"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine." -Isaiah 43:1

When it comes to our programs staff, no one is more beloved by our groups than Paco Herrera, who truly invests himself into each and every participant of the program he's running. Paco talks about the importance of calling someone by name, the need to "put on a show" to bring energy program, and how this all harmonizes with a deep and profound spiritual environment. Tune in to hear Paco break open and investigate the technique that has made him a staple for any OLF retreat.

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10

All five of the Hickey kids come together in the same room to share their experiences of growing up within the camp setting. Far from being the ordinary childhood experience, all five of the Hickeys share their gratitude for what they received and how it equipped them to be attentive to people on the personal level as they've grown into adulthood. We're grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation and we hope you are edified by all of the lessons learned and shared by Jeremy, Maria, Jacob, Bryan, and Michelle.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29We take some time to reflect in our own St. George Shrine about the graces, the stumbling blocks, and the lessons involved within the topic of communication. More than a byproduct of humanity, words have a divine origin and a potential to build someone up or completely cut them down. It's eternally important to reflect on how we communicate and more importantly how we are open to communication from a God who is constantly reaching out to us, hoping dearly for a response.

We get the chance to sit down with Mrs. Kerwin, the middle school theology teacher at St. Fabian in Farmington Hills to discuss her expertise: breaking through the walls of middle schoolers. We explore topics of the deep desire for authenticity as well as how to truly think like a middle schooler in order to see where they're coming from. We were so blessed by all of the insight that Kim has to offer with encouraging vulnerability and edified by all that she is doing for the Church.

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." -1 Corinthians 9:24

This week we're joined by two great coaches, Jeremy and Jacob Hickey, who break open the beauty of sport and show how their coaching is a direct vehicle to Christ, to help others run so as to win. They highlight the importance of healthy competition and stories of moments when the circumstances of victory mattered much more than the victory itself. Tune in to hear the connection between athletics and being a disciple of Christ.

This week, we travel out to Prince of Peace Catholic Church to speak with Fr. Andrew Dawson about the power of the sacraments. Combining his experience as a camp counselor as well as a priest, Fr. Andrew offers many deep points of reflection in terms of how we can allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the sacramental grace that the Lord desires for all of us. Tune in to hear how Fr. Andrew makes this reality present at his parish and how he views its importance within the upcoming generation of the Church.

This episode we're joined by our very own Melissa Marter! Combining her experiences with Hard as Nails Ministry and Catholic Family Land to now serving at Our Lady of the Fields, Melissa brings a breadth of ministerial knowledge and a deep understanding of the youth. Tune in to hear about her specialty: the art of debriefing and how it enhances the experience of all of the groups we have here.

Before Damascus finished up for the summer, we had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Abby and Tyler about praise and worship, as well as how they help others to enter into this form of prayer. With insights even new to our ears, they both truly bring a refreshing and creative perspective to praise and worship, which reflects in their effectiveness to reach youth and adults alike. We hope that you are as blessed by this conversation as we were.