What's Happening

August 25, 2022, New York, New York – Since October 2019, Adrian Dominican Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP, has given voice to the Dominican family on issues of concern as they are addressed at the United Nations. Sister Durstyne ministers as the Dominican Sisters Conference (DSC) representative at the United Nations.

“My goal is to assist Dominican women in bringing their voice to the UN on behalf of civil society,” Sister Durstyne told Sister Maxine Kollasch, IHM, in a recent “In Good Faith” podcast for A Nun’s Life. “We are trying to represent some of the issues that Dominicans worldwide are concerned about, such as climate change; such as nuclear weapons; such as homelessness; [and mining] extractions from indigenous areas, particularly in the Amazon.”

Sister Durstyne’s ministry includes serving on several working groups. She spoke at length about her involvement in the Working Group on Girls, which is bringing girls ages 14 to 18 from around the world together virtually to “engage in conversation and write statements” about issues of concern to them, such as gender violence, Sister Durstyne said. 

“Really, it’s an opportunity for girls not to be alone,” Sister Durstyne said. She gave the example of girls in Afghanistan, who, after the Taliban take-over in August 2021, face fewer opportunities and less freedom. “They’re not alone, because there are other girls in the world who are mindful of what’s happening to them, and they’re not going to let [the girls in Afghanistan] be silenced. … These young girls around the world will be advocating for all girls.”

Sister Durstyne’s interview is featured on the “In Good Faith” podcast’s page on the website of A Nun’s Life.

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, [email protected] 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.