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.  
 

August 28, 2023, Adrian, Michigan – As we enter the fall, would you like to find time to work on your writing and share it with other writers? Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP, an Amherst Writers and Artists Affiliate, offers two opportunities. Both workshops are held on Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time and provide an in-person or online experience.

    •    Letting Go and Making Room for the New, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, sets autumn as nature’s reminder to let go as we move through our lives, just as trees let go of their leaves. Writing can support our letting go and encourage us to make space for the new in our lives.

    •    Winter’s Invitation, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, offers the opportunity to write into the mysterious and fertile days of the coming winter. Participants will explore the patterns of light and darkness together.

The cost for the workshops is $35 per session. Registration is required and available at www.webercenter.org; click “programs.” Registrations may also be made by calling 517-266-4000 or emailing [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. Traveling east on Siena Heights Drive, pass the Adrian Rea Literacy Center and turn left just before the solar panel-covered parking lot. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.