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5 Simple Ways to Encourage Vocations Within the Family | sarahdamm.com
5 Simple Ways to Encourage Vocations Within the Family

5 Simple Ways to Encourage Vocations Within the Family

O, God, we earnestly ask you to bless this archdiocese with many priests, deacons, brothers and sisters … At every Sunday Mass, my parish prays two special prayers for vocations. We begin with a prayer for marriage and family, asking St. Joseph to intercede for us. After the Prayers of the Faithful, we pray another prayer that begins with the words with which I began this blog post. It has been a long-standing tradition to pray for and foster vocations…

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Lessons I Learned This Advent and How I Can Apply Them to My Ordinary Life | sarahdamm.com
Advent Lessons I Learned and How I Can Apply Them to My Ordinary Life

Advent Lessons I Learned and How I Can Apply Them to My Ordinary Life

Two and a half weeks ago, my family and I gathered around our Christmas tree. Excitement and joy mingled with the festive scents of hot coffee, cinnamon rolls, and pine needles. The kids piled their gifts next to them and eagerly wondered what was inside each wrapped box. As I sipped my coffee and breathed in Christmas goodness, I felt grateful. For the first time in forever, I felt like Christmas had arrived and I had arrived with it. I…

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Being Called Beloved: A Reflection on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord | sarahdamm.com
Being Called Beloved: A Reflection on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Being Called Beloved: A Reflection on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

“And this is the marvel of marvels, that He called me Beloved.” (C.S. Lewis) The warm sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the sky. I wear a white robe, and I am standing in chest-deep water. It is the perfect temperature—comfortable and refreshing at the same time. I have been following John for awhile, and his message of repentance resonates deep in my heart. I wonder how I can apply his words—“Prepare the way of the…

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The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Playground | sarahdamm.com
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Playground

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Playground

The invitation is real. His eyes dance with delight as He beckons me to join Him. “On a playground, Lord?” I ask. And all He does is laugh and extend His hand. The magnetic pull is strong. It’s as if one part of the magnet is Jesus’ heart, and the other is my heart. They are not meant to be separate but together. He is asking for my yes, my fiat. And He really hopes I don’t keep Him waiting…

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Five Simple Ideas for Staying Focused During Mass | sarahdamm.com
Five Simple Ideas for Staying Focused During Mass

Five Simple Ideas for Staying Focused During Mass

I love being Catholic, and the Holy Mass is one of the main reasons why. It is the most miraculous events of the week. To meditate on what is actually happening at every Mass could leave my head spinning for days. Think about it: God Himself enters our space and time. He comes to dwell among us—and within us. He becomes just as present to us on the altar in the form of bread and wine as He was in…

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How I Reconnected With God Through a "Grown-Up VBS" | sarahdamm.com
How I Reconnected With God Through a “Grown-up VBS”

How I Reconnected With God Through a “Grown-up VBS”

Have you heard the Christmas song “Grown-Up Christmas List”? Many singers have recorded it, but the version I am most familiar with is on Amy Grant’s Home for Christmas album. The lyrics reflect back on childhood when Christmas included writing out a wish list and sending it to Santa Claus. As children, we hope for the magical appearance of presents underneath the tree on Christmas morning. However, as we grow up, our Christmas wishes change. We realize that we care…

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Why I Love My Catholic Faith | sarahdamm.com
Why I Love My Catholic Faith … Let Me Count the Ways

Why I Love My Catholic Faith … Let Me Count the Ways

Less than one month after I was born, my parents brought me to our local parish and asked the Catholic Church for a gift on my behalf. They asked that I receive the sacramental grace of Baptism, to become a daughter of God and a member of the Catholic family. Growing up, I loved Jesus. I was one of those kids who enjoyed Mass and Sunday school. Church was a familiar, comfortable place. Looking back, I didn’t attend a particularly…

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Three Simple Ways to Honor Mary on Mother's Day | sarahdamm.com
Three Simple Ways to Honor Mary on Mother’s Day

Three Simple Ways to Honor Mary on Mother’s Day

As a mom, I look forward to a little pampering on Mother’s Day. Of course, I don’t expect lavish gifts or for my kids to wait on me while I lounge around eating truffles. Rather, I look forward to seeing the excitement they have to give generously. Their handmade cards are filled with love, and I can see the effort they put into them. They are excited to shop for brunch ingredients and flowers with Dad. It’s sweet and enduring, and no matter…

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A Story of Intercession: Getting to Know My Mama Mary | sarahdamm.com
A Story of Intercession: Getting to Know My Mama Mary

A Story of Intercession: Getting to Know My Mama Mary

This space has been quiet lately. I’ve been quiet lately. We recently journeyed through the Passion of our Lord and celebrated His Resurrection. My focus has been on my own journey and where God is leading me. It is not away from writing, but my journey has taken me on a bit of a detour. I can relate very closely with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, from yesterday’s Gospel reading. After Jesus’ death, they returned to their hometown…

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Turning Away From Distractions, Turning Toward God | sarahdamm.com
Turning Away From Distractions, Turning Toward God

Turning Away From Distractions, Turning Toward God

Wrestling with an uneasy feeling in the depths of my soul, I cried out to God again. “What do You want me to do?” I knew that my priorities were off balance, but it was overwhelming to consider the work of fixing the brokenness. “What do I need to do to be free, Lord?” On a summer eve, He finally answered me. “Come to Me, Sarah. Spend time with Me. Leave the distractions behind. What is keeping you for Me?”…

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