It is the 24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Matthew 18:21-35 is a profoundly impactful scripture passage that has resonated with countless individuals throughout history, including myself. In this passage, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times as a generous limit. Jesus, however, responds with the astonishing notion of forgiving not just seven times but seventy-seven times, emphasizing boundless forgiveness. This teaching reminds us of the incredible grace and mercy that God extends to us, regardless of our own shortcomings and mistakes. The parable of the unforgiving servant that follows emphasizes the necessity of showing the same mercy to others as we have received from God. It is a powerful reminder to let go of grudges and resentments and instead embrace forgiveness and compassion towards others. This passage encourages us to reflect on our own capacity to forgive and challenges us to be more forgiving and compassionate in our interactions with others. It is a timeless lesson that speaks to the essence of our humanity and the divine grace that we are called to share with one another.

I had an amazing vacation, and I would like to express my gratitude to Fr. David for generously taking care of St. Jerome while I was away. This column is going to be a bit longer as I would like to discuss three crucial topics. In this week's edition, I intend to update you on the progress of our boiler project, provide information on the Faith Formation program for this year, and give you a glimpse of our upcoming raffle.

Our boiler project is progressing exceptionally well, thanks to the remarkable efforts of  Marasco Heating and Cooling. They have shown great dedication in executing the crucial tasks involved in our boiler project, and we are thrilled to report that they are on track to complete it before the arrival of winter. Notably, the new boilers are now in place, and we have the new propane gas tank ready for use. In the coming weeks, they will commence work within our church, where they will be upgrading our air handlers and air conditioning systems, ensuring our congregation's comfort year-round. Simultaneously, their expertise has also extended to our school building, where they have begun the process of replacing air controllers in our classrooms. It is truly heartening to witness the progress made thus far, and we eagerly anticipate the benefits these improvements will bring to our church and school community.

We are thrilled to share with you our upcoming Faith Formation program for the new school year. Similar to last year, our REACH program will be available for students in grades one through five. They will attend class sessions at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass, just like before. There will be two in-class sessions and a monthly group session. However, for our Middle School students, we have decided to make a change to streamline schedules and enhance the overall experience. They will join the morning sessions and won't have afternoon classes at Saint Jerome. Starting this year, they will attend classes twice a month at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass. Once a month, they will participate in a regional program, similar to last year's All Saints Catholic School arrangement. The Middle School program is available for 6th and 7th graders. For students in grades 8 through 12, we invite you to join our TOTAL program, which has exciting plans in store for the year. We are dedicated to creating engaging events and activities.

Our upcoming raffle at St. Jerome Church is generating a lot of excitement, and ticket sales are going remarkably well. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to purchase tickets and join in the festivities, as this year's raffle will also be a significant part of our Parish Festival, promising a memorable experience for all. It's worth noting that the proceeds from this year's raffle will be directed towards the much-needed roof replacement of our rectory. We've already initiated collaboration with a vendor who is a valued member of our Parish, dedicated to ensuring our rectory's roof is replaced before the onset of winter. Our dedicated team has put together comprehensive plans to execute this project in the best possible way, and we can't wait to share this wonderful journey with you all. Get ready for an amazing and meaningful experience this year with our raffle!

As we conclude, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for your unwavering support and prayers. As a faith community, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of the Holy Spirit's counsel and aid as we journey together. May the Holy Spirit's guidance continue to fortify us. Thank you once more for your invaluable support. Yours lovingly ~ Fr. Rojin