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.
Five Things I Learned This Spring
As spring comes to a close, Sarah Damm reflects back on the last three months and shares what she has learned about faith, hope, and motherhood.
Summer Reading: A List of Catholic Books for Kids
As the school year winds down, are you starting to look for entertaining and wholesome reads for your children this summer? I have compiled a list of Catholic summer books for kids, broken down by age range (plus a bonus one for Mom).
Are You a Writer, Too?
The written word is near and dear to my heart. It has been for as long as I can remember. I’ll never forget my junior-high journalism class, learning how to write captivating headlines and opening paragraphs that pull the reader into a story. Writing has been something that served me well as a student and made me successful as a career woman. But it wasn’t until I learned what blogging was in 2009 that I began the journey of discovering…
Better Late Than Never: A FREE Advent Prayer Journal Just for You
Yesterday, we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent! And to be honest, I was barely ready for it. Yes, I set up our Advent wreath and Jesse Tree, but I already feel anxious about everything I have to do in the next 21 days. (Yes, Christmas Eve is three weeks from today.) Maybe you are feeling the same way—a bit weary about the busyness of Advent and Christmas? We want Advent to be prayerful and peaceful, but that desire is…
Our Lady of Sorrows Gives Us Cause for Joy
Do not leave the altar without first shedding tears of sorrow and love for Jesus, crucified for your eternal salvation. Our Lady of Sorrows will keep you company and inspire you. —St. Padre Pio I met Our Lady of Sorrows on my first silent retreat. The retreat was led by priests of Miles Christi, who have a special devotion to her. Every time we prayed, we invoked her intercession: Mater Dolorosa, Cause of Our Joy, pray for us. And for one of our daily…
Six Things I Learned This Summer
On the last day of August, I reflect back to the beginning of the month. We started August with Vacation Bible School; my oldest daughter was on her youth group pilgrimage. Now, at the end, we are wrapping up the first week of a new school year. In many ways VBS feels like it happened ages ago, especially now that we are immersed in class schedules and new routines. But before we get too wrapped up in all-things-fall, I want…
Mary, Queen and Mother, Shows Us How to Open Our Hearts to Jesus
“Close your eyes after Holy Communion,” Father Andrew instructed. “Let yourself feel the loving embrace of Jesus.” The time after Holy Communion is powerful, intimate, and sacred, if we allow it to be. I always try to remain present to the presence of Jesus, believing with all my heart that His precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity now rest in me. As a mom of six, however, I often have to spend this time with one eye open, making sure…
Learning Life Lessons on a Paddleboard
“Some of us would be surprised if they knew what God could make of them if, in the decisive moments of their lives, they gave ear to the voice of grace!” —St. Ignatius of Loyola This summer, I checked something off my bucket list. I went paddleboarding for the very first time with eight women from my running group. Many of these ladies run marathons, and all of them workout way more than I do. I have not run longer…
Helping Each Other Even in Times of Struggle
Opening my inbox, I saw the email waiting for me. I knew what it would entail, before I even read it. Your deadline is approaching. Please submit your article ASAP. Panic set in. I could not even think about adding one more thing to my overflowing plate. In addition to the panic, I noticed that sadness set into my heart, too. I wanted to write that article. I wanted to do it, more than anything on my to-do list. And…