Many blessings and congratulations to Sarah Alley from our Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dyersburg. About a month and half ago, Catholic Extension Society announced its 2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award nominees, and Sarah was one of the nominees–as shared on our social media and website, June 30. As a next step, Catholic Extension Society recently announced the 2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award’s seven finalists that includes Sarah. Please take a moment to view the video of Sarah’s reaction to being named a finalist when Father Patrick Hirtz, Pastor, Holy Angels, shares the wonderful news with her: Watch God work 🙌🏽❤️You are so Loved Ken Sarah… – Matthew 25:40, Inc | Facebook.
The Lumen Christi Award, established in 1978, is Catholic Extension’s highest honor given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve. This year, 37 Extension Dioceses, which included our Diocese, submitted nominations for the award. Out of the 37 nominations, seven were chosen as award finalists. The annual award is a reminder of the transformative impact of the Catholic Church in our society.
“This year’s Lumen Christi Award finalists have each found a way to play their part in making a difference in the lives of others,” said Father Jack Wall, President, Catholic Extension Society. “They are helping to build up a better nation, where people care for one another, and where the pain of others does not fall on deaf ears. They feel called to be a blessing in places where there is no shortage of trouble and tribulation.”
As one of the seven finalists, here is some information on Sarah. She is a former athlete and teacher, who has not let her ALS diagnosis stop her from serving God and her community. Praise be to God!
Several months after her diagnosis in 2015, Alley said she was angry with God. But He spoke to her saying, “Sarah, you are much more than your body.” That is when Alley discovered her special ability, which was forged by embracing her adversity and grounded in the enabling Spirit of God.
Although she is unable to use her hands to type due to her illness, she uses her eyes to create words to blog about her experience with ALS and her journey to spread God’s love to others. She is also in the process of having a book published, entitled: Resurrection! The Rebirth of My Life While Facing ALS.
Additionally, Sarah is the Race Director for “Autumn Walk for ALS,” (sign-up today) and works with Matthew 25:40, a local Outreach Ministry that assists in feeding 700 people per month. She also runs three separate weekly Bible studies with people from different Christian denominations. “As long as I’m living, I will use my brain to help others in need. I love my city, and I love the Lord,” said Sarah.
