Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    This Week's Letter From Father

The Baptism of the Lord                   

January 11, 2026 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season, and we return to Ordinary Time. In fact, this Sunday is recognized as the First Sunday in Ordinary Time, even though it is never celebrated on Sunday. 

The early Church celebrated the Baptism of Jesus on Epiphany. However, over time, the Baptism of Jesus began to be observed as a separate feast from Epiphany. In 1969, it was decided that this solemnity would be celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany. The Baptism of the Lord serves as a bridge, connecting the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. 

Today, we joyfully celebrate the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This important event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Additionally, the Gospel of John shares John’s powerful testimony about Jesus. For those who cherish praying the Rosary, the first Luminous Mystery encourages us to reflect on this significant moment in Jesus’ life and our own faith journey. 

The Baptism offered by John the Baptist was not the sacramental baptism we receive in church. Instead, it was a baptism of repentance, a penitential act for those seeking to shed the heavy burden of their sins. People would step into the Jordan River, openly confessing their wrongdoings, and, after being immersed, emerge feeling renewed. Although they still carried their sins- since the water of the Jordan had no power to cleanse them- the act symbolized a strong commitment to turning away from their past. It was a heartfelt expression of their desire to embrace a brighter, more hopeful path forward. 

Why did Jesus, who is without sin, step into the river? He did it to show us his love and presence, even amid our imperfections. He embraces us, unafraid of our shortcomings, and doesn’t judge us. Instead, he honors our journey and desires a deep connection with each of us. His example reminds us that we're never alone, regardless of our struggles. 

According to Saint Ambrose of Milan (c.339-397), “The Lord was baptized, not to be cleansed Himself, but to cleanse the waters, so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ, which knew no sin, might have the power of Baptism.” 

In our Gospel reading (Matthew 3:17), God the Father reveals Jesus’ identity, proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” The Father speaks in terms that re􀆪ect Isaiah 42:1, “He is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” 

However, when we read Isaiah 42:1 and Matthew 3:17, we notice that in Isaiah there is a “servant.” In the Gospel of Matthew, there is “son”. 

To genuinely serve God, we must do so as sons and daughters, not as servants or slaves. We cannot approach our faith and God with a slave mentality. When we come to church out of fear- whether of God, our parents, family, or anyone else- we come as slaves. However, when we love God as cherished sons and daughters, we attend church willingly because we want to be there. 

There is something truly uplifting about being in God’s presence as God’s beloved children. Nobody forces us to participate. It is our choice to join, and that choice beautifully reflects our faith and dedication. 

Baptism is a special gift that calls us to follow Jesus’ example and share his life with others.

I want to share an excerpt from “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,” the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. “The identity of the People of God flows from Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This identity is lived out as a call to holiness and a sending out in mission, inviting all peoples to accept the gift of salvation (cf. Mt 28:18-19). The missionary synodal Church springs from Baptism, in which Christ clothes us with Himself (cf. Gal 3:27) and enables us to be reborn of the Spirit (cf. Jn 3:5-6) as children of God. The whole of Christian existence has its source and horizon in the mystery of the Trinity, which brings forth in us the dynamism of faith, hope, and love.” 

                                                                               ….. 

It was a privilege to celebrate Mass for Kamyla Alvarez-Garcia at her Quinceanera. She is a member of our parish, regularly attending Sunday Mass and actively participating in the Confirmation Program and various parish events. Dressed in a beautiful pink gown, she was accompanied by her chambelanes and damas as the mariachis played and sung enchanting hymns and songs. During the Mass, we celebrated not only her birthday, but also all the wonderful things she has become. Kamyla is an incredibly humble young woman, always eager to help others and genuinely caring, with no desire for recognition or praise. She has a gift for listening attentively to people, which helps her make friends. 

Kamyla joyfully expressed her gratitude to God for the gift of life and for being a cherished daughter of God through Baptism. She also dedicated herself to Our Lady of Guadalupe, seeking her continued guidance in deepening her understanding of what it means to be a Christian woman. Felicidades, Quinceanera! 

A heartfelt thank you to Rouaida, Khalil and Sophia Haddad for the delightful Christmas Eve dinner at your lovely home. It was such a joy to meet your family and to experience the beautiful blend of Lebanese and Greek cultures. I genuinely admire how you celebrate your traditions. The meal was absolutely delicious. Thank you also for our friendship. 

A huge thank you to Bridget and Bob Stubblefield for the delightful Italian lunch. I loved our vibrant 

conversation and the delicious cappuccino. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors and friends. 

Join us today for an informative discussion at the “Protect What Matters Most: A Financial Wellness Seminar.” We will cover important topics, including how to plan or update your retirement options to maximize your hard-earned money, simplify and personalize your estate planning, and protect your personal information and finances from fraud. 

The weather is fantastic. Enjoy these warm, sunny days at the beach while watching playful dolphins display their incredible acrobatics, and wave-riding skills. 

The flu season has arrived. If you're unwell with the flu, COVID-19, or a cold, please prioritize your health and stay home. Instead of coming to church, consider joining the Mass via EWTN or Catholic Radio from the comfort of your home. This is a wonderful way to show your care for our community’s well-being. Remember, looking out for one another is a genuine pro-life commitment. Let’s keep everyone safe by wearing masks when needed. 

With prayers,

Fr. Ryszard 

Welcome Message

Greetings in Christ Jesus!

Whether you are just visiting for a short while, have moved here and are joining our parish, or are returning to your Catholic Faith, on behalf of our parish community, we welcome you to St. Egbert Catholic Church and the beautiful Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

When Jesus was asked which of all the commandments was the greatest, he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the great, and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” These two Commandments form the foundation of our mission to Love God, Love Neighbor, and to Share the Good News.