Dear God and Father,
We join in spirit with many former parishioners
in praying to you.
We celebrate nearly 60 years of spiritual life
and faith at Saint Jerome.

You have been a Companion for each one,
every grandfather and grandmother,
every student and teacher,
every single person, every priest, and nun,
every father and mother, brother and sister.

You have been the Breath of Life
for everyone who has birthed a child,
wedded a lover, or buried a dear one.

You have sown the deep seeds of faith
in the waters of countless baptisms,
kept alive a parish for nearly six decades
through the fidelity of those who prayed here,
and the generosity of those who served here.

While our world is weary and worn with pain,
may we take hope and find courage
in what we celebrate:
the strong faith of our ancestors,
the friendship of neighbors and relatives,
the generous leadership of pastors and lay ministers,
the goodness of each one willing to reach out
and be there in time of need.

We thank you, Gracious God, for our faith,
and for this place of worship and community,
which has nourished many souls,
and provided a source of nurturing faith
for all who came seeking spiritual life.
May we pray together filled with hope,
knowing that the people of Saint Jerome parish
believed in your constant Presence,
accepted your Grace, shared your Love,
and celebrated your life with one another.

Amen