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August 16, 2022, New London, Connecticut – As volunteer and professional catechists prepare for another year of offering religious education to elementary and high school students, the latest book by Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, might give them the spiritual support they need.

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP

Sister Janet’s book, Calming Meditations for Busy Catechists, was recently released by Twenty-Third Publications. The 32-page booklet offers prayers and meditations for catechists, whether they’re overwhelmed and feeling unqualified to teach or their students are responding well to their lessons. Each meditation also includes a suggested action to help bring peace and confidence to catechists.

The retail price is $3.95 for one copy, $34.90 for 10 copies, $147.50 for 50 copies, $249 for 100 copies, and $487.50 for 250 copies. The booklet can be ordered through the website of Twenty-Third Publications or by phone at 1-800-321-0411. 

Calming Meditations for Busy Catechists is also available at the Weber Center Shop at Weber Retreat and Conference Center. Copies can be picked up in person from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays. The shop is closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m. Copies can also be ordered from the Weber Shop through email, webershop@adriandominicans.org or by calling 517-266-4035.  

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

Sister Janet has written numerous books and resources for catechists, including Spirituality for Catechists and The Creed: A Catechist’s Guide. She also writes annual Advent reflection booklets.

July 26, 2022, Portland, Oregon – The Adrian Dominican Congregation received an award from the Catholic Media Association (CMA): Its 2020-2021 Annual Report, Deepening Relationships, took first place in the category of Best Annual Report for Catholic Nonprofit Organizations.

The CMA is a global network of Catholic communicators ministering in diverse media and its 2022 Press Awards program – focusing on publications, videos, articles, photos, books, social media campaigns, and other media created in 2021 – drew 2,700 entries in 472 categories this year. The results were announced on July 7 during the CMA’s conference in Portland, Oregon.

Judges noted that the Annual Report has a “stunning design and is formatted for easy reading.” They also described the photos as “eye-catching,” evoking the message of the piece. Cited specifically were Angela Kessler, Director of Communications; Amy Palmer, Director of Development; Ashley Duke, Graphic Designer; and Barbara Kelley, OP, Writer.

The 2021 Annual Report was a collaborative effort of the Development and Communications Departments. Along with those cited above were Laura Brosamer, Sister Kathleen Schanz, OP, Catherine Witt, and Jolene Witt, Development; and Ashley Concord, Scott Miller, and Sheila Wathen, Communications.