Katie in Texas

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

Hello! My name is Katie Fitzgerald, I am 24, and I am a working single gal living in College Station, Texas.

Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?

I think I would consider myself a cradle Catholic and a revert! Though my parents encouraged me to pray and to be active in the Church, I was not very interested or invested in the Faith until I was told to do a Marian Consecration as a sophomore in college. Growing closer to the Blessed Mother helped me understand the true beauty found in a relationship with Christ.

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

Recognizing and accepting that we are all adopted and beloved children of the Father was probably the biggest game changer for me. I had never viewed adoption as being something good or beautiful - I was adopted at birth and allowed my wounds to cloud my vision from the outpouring of grace and love the Father so freely provided. But once the Lord unraveled the bandages around the wounds I so carefully hid, He introduced to me the idea of adoption as being a beautiful, purposeful act of love (from both the giver and the receiver).

Name a saint you identify with and share why.

Right now, I relate most to Blessed Chiara Luce. Though she never did anything “big” in this life, she loved the people around her, suffered with grace, and trusted that the Lord would take care of the rest. And that is everything I am striving for - to love, to trust, and to follow the Lord into the unknown. “For you, Jesus; if you want it, I want it too!” 

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

Whenever beauty is recognized as being something that could save the world, it reminds me of just how valued (and how valuable) women are in the Church. We bring a different aspect of beauty - through our thoughts, our actions, our gentleness - that makes the Church feel more like home.

What’s your favorite way to pray?

Just being in front of the Blessed Sacrament - Him looking at me and me at Him - is my favorite way to pray. Sometimes this includes journaling or singing, but mostly just being present with Him. 

Favorite liturgical holiday?

Easter has to be my favorite liturgical holiday. Being mildly blinded by the sudden light during the Vigil Mass, hearing the resounding Gloria after a long period of waiting, and being reminded that the Lord never leaves us just fills my heart with so much joy! 

What do you do for fun?

I am a big fan of walking, especially with friends! When you physically walk beside another person, it seems to lead to more honest and meaningful conversations. I also really enjoy art, tending to my plants, chatting over a cup of coffee, spending quality time with Jesus in nature, and going on spontaneous adventures. 

Three words that describe you — go!

Quirky, joyful, and creative.