Lindsay in New Jersey

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

Lindsay Schlegel; 31; daughter of God, wife, mother, author, editor—in that order

Are you a cradle Catholic, convert or revert?

I suppose I count as a cradle Catholic, though there was a time when I was young that my family didn’t attend Mass. At age 10, I had a powerful prayer experience and asked my mom if we could go back. She said yes.

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

In 2012 I lost my second child to miscarriage. I didn’t turn away from God, but I didn’t know how to pray. I was quiet and still, but had nothing to say. All my friends and family knew about the baby and so many of them prayed for us. Their prayer sustained me, nurtured me, held me, and convinced me even further of the power of God the Father’s love for—and through—His children.

Name a saint you identify with and share why.

I’m fascinated with and encouraged by Zélie Martin, the mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Four of her nine children died young, so she also experienced that pain. She also managed to raise basically a household full of saints while running a business. She’s proof that we don’t have to choose between career and family, as long as we choose Christ as our center.

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

Probably when I bring my kids to Mass and people encourage and affirm the effort (and humility) that requires. My kids are young and still very dependent on me. It is a gift to be able to sacrifice my comfort and even my quiet prayer time in order to lead them closer to the Lord. It’s how I strive to honor the vows I made at my wedding and at each child’s baptism.

What’s your favorite way to pray?

The Divine Mercy chaplet. My daughter was baptized on Divine Mercy Sunday, and every year we go to church that afternoon to sing the chaplet. I also say it as often as I can throughout the year, often on my way to pick up my kids from school.

Favorite liturgical holiday?

Easter! What joy there is in singing “Alleluia” after refraining from it for weeks and weeks. However dark the world seems, we have been promised light and hope in our risen Lord. Also, chocolate is usually involved.

What do you do for fun?

I love to read, sip lattes, eat ice cream, run, write, knit, play board games, and go out to eat with my husband.

Three words that describe you — go!

Striving, laughing, creating