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May 15, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Adrian Dominican Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, a long-time minister in the area of adult faith formation, has written a book as a guide to the spirituality and practice of catechists, religious education teachers.

In A Catechist’s Guide to Vatican II, Sister Janet explores the 16 documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Council’s encouragement of the Catholic laity to read Scripture and to live out their faith actively. 

“Vatican II continues to shape how the Church understands itself and lives its mission,” Sister Janet writes in the opening of her book. “Its invitation to renewal, dialogue, and a deeper return to the sources of faith – Scripture, liturgy, and the lived experience of God’s people – remains woven into the life of the Church today.”

In each section of the book, Sister Janet offers key points of the Council’s documents, as well as an invitation to reflection or a spiritual practice and a brief prayer.

Sister Janet has served as a retreat leader and a consultant for catechists and adult faith formation leaders, as well as the Director of Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. She has written numerous books on issues of concern to catechists, parents, and the laity in general.

A Catechist’s Guide to Vatican II is available from Twenty-Third Publications and from the Weber Center Shop at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse Campus. The shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed from noon to 12:45 p.m. for lunch. Copies of the book can also be ordered by calling 517-266-4035 or emailing [email protected]. 

May 8, 2026, Adrian, Michigan – Are you ready this summer for a week of quiet time to explore the spiritual questions of your heart? Weber Retreat and Conference Center offers a directed retreat that just might meet your needs. You will have the time and space to walk our labyrinth and outdoor garden, pray and reflect, attend campus liturgies, and meet daily with a spiritual director of your choice.

The Private Directed Retreat is offered from 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, through 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026. At registration, you can choose among five spiritual directors:

• Adrian Dominican Sister Joan Delaplane, OP, has broad experience in preaching, directing retreats, and conducting workshops on preaching. She has been a spiritual director for the past 25 years.
• Joan Ebbitt, an Adrian Dominican Associate, specializes in ministering to religious, clergy, and others in their quest to experience the divine. She provides support, gentle challenges, and encouragement.
• Adrian Dominican Sister Mary Sue Kennedy, OP, is trained in spiritual direction, theology, communication skills, and group facilitation. She has directed and preached retreats for laity and religious.
• Trudy McSorley is an Adrian Dominican Associate who, through her own prayer and contemplation, seeks to be a listener and supporter who encourages others on their journey to the Holy.
• Adrian Dominican Sister Janice Brown, OP, Director of the Dominican Center: Spirituality for Mission, enjoys accompanying others with attentive, prayerful listening, helping people reflect on and become aware of God’s loving presence in their daily lives.

The cost is $225, including lunch, for commuters; $375 per person, including all meals, for double occupancy; and $490, including all meals, for single occupancy. Registration is required. Visit www.webercenter.org and click on “programs,” call 517-266-4000, or email [email protected]. Limited scholarships are available. Share the event flyer (PDF).

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse, Adrian, Michigan. On East Siena Heights Drive, turn into the driveway between Adrian Rea Literacy Center and the solar panel-covered carport. Follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.