It is the 26^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The scripture passage of Matthew 21:28-32, featured on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, contains a powerful parable shared by Jesus. In this parable, a father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later changes his mind and goes to work, while the second son initially agrees but ultimately doesn't go. This parable conveys a profound message about repentance and actions. It highlights that it's not just our initial words or intentions that matter but the actual deeds and transformations in our hearts. The tax collectors and prostitutes, often considered societal outcasts, are likened to the first son who repents and obeys God's call, while the self-righteous ones, like the second son, may speak piously but fail to follow through. This scripture reminds us of the importance of genuine repentance and the transformative power of God's grace in our lives, teaching us that actions speak louder than words when it comes to our relationship with God and living out our faith.

As I pondered this over the week, I couldn't help but reflect on the significance of the upcoming Monday when we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels. It struck me that the guidance and protection we've been receiving as a parish family at Saint Jerome is truly remarkable. Our journey here has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly as we find ourselves in the midst of completing three major projects, collectively totaling around $800,000. These undertakings encompass the resurfacing of our parking lot, the renovation of our heating and cooling system, and the restoration of our rectory roof. I like to refer to them as "intergenerational projects" because they are investments in our shared future, with benefits projected to span at least 20 to 30-plus years. It's as though we've been safeguarded by divine grace and guided to carry out these projects for the betterment of our parish. These projects represent the current generation's gift to the future generation, enabling them to come together to worship the Lord and continue the tradition of contributing to the future. In this, we are building a legacy at Saint Jerome where unity, faith, and community thrive. Reflecting on this background, it becomes clear that we must chart a path forward as a parish that continues this legacy of faith, stewardship, and togetherness.

After delving into these thoughts, you might be wondering about the underlying message I'm trying to convey. It's quite simple: as a parish, we've been thriving, but there's always room for improvement, not just in our personal lives but also in our spiritual and social aspects. Looking ahead for Saint Jerome Parish, it becomes evident that we must collectively strive to engage and empower our younger families. The older generation of Saint Jerome has exemplified unwavering dedication, offering their time, resources, skills, and wholehearted commitment for the greater good of our parish family. To preserve this legacy, we must equip the next generation with the essential charisms that drive our mission forward. In my contemplation on engaging and empowering younger families, I am convinced that we need a variety of activities and programs that bring deeper meaning to their lives. Notably, our community members have already initiated steps toward this ambitious goal. We've established the Mother's Prayer Group, uniting young mothers in prayer for their children and other intentions. Similarly, the Father's Prayer Group brings together younger fathers to share in prayer and fellowship. "Wondrous Deeds" aims to motivate young parents to create service opportunities for families and children. These initiatives are just a glimpse of what we envision as we aspire to expand these small groups alongside our existing vibrant community organizations. Additionally, in October, we will introduce "Walking with Purpose," a program designed to engage women in scripture learning, enabling them to incorporate its teachings into their personal lives. In essence, our primary focus should now shift toward nurturing these younger families, and we welcome any innovative ideas from within our community to further enrich our parish life. Together, we can build an even stronger and more vibrant Saint Jerome Parish for generations to come.

As I acknowledge that this column has grown quite lengthy, there are numerous topics I wish to discuss, but for now, let me conclude this weekend's reflection by reminding us of a few key moments. This Friday's confirmation ceremony was a truly remarkable experience as we joined the St. Philip and Saint Jerome communities. Witnessing the gracefulness of the confirmation candidates was heartwarming, and Bishop Caggiano's presence and words resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of faith in our spiritual journey. Another significant development is the commencement of our faith formation activities for the year. We have already met with Middle School parents and children, and this Sunday, our elementary school children will embark on their faith journey as we gather with parents and children to initiate various activities and learning programs. I humbly request that you keep all these children in your prayers as they embark on different phases of their spiritual lives, seeking the presence of the Lord. 

Mark your calendars for the upcoming St. Jerome Church raffle, set for next Sunday, October 8th. Our dedicated raffle committee has put in tremendous effort to ensure it's a fantastic event for our Parish. I extend a warm invitation to everyone to participate in the raffle, enjoy a delightful lunch, and celebrate as a close-knit parish family. While all those who have purchased raffle tickets are welcome to join the Parish Festival and raffle lunch, I want to emphasize that financial constraints should not deter anyone from attending. We genuinely want you to be part of this joyous celebration, and we invite you to gracefully relish these moments together. Additionally, I encourage our parishioners to consider volunteering in areas where they can contribute their skills and time. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support you have shown to me and our parish community. Let us continue to work together, guided by the Spirit's wisdom and grace. Amen.

Yours Lovingly – Fr. Rojin