As I sit down to write these words, my heart overflows with emotion. It's hard to believe that after eight and a half years, 3,095 days to be exact, my time at St. Jerome has come to an end. The weekend of Epiphany, marked by our first snowfall of the year, brought an unexpected turn of events. Amidst the shifting plans and chaotic weather, I anticipated a small farewell gathering. But to my surprise, a multitude of people came together on that Saturday evening, both for the mass and the dinner that followed. Standing before you all, conducting the mass, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions, especially when the choir sang some of my favorite songs. Listening to your words, reliving our shared memories, and feeling the love you extended towards me created a farewell that will forever remain etched in my heart.

Since the announcement of my departure from St. Jerome, I've been overwhelmed by an outpouring of love from this community.  Invitations to dinners, lunches, and gatherings have filled my days, and I've cherished every moment spent in the company of families and friends. While I must admit to gaining a few pounds from all the delicious meals, the true nourishment has come from the love I've experienced here. The warmth and kindness of the people of St. Jerome have touched my heart in a way that words cannot express. I am deeply grateful for the countless ways you have shown your love and care for me since my arrival. You have enriched my life beyond measure, and I will forever carry the memories of our time together. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything. I am forever indebted to you all.

As I opened each card you sent, my heart overflowed with emotion. Your kind words, heartfelt wishes, and personal stories touched me deeply. I felt the love and care you poured into every message and gift, and I'm so incredibly grateful. My initial plan was to write individual thank you notes, but I humbly admit that the sheer abundance of your kindness has made that impossible. To express my gratitude to each of you personally would take weeks, and I fear I would still miss someone! So, I've chosen to share my thanks in this newsletter, where my words can reach you all. I'm deeply touched by the generosity you've shown, not only in your kind words but also in your thoughtful gifts. I was even surprised to receive gifts in the names of some of your beloved pets—a testament to the love and blessings that have filled your homes in recent years. Please know that the monetary gifts you've given will be used for something truly meaningful, something that will allow me to cherish your generosity and love for the rest of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making me feel so loved and appreciated. Your kindness has made a profound impact on my life.

To the dear children of St. Jerome's Faith Formation, your gifts have touched my heart in a way that words can hardly express. Your kind words of appreciation mean more to me than you could ever know, and I will treasure your writings as a source of inspiration in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing your love through your heartfelt messages and the generous monetary gift. Your thoughtfulness has humbled me deeply, and I am filled with profound gratitude. Each of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I have unwavering faith that you will embark on remarkable journeys and do wonderful things in the world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Dear teachers of St. Jerome Faith Formation, thank you for guiding our children. Your kindness and efforts are highly appreciated.

I've saved the most important part for last: a heartfelt thank you to the incredible organizers and volunteers who made the farewell celebration so special. I'm deeply humbled by the outpouring of love and care I received that night. It's a question I often ask myself: am I worthy of such kindness from such wonderful people? Sometimes, we receive love even when we feel undeserving, and that's a profound gift. 

Kathy Rohr and Daniela O'Callaghan, I'm especially grateful to you for your tireless efforts in planning and coordinating the entire program. Your dedication made the evening seamless and unforgettable. To the kitchen crew, thank you for your consistently excellent work. You bring people together through the magic of cooking, sharing love with every dish you prepare. The food, as always, was exceptional, and everyone raved about it. To the men's group and all the volunteers who helped with cleaning and setup, thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your contributions ensured a beautiful and welcoming space for our gathering. And to everyone who brought desserts, appetizers, and other delicious treats, thank you for adding to the abundance and joy of the celebration. The shared meals and conversations around those tables will stay with me for a long time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you who joined us that night. It was a true celebration, and we have the next one coming on January 19th, when you'll celebrate Father David's 80th birthday! His continued presence in our community is a blessing, and I'm grateful he'll be here as administrator until our new pastor arrives. As I embark on my new journey, I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'm confident that our paths will cross again, and I cherish the moments we've shared and those yet to come.

As I pause here, I feel a quiet certainty that these words may be my last within the St. Jerome Bulletin. For your unwavering patience and kindness in reading my lengthy musings, I offer my sincerest gratitude. With a heart brimming with appreciation, I bid you all a warm and heartfelt farewell. Yours Lovingly – Fr. Rojin