, the family’s efforts to secure his release, and the family’s grief and search for peace.

The book is available at Weber Center. The discussion takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The cost of $25 includes both the book and dinner. Those who buy the book at this price are asked to commit to attending the dinner and in-person discussion. 

Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

October 20, 2023, Detroit – In the coming weeks, many of us will see signs that the Christmas Season is approaching, from items for sale to secular Christmas music on the radio and decorations in homes and the public square. 

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, in her latest Advent booklet, invites Christians to approach the weeks before Christmas as a “time for holy listening” as we await the coming of Jesus in our lives and our world. “Advent is our introverted season,” she wrote in the book’s introduction. “The world around us does a lot of chatting, chattering, and contesting. Advent gives us a space for holy listening.”

In A Time for Holy Listening, Sister Janet lists the Scripture readings for each day, along with a reflection, a suggested daily practice, and a short Advent prayer – all tied to the day’s readings. 

A retreat leader and a consultant for catechists and adult faith formation leaders, Sister Janet once ministered as Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. She received the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) Distinguished Service Award.

A Time for Holy Listening is available from the Weber Center Shop at Weber Retreat and Conference Center on the Adrian Dominican Motherhouse Campus. The shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m. Copies can be ordered from the Weber Shop through email, [email protected], or by calling 517-266-4035. 

The Advent booklet is also available in English and Spanish from Twenty-Third Publications.