What's Happening

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.  
 

November 14, 2022, Adrian, Michigan – NOTE: The schedule for this retreat has been altered and will now take place Thursday, December 8 through Monday, December 12. “I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play …” In no other holy day or holiday does music play such a significant role as during the Christmas season. These “old familiar carols,” when pondered, can help the soul feel its worth and capture the great gift of the season.

During the 2022 Advent Retreat, Father Marty Iott, OP, a Dominican Friar from the Southern Province, examines the spiritual meaning of some of these old familiar carols. The retreat is offered in person from 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 8, 2022 through 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 12, 2022, Sunday, December 4, 2022, through 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Weber Retreat and Conference Center.

Ordained in 1970, Father Marty served as a parish priest and a university and hospital chaplain, in addition to working toward the initial formation of Dominican students. He has dedicated the past 40 years to preaching through retreats and parish missions.

The cost of the retreat is $160 for commuters, $325 per person double occupancy, and $425 single occupancy. All overnight guests must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination; all guests will be screen for the virus and must wear a mask except when eating.

Registration is required and is available at www.webercenter.org; click on “programs.” Registrations may also be made by contacting Weber Center at 517-266-4000 or [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.