April in Germany

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

April Deocariza

Age: 33

New stay-at-home mommy!

Where are you located?

Dusseldorf, Germany

Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?

Cradle Catholic

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

I am experiencing the biggest game changer in my faith right now since becoming a mother.  The tremendous responsibility I have in raising one of Christ’s future disciples has shaped how I approach my own relationship with God and how I live out my faith day to day. 

Name a saint you identify with and share why.

St. Joseph has been my patron saint throughout my life ever since my dad passed away when I was 15.  During my career, I would often pray to St. Joseph the Worker for guidance.  Most recently, I chose to honor the foster father of Jesus by naming my son Joseph.

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

I felt the most valued as a woman in the Church when I became a wife and mom.  Now that I have my own family, I have the opportunity to emulate Mary’s example every day.  Together with my husband, I hope we can continue to uphold the value of Catholic marriage and family life within the Church and be an example to those we meet.

What’s your favorite way to pray?

I have drawn closer to Mother Mary since becoming a mom myself.  My favorite way to pray these days is reciting the rosary while my son naps in the car.  It offers me time to reflect and have some one-on-one time with the mother of our Lord who has walked this same path before me. 

Favorite liturgical holiday?

Easter Sunday.  There is something so special about journeying through those forty days as a church and then having it all culminate on Easter Sunday when we can renew our baptismal promises.  It’s a fresh start that reminds us that God’s promises are new every day. 

What do you do for fun?

I have been living in Europe for two years now and my son was born in Germany.  I love to travel with my family and discover new countries while enjoying all the delicious food (especially pastries and coffee!)

Three words that describe you — go!

Strong , Spunky, Spiritual