Fr. Rojin • August 11, 2023
On the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church, the scripture passages of Mt 14:22-33 and 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a converge to offer a profound reflection on faith, doubt, and the transformative power of God's presence. The Gospel reading's account of Peter walking on water only to falter due to doubt reminds us that even when we take bold steps of faith, the challenges of life can shake our belief. Similarly, in the passage from 1 Kings, Elijah encounters God not in the dramatic signs but in the gentle whisper, teaching us that divine encounters often come in moments of quiet introspection. Together, these readings urge us to trust in God amid life's storms, recognizing that faith requires ongoing courage and the ability to discern God's presence in both the spectacular and the ordinary. Just as Peter found stability by fixing his eyes on Jesus, we are invited to anchor our faith in unwavering trust, even when doubts arise, and to seek God's voice amidst life's noise.
I am delighted to provide an update on the progress of our boiler project at St. Jerome. The response from our parishioners has been overwhelming, filled with positivity and excitement. It's truly heartening to hear their perspectives, as they recognize the significance of the boiler project for our parish's future, even more so than the creation of a chapel. I'm pleased to inform you that Bishop has signed a contract with Marasco Heating company, marking a significant step forward. The company's representatives will begin assessing the work this week, and I anticipate that there will be a flurry of activity in the upcoming days and weeks at St. Jerome Church. While we understand that there might be inconveniences during this process, it's important to remember that these temporary challenges will be well worth it once we have an efficient heating and cooling system in place. We kindly request your prayers for the success of the Boiler project. As a reminder, if you were unable to participate in the We Stand with Christ campaign, you still have the opportunity to support the boiler project through donations that reflect your participation and commitment. Your involvement will greatly contribute to the realization of this endeavor, and we are truly grateful for your continued support.
Raffle ticket sales are currently underway, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated raffle team for their ongoing efforts in selling tickets and generating funds for the parish. The tremendous support we've received from our parishioners is a promising indication of their unwavering backing for positive developments at St. Jerome Church. Additionally, I kindly urge parents to enroll their children in the enriching faith formation programs, including the REACH program and Middle School Program. We are in the final stages of program details, and as soon as they are ready, we will promptly email the information. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
A friendly reminder to our cherished parishioners: We encourage you to transition from the Faith Direct online platform to our new OSV platform. This shift will not only lead to significant cost savings for our parish but will also provide a user-friendly experience, even for our elderly members. We are eager to implement this change swiftly and eventually phase out the Faith Direct platform. Your understanding and prompt action in this matter are greatly appreciated.
Thanking you once again for your continued support, prayers, and love, I conclude; yours lovingly – Fr. Rojin