From the Pastor’s Desk September 21, 2025

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

 As an immigrant community, we are proud of our roots. Many of us treasure the cultural heritage, traditions, and values of our countries of origin, even as we are deeply grateful for the beauty and blessings of our adopted country, Canada. At St. Jerome Parish, we are blessed with a rich cultural mosaic. How wonderful it is that we can bring these diverse cultures, values, faith practices, and traditions together around the Altar of the Lord. As St. Paul reminds us, “Though we are many, we are one body in Christ” (Rom 12:5).

As one big family of faith at St. Jerome’s, we have many reasons to give thanks and to celebrate. Among us are those marking birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or new beginnings—whether by joining our parish family or starting a new life in this country. Some are surrounded by loved ones to celebrate these special moments, while others may not have anyone to share them with. How meaningful it is, then, for us to celebrate together, to thank the Lord for His blessings, and to lift one another up in prayer.

Beginning in October, every third weekend of the month we will offer a special blessing for these moments before the final blessing at Mass. On these Sundays, we will also share coffee in the parish hall after the morning Masses—a simple but joyful opportunity to gather, get to know one another, and strengthen the bonds of our community.

May the good Lord continue to guide and lead us as we grow together as a community      Renewed for mission.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. James Cherickal