How to Ensure a Peaceful Advent Season
Sarah Damm details a plan to allow more time for family, friends, and holiday traditions as you experience a peaceful, prayerful Advent season.
Four Ways to Live Liturgically During Summer’s Ordinary Days
Wondering how to live liturgically during the ordinary days of summer? Sarah Damm shares simple and meaningful ideas to get you started.
Learning From Mary: Saying Yes to God With Cheerful Readiness
In today’s Gospel, Mary sets out to visit Elizabeth “in haste” (Luke 1:39). Just a few verses back from the Visitation account, we remember that Mary also responds to the angel’s request with a cheerful readiness. Mary does not delay in giving her “yes” to God (v. 38). When God invites me to do something, however, I am a little slower in my response than Mary is. I am grateful for His invitation to be His servant, his handmaiden. But…
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…
Star Boys and All: Celebrating the Feast of St. Lucia
Today’s post is part of the #WorthRevisit series and was originally published on the Feast of St. Lucy in 2016. I am also over at CatholicMom.com today, sharing a reflection on one of my favorite Scripture verses, on one of my favorite feast days. For as long as I can remember, December 13 has been an extra-special day in our family. It is the Feast of Saint Lucia, which is my daughter’s name-day. She has loved this day and the…
Advent Traditions My Family Loves
With Thanksgiving just two days away, there is a lot to do. My plans include cooking, baking, and cleaning. I have always liked the Thanksgiving holiday. To be with family and friends, to pause in gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. It’s a good day. Often, the Advent season begins the Sunday right after Thanksgiving. We have just a couple of days to transition from pumpkins and fall hues to our Advent wreath of purple and pink. This year, however, Advent…
Celebrating the Saints This Halloween With New Greeting Cards
As a little girl, I was always a little apprehensive about Halloween. I liked dressing up and feasting on candy, but some neighbors down the street created this haunted house experience in their front yard, and I wanted nothing to do with it. I don’t know if I just didn’t like feeling scared or if I actually sensed a type of evil in their decorations. What I do know is that it caused Halloween to be one of my least…
Small Success Thursday on the Feast of St. Agnes
Well, it’s Thursday already! And it is the Feast of St. Agnes. I attended Mass at the Church of St. Agnes today and received a blessing with her relic. It was the highlight of my week. This week was short, because of the national holiday on Monday. One my children was home sick on Tuesday and Wednesday. So, in some ways, the normalcy of the week feels like it is just getting underway. That’s OK, though. I am still able to see goodness and small…
Day 26 :: 31 Days With Mary—Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Originally posted July 16, 2015 My family’s relationship with Our Lady of Mount Carmel began five years ago when my oldest daughter was entering second grade. Days leading up to Our Lady’s feast day on July 16, she asked me if she would be enrolled in the [Confraternity of the] Brown Scapular, after she received her First Holy Communion. I was blown away by her question, because I didn’t know she knew what that meant! I barely knew what that meant! When I made…
Day 24 :: 31 Days With Mary—Renewing Devotion
When people love and recite the rosary they find it makes them better. —St. Anthony Mary Claret— Feast Day: Oct. 24 There is one week left in this 31-day writing challenge. It has not been easy, but I am so glad I am doing it. Thinking and writing about Our Blessed Mother has renewed my devotion to her. While I have not forgotten her significant role in our Church and my own life, I have felt as if I have received the…