Courageous Commitment: Trusting God's Will Throughout His Call to Service.
By: Ms. Rosalinda Hedriana
CFAM Catechist 1 Chronicles 28:20 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”
My name is Rosalinda “Rose” Hedriana, and this is my story.
I am the eldest of five siblings. I grew up in the parish of Santuario Del Sto. Cristo, San Juan City, and a have been a member of the parish Catechetical Ministry since I was in grade 2. It started when they invited me to sing in the 9:00 a.m. Children’s Mass as a soloist at a young age, and what followed was years of service in the Church.
My “barkadas” in my younger years were catechists. I remember that after the mass, we often ended up at the nearby restaurant, “gustong gusto ko yung part na yun,” because it was free and satisfied my hunger.
I felt the love and sincerity of the catechists, which is why I stayed with them until high school. I never thought that I would become a catechist someday.
My passion is singing. During my high school days, I really loved to sing. I could say that my first love was singing.
I encountered three major decisions in life before I graduated from high school.
First was the invitation to be one of the actors in theater abroad; second, the invitation from a friend to be a singer in Japan. But since I am the eldest, I wanted to help my mother provide for the needs of the family since my father was already gone.
Lastly was the advice from catechists to study at Siena College Q.C. and become a catechist.
The decision was made easier because of the encouragement of the late Fr. Ramon Perez, O.P., and Fr. Jesus Prol, O.P. They inspired and
c
onvinced me to study at Siena College under the supervision of Mother Jesusa Enginco, O.P.
I seriously took the idea of becoming a catechist and was nervous that God was really calling me. I continued going to Mass on Sundays not only to satisfy my spiritual hunger but also to discern if God was calling me to be a catechist.
That "Yes" many years ago remains strong. Until now, I am a full-time professional catechist of the Archdiocese of Manila.
It was not an easy journey, but over the years, I better understand how God was laying things out for me. The work is not easy. We have so many things to do in God’s vineyard, “Kailangan maging matatag sa lahat ng bagay, sa pagkilos, ang mga desisyon para sa mga bata sa paaralan, parokya, komunidad matanda at kabataan.” There were lots of agony, but the joy is immeasurable! There are secrets to staying long as a catechist: First is the undying love and faithfulness to the Holy Eucharist, where we receive Jesus, our strength and joy, especially when we are troubled. Second is the work of obedience, knowing that this mission is for the greater glory of God. I could claim that God is the master of my destiny! After many years in the ministry, I believe there are more waiting for me.
Whatever are those challenges ahead, I will still hold on to my Fiat!
For now, I am joyfully aging and living the plan of God in my life. I know that He is at the top of it all.
The challenge to bring Christ into the different faces of God's children', and inspire people through God’s grace in my life as a catechist is a work of the Holy Spirit. To tell and re-tell Jesus in my most humble ways as an echo of His words.
My gratitude to all the people that God uses in my journey as a catechist: my parents and siblings for their hardship and sacrifices, the Dominican priests and catechists, who molded and guided me in my younger years through catechesis. My RE community, who developed, and continuesly nourished me to become an effective catechist.
Lastly, thank you CFAM! For the continuous formation that inspires me to go as a faithful catechist of Christ.
N.B
Ms. Rose Hedriana serves as the GLC (Grade Level Chairperson) of the Vicariate of San Felipe Neri and St. John the Baptist. She is also the Head Catechist of Sanctuario de Sto. Cristo in San Juan City.
Her story reminds us that our response to God's call as a catechist should be deeply valued. We must put efforts to fulfill the mission of proclaiming God’s message of love to children and youth.
Her example shows us that being a catechist is not easy; it involves numerous challenges, hardships, perseverance, and sacrifices.
The journey is not easy, but always possible with Jesus by our side.
Let us continue to pray for her that her mission and service as a catechist in the Archdiocese of Manila maybe even more fervent and fruitful.
By: Ms. Rosalinda Hedriana
CFAM Catechist 1 Chronicles 28:20 “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”
My name is Rosalinda “Rose” Hedriana, and this is my story.
I am the eldest of five siblings. I grew up in the parish of Santuario Del Sto. Cristo, San Juan City, and a have been a member of the parish Catechetical Ministry since I was in grade 2. It started when they invited me to sing in the 9:00 a.m. Children’s Mass as a soloist at a young age, and what followed was years of service in the Church.
My “barkadas” in my younger years were catechists. I remember that after the mass, we often ended up at the nearby restaurant, “gustong gusto ko yung part na yun,” because it was free and satisfied my hunger.
I felt the love and sincerity of the catechists, which is why I stayed with them until high school. I never thought that I would become a catechist someday.
My passion is singing. During my high school days, I really loved to sing. I could say that my first love was singing.
I encountered three major decisions in life before I graduated from high school.
First was the invitation to be one of the actors in theater abroad; second, the invitation from a friend to be a singer in Japan. But since I am the eldest, I wanted to help my mother provide for the needs of the family since my father was already gone.
Lastly was the advice from catechists to study at Siena College Q.C. and become a catechist.
The decision was made easier because of the encouragement of the late Fr. Ramon Perez, O.P., and Fr. Jesus Prol, O.P. They inspired and
convinced me to study at Siena College under the supervision of Mother Jesusa Enginco, O.P.
I seriously took the idea of becoming a catechist and was nervous that God was really calling me. I continued going to Mass on Sundays not only to satisfy my spiritual hunger but also to discern if God was calling me to be a catechist.That "Yes" many years ago remains strong. Until now, I am a full-time professional catechist of the Archdiocese of Manila.
It was not an easy journey, but over the years, I better understand how God was laying things out for me. The work is not easy. We have so many things to do in God’s vineyard, “Kailangan maging matatag sa lahat ng bagay, sa pagkilos, ang mga desisyon para sa mga bata sa paaralan, parokya, komunidad matanda at kabataan.” There were lots of agony, but the joy is immeasurable! There are secrets to staying long as a catechist: First is the undying love and faithfulness to the Holy Eucharist, where we receive Jesus, our strength and joy, especially when we are troubled. Second is the work of obedience, knowing that this mission is for the greater glory of God. I could claim that God is the master of my destiny! After many years in the ministry, I believe there are more waiting for me.
Whatever are those challenges ahead, I will still hold on to my Fiat!
For now, I am joyfully aging and living the plan of God in my life. I know that He is at the top of it all.
The challenge to bring Christ into the different faces of God's children', and inspire people through God’s grace in my life as a catechist is a work of the Holy Spirit. To tell and re-tell Jesus in my most humble ways as an echo of His words.
My gratitude to all the people that God uses in my journey as a catechist: my parents and siblings for their hardship and sacrifices, the Dominican priests and catechists, who molded and guided me in my younger years through catechesis. My RE community, who developed, and continuesly nourished me to become an effective catechist.
Lastly, thank you CFAM! For the continuous formation that inspires me to go as a faithful catechist of Christ.
N.B
Ms. Rose Hedriana serves as the GLC (Grade Level Chairperson) of the Vicariate of San Felipe Neri and St. John the Baptist. She is also the Head Catechist of Sanctuario de Sto. Cristo in San Juan City.
Her story reminds us that our response to God's call as a catechist should be deeply valued. We must put efforts to fulfill the mission of proclaiming God’s message of love to children and youth.
Her example shows us that being a catechist is not easy; it involves numerous challenges, hardships, perseverance, and sacrifices.
The journey is not easy, but always possible with Jesus by our side.
Let us continue to pray for her that her mission and service as a catechist in the Archdiocese of Manila maybe even more fervent and fruitful.
