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September 5, 2023, Waterford, Connecticut – As they begin a new year of teaching religion to children, where can catechists turn for help and inspiration? Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, offers an answer in her latest book, Saints and Mentors for Catechists. 

Referring to the Catholic belief in the Communion of Saints – the connection between those of us on Earth and those who have gone before us – Sister Janet writes in her introduction of the support we can find in saints. “As catechists in today’s church, we have the assurance that we are surrounded by those who have lived, experienced, and shared the word of God throughout the centuries by their words and their lives.”

In her book, Sister Janet shares the stories of saints who spread the faith as catechists in earlier times of Christianity. She also offers reflection questions to help catechists realize the dignity of their role in sharing the Word of God.

An Adrian Dominican Sister, retreat leader, and consultant for catechists and adult faith formation leaders, Sister Janet once served as Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. She received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL). 

Sister Janet has written numerous catechist books and resources, including Spirituality for Catechists and The Creed: A Catechist’s Guide. She also writes annual Advent reflection booklets.

Saints and Mentors for Catechists is available at the Weber Center Shop at the Adrian Motherhouse Campus and from Twenty-Third Publications. Weber Center Shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The shop is closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m. The book can also be ordered by calling 517-266-4035 or emailing [email protected].  

September 2, 2021, Detroit – In her latest book, Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, reflects on Antiquum Ministerium, an apostolic letter by Pope Francis that establishes the ministry of catechists – religious education teachers – as a formal lay ministry within the Catholic Church. Celebrating “The Ministry of the Catechist” explores this papal letter, which both challenges and affirms the ministry of the catechist. 

Celebrating “The Ministry of the Catechist” is available through Twenty-third Publications or can be ordered through the Weber Center Shop at 517-266-4035 or [email protected]. The shop is currently closed for personal shopping due to COVID-19 protocols. 

An Adrian Dominican Sister, Sister Janet served as Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit and now offers workshops and writes about religious education and faith formation. Among the hundreds of books she has written are annual Advent reflection booklets.