La Fe and Professional Journey

Role and Influence: Question: "In your role as editor of La Fe, what did you aim to achieve or influence through the magazine’s content and message?" Answer: "I saw my primary goal as editor of La Fe to help people in their personal faith journeys through the stories and articles shared. I have met people throughout my life who do not feel worthy to have a close relationship with God, and my hope was always that people could come to understand that none of us is worthy, but God, in his mercy, seeks a relationship with each of us. No one is too broken — God loves each of us unconditionally. I tried to highlight people who carried their cross(es), not alone, but by turning to God for help."

Significant Learnings: Question: "Reflecting on your time at La Fe, what were some key learnings or insights that have stayed with you?" Answer: "On a very basic level, the role of editor was new to me, and I was fascinated by the whole process of publishing a magazine, particularly working with FAITH Catholic who publishes La Fe. I learned how to use fewer words without compromising important parts of stories shared with me. Throughout my time at La Fe, I was most moved by people’s willingness to open up to me, a “stranger,” and share a little bit of their life in the hope of helping others. Many times, what was shared was the most difficult part of a person’s life, and I never took for granted that I was being trusted to tell the story of others. I came to a greater understanding of the reality that every single person has a cross to bear in this world. Suffering is inevitable here on earth, and that is why our faith is so important. The people I had the chance to speak with, whose stories I got to share, were able to either handle or overcome their suffering only by the grace of God."

Vision for La Fe: Question: "How did your vision for La Fe evolve during your tenure, and what impact do you hope it has had on its readers?" Answer: "I don’t know that my vision necessarily evolved, but it took time to bring it to fruition. I wanted La Fe to have several consistent “voices” that people at different stages in their life could relate to. While this had previously been done, I sought to expand the number of contributors to La Fe. I also learned the importance of balancing text and pictures to bring a story to life and appeal to readers, and I believe that this is a noticeable change looking back on issues published during my years at La Fe. I hope that long-time readers of La Fe appreciated the messages shared by all contributing writers, and I that through our changes, we were able to attract more devoted readers spanning different ages."

Work at the Diocese: Question: "Can you share your experiences working at the diocese and how they have shaped your perspectives, both professionally and personally?" Answer: "Working at the diocese was truly a blessing. At a time in my life that is pretty hectic, given that I have young kids, I’d always joke that going to work was more relaxing than being at home. That was not to say that I didn’t want to be at home, but even with deadlines, the pace at the office was slower and peaceful. Given my role, I had the opportunity to read a lot of Catholic content, and I was grateful to be able to nurture my own faith through the research I did. I had the opportunity to utilize my communication degree in new ways -- both as editor of La Fe, and as the host of the podcast, "Who’s in the Pew." While I enjoy editing, I do not feel like writing comes very easily to me. It’s always humbling to see God’s plans revealed, and to lean on him for guidance. When Bishop Tamayo interviewed me for the position of editor back in 2019, he stressed the importance of the role of editor. He told me that just as Jesus had walked the earth evangelizing, he expected each of us to continue this work. Of course, this looks different for each person. Helping to build the kingdom of God through a publication that reaches tens of thousands of people in print and more online, was a bit daunting, and I was humbled to be chosen to fill the role. It was a privilege."

Memorable Moments: Question: "Are there any particular moments or stories from La Fe that deeply resonated with you or the readers?" Answer: "Truly, every story resonated with me in some way. One stands out a bit more due to the unique way it all unfolded. Two years ago, I decided to drive to Carrizo Springs to interview Daniel Garza who was in jail. He had written to me to ask if we could send him copies of La Fe to share with fellow inmates. He had found God while behind bars. I was determined to hear and share his story, and my attempts to do so over the phone had failed. Daniel was not expecting me, and he was overcome with emotion learning that the editor he wrote to had come to visit him. With a physical barrier between us, I learned about how Daniel let God back into his life, and what a great transformation had taken place. His life is a testament to the fact that God never leaves us, and is always ready for us to return to him. His willingness to share the “ugly” part of his life in order to share the redeeming love of God was so selfless."

Personal Growth and Family Life

Decision to Leave: Question: "What inspired your decision to leave your role at La Fe, and how do you see this transition as part of your life’s journey?" Answer: "My life has taken many turns I did not expect. The most recent one was finding out that I was pregnant with our 4 month old son, Antonio Gabriel. Throughout our marriage, when people would ask my husband and I if we would have more kids, we always responded that it was in God’s hands. We believed that God had completed our family with our third child, but he had other plans. A couple of months into my pregnancy, blood work showed that our son likely had Down Syndrome. Our prayer was that he would develop fully and that his health would be good. Many children with Down Syndrome face a number of serious health issues. Praise God, Antonio was born healthy and is doing well. Given that he has Down Syndrome, my husband and I felt that it was best for me to stay home with him. I want to do all that I can, beginning with this crucial first year of life, to help him thrive. There is a quote the popular theologian, Scott Hahn, shared recently: “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.” While I have devoted my professional career to helping others, I recognize that my first priority is my family and my children. While it was difficult to leave my position with the diocese, it was an easy decision to make when looking at my son. I have thoroughly enjoyed the extra time I have gotten to spend with my three other children since I left."

Family and Faith: Question: "How has your family life enriched your understanding of faith, particularly in appreciating life’s diverse experiences?" Answer: "Going back to what I have learned through my time as Editor of La Fe - the fact that suffering is a part of this world none of us can escape - has helped me to handle my own struggles. All that God has allowed my family to endure has helped me to surrender to him more. What else can you do when your husband faces chronic pain that has significantly altered his life? When the youngest of your brothers passes away suddenly, leaving behind a wife and three children? When your youngest child is diagnosed early on with something that will make life extra challenging? Worrying does me no good. Don’t get me wrong, I do worry, but I realize it changes nothing. I find that turning everything over to God gives me peace and strength, even though I truly do not understand all of it. Faith is trusting that God sees us in our pain, in our worry and believing that he will help us carry our cross if we let him."

Current Learnings: Question: "In your current phase of life, what new understandings or appreciations have you gained about the value of life?" Answer: "I was blessed to work for a statewide pro-life organization for about ten years. In that time, I learned how loud the voice of evil can be. Many people support abortion because they believe it to be a truly merciful choice. Many in my position, that of a mom told that her child likely has down syndrome, buy into the lie that it is better to not bring a child who may have health issues and may be teased for being “different” into this world. I won’t say I wasn’t nervous when I learned Antonio had Down syndrome, but I will say that every part of me was ready to fight for him, as with all of my children. I had two miscarriages and a couple of scares with my other children, and that feeling of wanting to protect them as they were still growing inside of me, was no different with Antonio. He is perfect. I know the road ahead of us will look different than with my other children, but does any of us ever know what the road ahead of us looks like anyway? Do we ever know the challenges that any of our kids will confront? I firmly believe that God placed Antonio in my family knowing that his three older siblings, all loving and strong-willed, will help him to grow and protect him as much as they can. And Antonio Gabriel, as my oldest brother said, has been a blessing to our whole family after the loss of my brother, Marco Gabriel. It is inevitable for new life to bring great joy!"

Hopes and Aspirations: Question: "Looking forward, what are your hopes for your family, and how do these hopes reflect your life’s learnings?" Answer: "My hope is that my children will always feel loved and have a firm faith to stand on. As my children get older, I have realized, to a greater degree how you can’t relax in your role as a parent. Children face different struggles and are exposed to so many different things, and it’s my job to stay on top of all of it to support them and guide them. I was blessed to have parents who shared with me the importance of our faith, and I have been impacted by their example. Now, I hope to be a strong example, together with my husband, for our kids. After all, our number one job as parents is to get our kids to heaven."

Universal Message: Question: "What universal message about life and its intrinsic beauty would you like to share, based on your personal and professional experiences?" Answer: "Life is a rollercoaster with all of its twists and turns, ups and downs. We can plan our lives only so much, because things can change drastically in a short amount of time. While we may not always find out why God changes the road we are on, trying to seek the good brought forth as a result and trusting that God has better plans than us is of great consolation. The greatest thing I will miss about not working at the diocese, is not a thing, but rather the people I got to meet and get to know. What a privilege it has been to be “let in” to the lives of so many individuals. I hope that you, dear reader, feel the same way with the stories that have been shared with you. We are all one body in Christ, and we all have the ability to learn from each other and to help one another get to Heaven. In Christ through Mary,"