What's Happening

September 13, 2017, Washington, D.C. – In two e-newsletters sent to its members, the National Conference for Catechetical Leaders (NCCL) paid special tribute to the late Sister Susanne Hofweber, OP, who died on August 27. 

“As the first non-ordained and female Secretariat for the National Conference for Diocesan Directors (NCDD now NCCL), Susanne Hofweber's robust experience in catechesis influenced our membership organization significantly,” the e-newsletter editors noted. Sister Susanne served in that position for six years. 

An e-newsletter sent to NCCL members on September 1 announced Sister Susanne’s death, describing her life and hailing her as an inspirational leader. A follow-up e-newsletter, sent out on September 7, included much of an interview with Sister Susanne, in which she described her own life. Highlights included her work in helping to translate the documents of Vatican II into Spanish and teaching people in the Dominican Republic about those documents as they were released. Read segments of the September 7 e-newsletter here.

The NCCL interview is part of the organization’s Historical Heritage Project, in which it is publishing interviews of catechetical leaders who tell the story of catechesis. The Historical Heritage Project will be available to the public at the end of the year.

The NCCL is a member organization with a goal to help members to “achieve competence as leaders in the ministries of evangelization and catechesis within the teaching mission of the multi-cultural Catholic Church in the United States.” Margaret Matijasevic, Executive Director, provided access and links to the e-newsletters that paid tribute to Sister Susanne.

Sister Susanne Hofweber, OP, receives the NCDD (National Conference of
Diocesan Directors) Award during the April 1990 meeting in Atlanta, Georgia

September 12, 2017, Detroit – Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, prolific author and speaker on adult faith formation and religious education, recently published two new books. 

A Glorious Light Is Coming, a collection of prayers and reflections for Advent 2017, offers daily reminders on how to look for sparks of God’s light and love in the darkest of hours. Sister Janet’s second new book, How to Talk to Children about Jesus, gives parents practical tips on how to discuss with their children Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and major teachings, and suggests family activities and prayers. 

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’s new books can be ordered online through the links provided above or through the Weber Shop at Weber Retreat and Conference Center, 517-266-4035 or webershop@adriandominicans.org.