The Gospel passage from Matthew 10:37-42, chosen for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, addresses the theme of discipleship and the demands it places on believers. Jesus speaks to his disciples, emphasizing the radical nature of following him. Jesus urges His disciples to prioritize their commitment to Him above even their closest family relationships. This passage calls for a practical understanding for us, reminding us that genuine discipleship requires wholehearted dedication to Christ. It challenges believers to reflect on their priorities, ensuring that nothing or no one takes precedence over their love for God. While emphasizing the importance of family, it encourages us to love and serve others in the light of their love for God. This entails living out our faith authentically, and making choices that align with our commitment to Christ, even if it involves sacrifice and stepping outside our comfort zones. Practically, this can be achieved through deepening one's relationship with Christ through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, discerning God's will, and aligning actions with His teachings. Embracing opportunities to share Christ's love and message with others is also vital, as our witness can have transformative power. Ultimately, this passage highlights the challenging yet fulfilling journey of discipleship, emphasizing the need to surrender completely to Christ to experience His boundless love and become instruments of His grace in the world.

Congratulations to Steven Filizzola on his new role as the Special Assistant to the Bishop for Strategic Projects in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Steven's appointment is a testament to his exceptional work at Saint Jerome, where he displayed dedication and worked diligently with the students. Now, as he takes on greater responsibilities in collaboration with the Bishop, let us unite in prayer for Steven. May he be equipped with the necessary skills, wisdom, and guidance to fulfill his new position effectively. May his efforts in developing, implementing, and facilitating projects focused on encounter and accompaniment through "The One" bring about positive and transformative outcomes for the faithful in the diocese. May God bless Steven abundantly in this new chapter of his ministry.

As July 4th is approaching, I want to wish everyone a Happy July 4th. On this 4th of July, as we celebrate the independence and freedom of our nation, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us by the loving God. As we enjoy the fireworks and festivities, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for our liberty and the opportunities we have been granted. May we cherish the values of equality, justice, and compassion that form the foundation of our nation, and may we use our freedom responsibly, with gratitude and empathy for our fellow citizens. Let us offer our prayers of gratitude to the loving God, seeking guidance and strength to uphold the principles that make our nation a beacon of hope and inspiration for the world.

Wishing you and your family all the blessings of this time, especially during the celebration of July 4th. I extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your unwavering support and generosity towards Saint Jerome Church.

Yours Lovingly - Fr. Rojin