How to Pray Even When It Seems Hopeless
Sarah Damm offers suggestions on how to pray, even when it seems hopeless, through Scripture, Church teaching, and saintly wisdom.
On the Feast of St. Frances: A Saint Who Struggled, Too
On the feast of St. Frances of Rome, Sarah Damm tells the encouraging story of a prayerful woman, devoted to her vocation as wife and mom.
Five Ways to Grow in Faith This Summer
Not much going on this summer? Sarah Damm offers five ways to hit the reset button, gain a fresh perspective, and grow in our faith.
Liturgical Living Between Christmas and Lent
After Christmas, we enter a short season of Ordinary Time, before Lent begins. Here are a few ideas for living liturgically during winter’s Ordinary Time.
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.
Being Present to November: It’s Not Christmas Yet
If I had to guess the calendar date based on my favorite store’s décor, I would get it wrong. Fall pumpkins, cornucopias, and leafy garlands are nowhere to be found. Only messy remnants of Halloween remain on the clearance racks. Instead, I see Christmas trees, twinkle lights, and stockings. Signs and symbols of December, not early November. Whenever I see Christmas coming too early, I feel rushed and anxious. Suddenly, I think I am behind, as if I’ve missed a…
Jesus Approaches Review: Learning From Women in the New Testament
If my bookshelves could talk, they would tell you of my love of books. Yes, I am a bit of a bibliophile, and I enjoy reading a good book with a steaming cup of tea. And while I have read many good books over the years, very few enter the category of “best books.” You know the ones. The books that are more highlighted than not, the ones you return to again and again, the ones you praise from the rooftops. When…
Five Simple Ways to Savor the Last 10 Days of Advent
Ten more days! Are you feeling overwhelmed about getting it all done? Do you feel like there is still too much to do? Is there an internal struggle between getting things done and remaining prayerful and focused on Jesus? This reminder that there are only 10 days until Christmas Day is not meant to make you more stressed out or anxious than you already feel. No, this reminder is to encourage you (and me) to take a breath, to pause,…
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 Feast of St. Lucia
For as long as I can remember, December 13 has been an extra-special day in our family. It is the Feast of St. Lucia, which is my daughter’s name-day. She has loved this day and the saint we celebrate ever since she could grasp its specialness. We have cinnamon rolls for breakfast and read a favorite book about St. Lucy. Since her birthday is in the summer, she usually brings treats into school on this day. But six years ago, a…