Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    This Week's Letter From Father

Third Sunday In Ordinary Time A

January 25, 2026 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 4:12-23, Jesus tells the people in Capernaum that the 

kingdom of heaven is very close. Because of this, they should change their attitudes and learn to live

according to the standards of this coming kingdom. 

Accepting the values Jesus teaches requires a change of heart and mind. This transformation starts

when people change how they think. Our thoughts shape our attitudes and actions toward others. 

Today, we witness Jesus calling the first apostles. Two dynamic pairs of brothers, Simon and Andrew,

James and John, are invited to follow him. Their courageous response sets in motion a radical

change in their lives, as they leave their occupation as fishermen and apply their skills in a 

completely new way of living. 

Their relationships with their families change as Jesus and his mission become their primary focus.

Simon’s house serves as a central place for their evangelization projects, fostering a strong sense of

community and dedication. 

What is their mission? It is the same as Jesus’- proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. Since they have

come to know Jesus, the kingdom of heaven is within their reach. Eventually, they will realize that

the kingdom of heaven arrived, at least in part, with Jesus. At this stage, they are learning their

roles by observing Jesus, paying close attention to his actions and words. 

The Gospel of Matthew rarely uses the phrase “the kingdom of God”; instead, it refers to “the 

kingdom of heaven.” This choice of words may be because it was written for a Jewish audience. The

Jewish community was particularly sensitive about speaking the name of God, as they considered it

to be the most sacred name. 

When we refer to the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven, we need to remember that they

signify the reign of God rather than a physical kingdom. 

Jesus still needs people to help proclaim the kingdom of heaven. We all have a role in this mission.

While our professions may differ, our vocation remains the same: to share the message of the 

kingdom of heaven. In our own unique ways, we can bring a little more light to those around us. 

Individuals have the power to make a difference in the world. Take inspiration from figures such as

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and many heroes around the world. They

prompted nonviolent solutions, supported those in need, and worked toward unity rather than 

fostering division. We can follow their example by focusing on what we love about the Church and

our parish instead of dwelling on its flaws. 

                                                                          ….. 

In 2019, Pope Francis, in his motu proprio “Aperuit illis,” declared that this Sunday would be the 

Sunday of the Word of God. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen our relationship with the Bible, 

inviting us to engage with its wisdom not just once a year on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time but

every day. Embracing the Sacred Scriptures can enrich our lives throughout the year. Through 

Scripture, we discover our spiritual strengths and areas for growth, helping us appreciate the journey

toward holiness and perfection. 

Pope St. Gregory, I stated, “The Holy Bible is like a mirror before our mind’s eye. In it, we can see our

inner selves. They help us recognize our progress and understand how far we are from perfection.” 

We offer several Bible groups for English speakers and one for Spanish speakers. Please join one or

start a new group. 

Mark your calendars for the American Red Cross Blood Drive at our parish. Join us in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, January 28th, to make a meaningful difference. Blood donations are vital for patients 

undergoing surgery, recovering from accidents, fighting cancer, and managing chronic illnesses. 

Despite blood shortages, your contribution can save lives, especially in urgent situations. As Catholics,

let’s come together to support this pro-life cause and help others in need. Your participation can bring

hope and healing to those who rely on these essential transfusions. 

I truly appreciate your warm invitation, Alicja and Witold Rafalowski! The Polish dinner you prepared

was an absolute delight! Spending the evening with both of you, and Ema and Jaroslav Prochazka, our dear friends, made the festive meal even more special. Thank you for such a joyous and memorable experience. 

I am truly grateful to Karen and Bob Tolbert for inviting me to my favorite restaurant for dinner. It was

a joy to spend a delightful evening together over a delicious meal. Thank you also for showing me your beautiful new house. 

I attended the 2026 Priest Assembly last week, where we discussed and reviewed several important

topics, including the Pastoral Vision and the Pastoral Guidebook. We also held roundtable discussions

about our Priorities, Pathways, and Partnerships for the next 100 years. As a diocese, we are united

and ready to move forward and face the challenges ahead. 

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.