This weekend we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany of the Lord, as depicted in the scripture passage of Matthew 2:1-12, is a profound revelation of the divine to the Gentiles. The visit of the Magi, guided by a star, signifies the universal nature of Christ's salvation. The journey of the Wise Men reflects the human quest for meaning and truth, as they followed the celestial sign to find the newborn King. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize homage, worship, and the recognition of Jesus' earthly and heavenly significance. The Epiphany reminds us that God's revelation transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, inviting all people to encounter the divine. It prompts reflection on our own spiritual journey and the ways in which we seek and recognize the presence of God in our lives. Just as the Magi offered their precious gifts, the Epiphany challenges us to offer our hearts and lives in worship and acknowledgment of the divine manifestation in Jesus Christ.

The narrative of the Epiphany of the Lord holds a special resonance for me, especially as I conclude my role as the pastor of Saint Jerome Church this weekend and embark on a sabbatical journey. Similar to the wise men who sought Jesus, I find myself on a symbolic spiritual journey during this time of transition. As I step into a year-long sabbatical, I reflect on the parallels between the Magi's quest and my own pursuit of the divine in the coming months. Their gifts, representing a profound search for the Lord, mirror the spiritual and life journey we all undertake. I feel immensely blessed to have spent the past eight and a half years with the community of Saint Jerome, a period that has been the best years of my life. The invaluable experiences and growth I've encountered here have shaped me in various ways, and I am profoundly grateful to the supportive community that has been an integral part of my journey.

As I reflect on my journey at St. Jerome, I am compelled to express my deep gratitude to those who paved the way for me to be a part of this community. I extend my sincere appreciation to Bishop Caggiano for the invitation to study and work in the diocese, a gesture facilitated by the mediation of Msgr. Robert Kinnally, the pastor of St. Aloysius, New Canaan. Initially arriving at St. Jerome for a brief 40-day period during Father Dave's vacation, I anticipated a transition to Our Lady of Grace in Stratford. However, Father Dave's efforts and conversations with the diocesan leadership led to an extension of my stay at St. Jerome for three years, serving as an associate pastor. Amidst continuing my studies and Father Dave's retirement, a pivotal moment arose when Bishop Caggiano entrusted me with the responsibility of leading St. Jerome. Throughout this transformative journey, Father Dave has been more than a colleague; he has been a father figure, a source of support, and a constant companion. Grateful for his kindness and unwavering support, I acknowledge the positive impact he has had on my life at St. Jerome, and I am indebted to the entire community for being my loving companions and pillars of strength.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff members at Saint Jerome. Our church is truly fortunate to have such highly talented individuals who consistently offer their unwavering support. It has been a genuine blessing to have these dedicated individuals by my side as we work together to fulfill the goals and aspirations of our community. Though I won't name each one individually, you all know who they are, and I want you to understand how truly blessed we are to have them as part of the Saint Jerome Church family. Their commitment has been instrumental in keeping the church running smoothly on a regular basis. I also fondly remember those who served on the staff in the past. A special acknowledgment goes to Deacon Dean for his support during his active tenure. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all staff members for their kindness and unwavering support throughout these past 8 and 1/2 years. Your invaluable contributions have defined our collaborative spirit, and I am deeply grateful for the journey we have shared together.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding parish leadership at Saint Jerome Church, encompassing all the active volunteers across various ministries. The commitment and passion exhibited by our leadership team have been instrumental in shaping the spirit of our community. Their dedication surpasses expectations, evident in the collaborative efforts with community members that truly set our parish apart. A recent meeting with Monsignor Kinnally, focusing on the selection of a new pastor, underscored the remarkable qualities of our parish leadership. Monsignor Kinnally commended their spirituality, commitment, and profound love for the parish, recognizing the distinctiveness that defines Saint Jerome. Having had the privilege of working with and getting to know each of you in the past years, I want to convey my sincere thanks for your kindness, unwavering support, and valuable advice. Your contributions have transformed this parish into a beautiful and spiritually enriching place, and I consider myself fortunate to have been part of this journey with such a dedicated and inspiring leadership team.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the members of St. Jerome Church. Your acceptance of me just as I am, with my strengths and weaknesses, has been a source of immense strength and support. Without the encouragement and backing of the community members of Saint Jerome, my journey in this parish would not have been possible. Your kindness, support, and constant presence have been the pillars of my time here. The words of appreciation, encouragement, and your readiness to help at any time have shaped my experience in this community. Your financial support, prayers, commitment, volunteering, and love for humanity are what make each of you special. Your collective inspiration and desire to serve humanity have propelled the parish to new heights, and it has been a privilege to witness and be a part of this transformative journey. The numerous kind and compassionate individuals at St. Jerome have set examples that will resonate with me for a lifetime, influencing my own thoughts on life. Thank you for being so incredibly nice to me, for helping, supporting, strengthening, and, most importantly, believing in me.

As I bring this lengthy column to a close, I earnestly request your continued support and prayers for our upcoming new pastor. The process of finding a replacement is underway, and I have been informed that we will soon have a name to welcome into our community. Departing on January 10th, I am confident that Father Dave will seamlessly facilitate the transition, acting as a vital link between the new pastor and our community. I emphasize the importance of extending the same warmth, kindness, and support you have graciously provided me over the years to our incoming pastor. Your open hearts and dedication will undoubtedly create a welcoming environment, enabling the new pastor to commit wholeheartedly to the well-being of Saint Jerome. Though I express this as a formality, I have full faith that you will extend a warm welcome and assist the new pastor in establishing and fulfilling his duties. I appreciate your prayers as I embark on this new chapter of my life, eagerly following my heart's calling to a new area of ministry and service to the people.

Thanking you once again, Yours Lovingly – Fr. Rojin