Amanda in Arizona

Tell us your name, age and your state-in-life! 

Amanda Bell, 32, single Theology teacher

Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?

Cradle catholic! But had my own conversion moment at 16 in a moment of prayer.

What’s been the biggest game changer in your Catholic faith?

The biggest game changer for my Catholic faith has had to be learning that my faith is mine. I felt that I had to live this perfection of Catholicism for a long time, and only when I realized there is no perfect and the Lord made me to live for him as me has my faith grown so much deeper.

Name a saint you identify with and share why.

St. Catherine of Siena. She is my patron and one of my favorites. She was so practical, theological, and spiritual. One of the biggest things I take away from her is that she began to serve in her own community first. I tend to get overwhelmed by the needs of the world, and she reminds me there is so much I can focus on in my own community first.

When have you felt most valued as a woman in the Church? 

I honestly have never thought of my value in relation to the Church. I have always believed I’ve had my role to play in the Lord’s plan and as long as I follow it I know there is value found. The Lord has blessed me with many gifts and I just try to do the best I can to share them with others.

What’s your favorite way to pray?

My favorite way to pray is to talk constantly to God and make everything I do a prayer. In college I read a book called “The Way of the Pilgrim” that really influenced me. It’s from the Eastern tradition and all about this Pilgrim’s constant desire to learn how to pray unceasingly. It has really impacted how I approach my prayer in my own life.

Favorite liturgical holiday?

Christmas. It’s seems like the cliche answer, but truly the miracle and mystery of the Incarnation is my favorite to contemplate. Followed closely by Pentecost.

What do you do for fun?

I love fashion, decorating, and exploring the unknown corners of my city with my friends. Finding new little coffee shops is my absolute favorite too. I also love spinning-as much as it can be torture it is so much fun!

Three words that describe you — go! 

Creative, passionate, and untraditionally traditional.