Rosalva Parada

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Rosalva Parada.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
A little over four years.

Which service do you typically attend?
I attend both. I go to the 9:00am liturgy to pray and worship, and when I’m scheduled to serve as thurifer and acolyte, I do that at the 11:15am worship service.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Roman Catholic church just south of Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico.

How did you find your way to the Episcopal church?
Through my father, Bill Sartor. Finding Saint Philip’s is a gift because it feels closer to what I always imagined church could be. I feel less that I left the Roman Catholic church and more that I have come home.

What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
The reverence of the liturgy appeals to my soul. And I love this community. The music, too. All three things stand out for me.

How are you involved in the parish?
I get involved as I’m invited to do things. For example, I offer music for the children in the Atriums, and serve as thurifer and acolyte at 11:15am liturgies.

What do you do professionally?
Restaurants hire me to consult regarding their business and recipes.

I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California. During that time, I met a lot of chefs and people involved with restaurants—all of whom were interested in flavor development in their recipes.

At one point, I created and managed my own line of healthy-inspired treats. I did that for a long time but when it grew to a size that was too big—and too much—for me to handle, I decided to shrink it a little so I could focus on other interests and responsibilities, too.

What are your other interests and responsibilities?
My mother is in remission from a type of cancer called Burkitt Lymphoma and I am her primary caregiver. I also help manage our family’s property management business. And I’ve started to invest. I dabbled a bit and discovered I enjoy it. And since it’s worked well so far, I continue to do it.

Do you volunteer beyond Saint Philip’s?
I do. I sing music in Memory Care and Assisted Living facilities.

Have you always sung?
Not at all. Singing emerged from my journey of healing. I was diagnosed with lupus at 15 and went through a really rough time for about 10 years. It got so bad that doctors wanted to remove a kidney. At that point I was inspired to find relief beyond only western medicine.

During my search for integrative and holistic medicine, I felt called to learn singing. That was at the same time I was training to teach yoga and pilates. Both place a strong emphasis on breath—and connecting to that in a way that produces sound was very powerful and meaningful. So I pursued singing and, along the way, was able to heal from my lupus.

I use the word “heal” intentionally. Many doctors have told me one can’t heal from lupus; it can only be managed. Yet I haven’t had a symptom in 10 years and it doesn’t appear in my blood work.

You could sing in many different places. Why do you choose Memory Care and Assisted Living facilties?
In my soul I feel 118 years old. Ever since I was little, I chose to be with older people. I remember telling my mother when I was four years old, “I know I’m really 44.”

The first time I sang to a crowd of people 60+ I just knew that was my path. It was so clear that my being there meant the world to them. They told me how meaningful my visit and time with them was.

And I get so much back, too. When I sing, I feel free, infinitely joyful, a palpable sense of belonging, and my shyness, troubles, and worries diminish.

What do you do to relax?
I love to walk outside, garden, and spend time with my Bengal cat and two dogs.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud that I act on my trust about God’s presence. I am often unsure about how to handle a situation or how to proceed but I remind myself that I am not alone and to trust God’s will for me. 

What’s one of your guiding principles?
Authenticity. I try very hard to live out my truth in community.

What’s something you find challenging?
I often feel an abundance of emotions that are close to bubbling over. I’m very sensitive so I can feel pretty raw sometimes. And it’s not necessarily negative emotions. I can sit in church and feel so overwhelmed by the beauty of what I’m experiencing that the only option is to cry.

What’s one of your super powers?
I have extremely sensitive taste buds.

And how do you use your super power?
My initial study in college was history and museum science. But I sensed early on that I would be happier sharing my love of cooking. And I was right.

It’s a very soothing experience to weigh out cookie dough, shape it with my hands, and then share the love I pour into that process with people who enjoy the cookies.

What’s a guilty pleasure you enjoy?
I order ice-cream from far away places. For example, Caffè Panna in New York City and Salt and Straw in Portland, Oregon.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.