What's Happening

August 29, 2022 – All are welcome to join in a celebration of the Autumn Equinox and the dedication of Weber Retreat and Conference Center’s labyrinth. The celebration is from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2022. Please note: As of Thursday, September 22, the dedication of the labyrinth has been postponed to Sunday, October 16, at 3:00 p.m. All other activities scheduled for Sunday, September 25 (Equinox celebration and performance by Gemily) will continue as planned.

As we celebrate Earth’s turn into fall’s beauty, we also focus on the labyrinth, a spiritual tool for contemplation renewed in the Middle Ages. Distinct from a maze, the labyrinth has one winding path into and out of the center, allowing the walker to follow the path while contemplating. Through the funding of two grants, the labyrinth at Weber Center has been restored, with the removal and cleaning of every stone. 

Gemily (Gemini and Emily), a folk music trio, will join in blessing the restored labyrinth with a performance at the outdoor patio near the Rose Room, weather permitting. Originally known as Gemini, twin brother musicians San and Laz Slomovits have been touring throughout Michigan and the United States since 1973. San’s daughter Emily has been touring with them since she was eight years old, increasingly since her college graduation in 2016. All three are versatile instrumentalists and gifted singers.

Gemily’s concerts feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk, jazz, and classical music. Their vocals and instrumental work breathe new life into a wide variety of American and international music, from folk to classical, klezmer to Broadway show tunes, traditional to contemporary. 

The celebration is free and open to all. Registration is not required.

Weber Center is on the campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Motherhouse, Adrian. Enter the Eastern-most driveway of the complex and follow the signs to Weber Center. For information, call the Weber Center at 517-266-4000.

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.