The scripture passage of Matthew 20:1-16a read on the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, contains the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. This parable illustrates God's unfathomable generosity, where all workers, regardless of when they arrive, receive the same reward. It challenges our human inclination to compare ourselves with others and question God's fairness. The landowner's response, "Are you envious because I am generous?" (Matthew 20:15), serves as a reminder that God's grace is not limited by our human understanding of merit and reward. This passage encourages us to embrace God's boundless love and grace with gratitude rather than envy. It teaches us that God's kingdom operates on principles of mercy, inclusion, and love that go beyond our worldly notions of fairness. As we reflect on this scripture, we are reminded to be grateful for the abundance of God's blessings in our lives and to avoid the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Instead, let us celebrate the inclusive and generous nature of God's kingdom, where all are invited to partake in the eternal rewards of faith and devotion.

As we embark on the beginning of our faith formation year this Sunday, we are filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. To prepare for the upcoming year, we have scheduled a crucial meeting for Middle School parents and children immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Mass at our church this Sunday. Shelli Sullivan, our program lead, will provide a comprehensive overview of this year's Middle School program, offering a valuable opportunity for all attendees to seek clarification and ask questions. Additionally, on October 1st, we will hold a session for both children and parents to outline the Faith Formation program designed for our elementary school children. Steve Filizzola will explain the program for the year and will be able to answer your questions. I earnestly request the active participation of all parents and children in these two Sundays. By doing so, we can gain a thorough understanding of the program and actively engage in all its activities, fostering a collective environment for learning and growing in faith together. Furthermore, it's essential to note that there has been a change in our official email address for Faith Formation communication. We will now be using "faithformation@stjeromenorwalk.org" as our primary email for all correspondence related to our faith formation initiatives. Please take note of this change for effective communication.

As many of you are aware, our boiler project is progressing exceptionally well, and in just a couple of weeks, we anticipate having our new system fully operational. This new boiler will serve Saint Jerome Church for the next couple of decades, ensuring a comfortable and efficient environment for all. Additionally, we are actively working on the rectory roof to prepare for the upcoming winter season, and your support has been invaluable in these endeavors.

As I conclude this column, I'd like to remind those who haven't yet made the transition from Faith Direct online giving platform to the OSV platform to please do so as soon as possible. Your prompt action in this matter is greatly appreciated, and it will help ensure the continued success of our parish initiatives. Thank you for considering this important transition.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your generous contributions of time, resources, and support that have been instrumental in the success of various programs here at St. Jerome Church. Your dedication to our community is truly appreciated. Yours lovingly ~ Fr. Rojin