Möt Shery Mae: från Filippinerna till Västerås

I ett antal inlägg framöver presenterar årets internationella deltagare i Ung i den världsvida kyrkan sig själva. De är i Sverige under mars till maj. Här möter ni Shery Mae Gatege från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Västerås.

A Young IFI Clergy Spouse in Sweden

Being a young clergy spouse is a unique and beautiful calling. Living in the rectory, a building right beside the church, has given me a front-row seat to the rhythm of church life. Every day, I see the ways the church reaches out to people—young and old, children and youth, newcomers and regulars alike. I am blessed to work closely with the young people and the little ones, and through that, I feel part of the heartbeat of the entire church community.

Every day, I see the ways the church reaches out to people—young and old, children and youth, newcomers and regulars alike.

My journey into finding my own ministry has been unexpected, and at times, full of uncertainty. I feel God has called me in a different way, and I responded—an answer that brought me here to Sweden, to a place I never imagined I would be. It’s far from where I grew up, very different, and at first, I questioned how I would fit in. Yet, every day I can feel God’s grace guiding and carrying me through.

When I first arrived at my parish in Västerås, I did not expect such a warm welcome. Everyone I met was genuine, kind, and open-hearted. Despite our differences—culture, language, and background—I could feel the Holy Spirit bridging the gaps and helping us meet on common ground. The church didn’t feel like a strange or distant place; it felt like home. People weren’t strangers—they felt like friends and family.

When I first arrived at my parish in Västerås, I did not expect such a warm welcome. Everyone I met was genuine, kind, and open-hearted.

Those things I usually do at home now have a chance to happen here, and it makes me feel that I am not a “lost puzzle piece,” but a piece that fits. Missing the Sunday school classes? I’ve joined in the baby and children’s services. Missing the youth gatherings? I’ve been in confirmation camps. Missing the lay men and women? I’ve even had a chance to paint Easter candles, and knitting sessions with the elderly. All these moments complete my own puzzle, and for the first time in a long while, I feel whole in ways I never expected.

Faith in action

What touches me most are the church programs that are heartily made. They are more than just activities—they are meant to connect with people, to respond to God’s call of tending to His’ sheep. Through these programs, I see faith being lived out, reaching everyone with so much love and care.

It has shown me that answering God’s call may lead us to unexpected places, but when we follow with faith, we find home, purpose, and the blessing of being part of a community where love, grace, and service come alive every day. I have had so much fun with a lot of people and I am looking forward to know more and share meaningful experiences together.

– Shery Mae