Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

Louis Schaff and his daughter, Evie, have experienced a journey of faith amidst suffering and loss, culminating in a poignant moment at Easter. The Schaff family's story of hope, new beginnings, and the embrace of faith was highlighted as Evie received the sacrament of confirmation in place of her late mother, April, during the Easter Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge.

Evie, reflecting on the journey, shared, "I didn't really believe it, but I really hoped for it." She recalled the deep conversations she had with her mother about their differing faiths, noting, “She would explain why she didn’t agree with certain things in the Catholic faith, and I would do the best with the knowledge I had to tell her why we believed what we did."

Louis described April as a meticulous thinker, saying, “She was a really deep, thorough discerner on anything that was of significance to her or anything she was going to spend any amount of time on.” The family was taken by surprise when April decided to convert to Catholicism, with Evie expressing, "I went to the bathroom and cried my eyes out."

Tragedy struck the Schaff family on New Year's Day 2024, as they were involved in a fatal car accident that claimed April's life and left Louis and the children with significant injuries. Despite the devastating loss, the family found solace in the support they received from their community.

Evie's confirmation journey took an unexpected turn following the accident, leading her to make a heartfelt decision to stand in her mother's place at the Easter Vigil Mass. She shared, “Immediately my soul felt that [being confirmed at Easter Vigil] was exactly what I needed to do.” Evie found comfort in the belief that she didn't have to be anyone but herself, as she honored her mother's memory through the sacrament.

As the Schaff family navigates through their grief and recovery, they hold onto April's spirit of resilience and faith. Evie emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of trials, stating, “My mom decided she was done, and she showed up one last time and He didn’t give up on her.”

The Schaffs' story serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith, love, and the strength found in the midst of challenges.