It is the 28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Matthew 22:1-14 recounts the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. Through this vivid and powerful parable, Jesus portrays the Kingdom of Heaven as a royal wedding feast that God, the King, has prepared for His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who were initially invited, representing the Israelites, ignored or rejected the invitation. This leads the King to invite everyone, both good and bad, symbolizing the inclusion of the Gentiles and all of humanity. Yet, the ending is striking; one guest, not wearing wedding clothes, is thrown out. This underscores the necessity of being not just called, but also chosen, highlighting the importance of true commitment and preparedness in one's faith journey. The story serves as a call to remain vigilant and responsive to God's invitation, ensuring that when called, we are ready and clothed in righteousness.

Summary of the Saint Jerome Parish Festival & Raffle:

The Saint Jerome Parish hosted an amazing festival last weekend that was enjoyed by everyone who attended. The event was filled with joy, making it a truly celebratory experience. We were thrilled to see so many children participate in the raffle. It wasn't just about games and delicious food, as the festival also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful conversations. Congratulations to all the lucky raffle winners! The weekend was a testament to the vibrant community spirit of Saint Jerome Parish.

Saint Jerome Parish Festival and Raffle stands as a shining example of community spirit and dedication. I extend my deepest gratitude to the myriad of committees - the core team, the food committee, the setup committee, the decoration committee, and the countless volunteers. Their tireless efforts transformed the event into a grand success. While I wish I could name everyone involved, the list is simply too expansive, but know that each contribution, no matter how big or small, has left an indelible mark on our community.

The sheer unity and camaraderie were evident during the final cleanup. Tasks that might have taken hours were completed in mere minutes, all due to the collaborative spirit of our parish members. It swelled my heart with pride to hear visiting members from across the nation laud our parish, commenting on our unity, especially in these trying times filled with negative news. Such affirmations offer tranquility, igniting enthusiasm and hope. These affirming words bolster our resolve, propelling us forward to confront daily challenges and emphasizing the power of human unity.

Thanking you once again for your continued support, I conclude. Yours Lovingly – Fr. Rojin