Could you describe a moment that changed your relationship with God?
Though it’s not one instance, in a way the thing that has been most impactful on my life has been a series of things that all happened at the same moment: reception of the Eucharist. During college I was able to make it to daily Mass, and I felt my relationship with God grow into something much deeper through the gift of Communion. One day I remember feeling literally filled with grace and knowing God’s presence in me and my life. After that day, I experienced overwhelming joy for about a year, deeper friendships, and a real knowledge that God was guiding my life.
How does your Catholic faith inform your daily life?
I strive to see the world through a Catholic lens, meaning that I try to see every action or interaction as an opportunity to love the Lord and follow the teachings of his Church. I find that this comes easier to me in concrete actions such as setting aside time to pray each day or researching who to vote for, but I continue to be stretched in the ordinary events of the day to offer him my thoughts, words and actions, and to notice his promptings.
Tell me about your experience of parish life.
Growing up, my parents hopped around between parishes but landed at one when I was about 10. My experience there was very positive; I was a member of the choir and felt involved in various ways throughout high school. The priests knew my family, and there were many other families that I was close with there. My dad lectored and my mom cantored, so I always had parish involvement modeled to me. Since moving to Waukesha when I got married, my husband and I have gone to St. Joseph’s. Though I am less involved in the parish than I would one day like to be, I still feel a sense of belonging there thanks to the wonderful priests and welcoming congregation. I love the flexibility and community that we have by being part of the greater Corpus Christi Parish, while also being able to enjoy the unique beauty of liturgy at St. Joe’s.
Sophie Nauman, a parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish in Waukesha, finds inspiration in the goodness of others and strives to recognize God’s presence in everyday family life. (Submitted photo)
What is something that inspires you?
Seeing holy people living out their vocation. Of all the transcendentals (goodness, truth and beauty), I am most drawn to goodness. I love watching really good people do what God is calling them to and seeing the joy that they exude.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Probably something that has come from a couple of people, including my pastor in high school, and has been phrased more as a challenge: “Do you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit?” The people who have challenged me in this have been inspiring to me, and I hope that by taking up their challenge I can become more like them.
If you could recommend everyone adopt one daily practice, what would it be?
Something I have been working to incorporate more regularly into my day is a daily examen. There are recorded examens on Spotify and Hallow that I find helpful to listen to as I wind down my day. I love the fresh start and new perspective I get from this prayer.
What’s a place you’ve been to that was particularly impactful?
The pool I swam in throughout middle school and high school. I think it was there that I learned how to work hard, how to deny myself, and that those things can pay off. I had excellent coaches and encouraging teammates who helped form who I am today,
Who are some of your favorite saints?
My typical go-to’s are the Holy Family. I have had a devotion to St. Joseph for several years and like to ask him to provide practical, temporal things. Mary and I have become closer in recent years after I finally gave her my vocation, and she delivered quickly. I go to her for less concrete things. My confirmation saint is St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who I love for her devotion to the Sacred Heart.
She and husband, Levi, have two sons, Henry, 2, and George, 1, with another baby on the way.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College, California.
She is a stay-at-home mother and also works with Dr. Michael Mazza at canonicaladvocacy.com.
