Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

This Week's Letter From Father

Corpus Christi C

June 22, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ known also as Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ). The Eucharist is not a symbol. We believe that during the consecration the substances of the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ himself. The red lamp next to the tabernacle reminds us about his constant presence among us.

The word Eucharist derives from the Greek word Eucharistia and means: to give thanks. The Eucharist is a gift, not a reward. All our spirituality, ministry, along with service, flow from it.

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The earliest description of the Eucharist we have comes from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 11: 23-26 (our second reading). It was written at least ffteen years before the earliest gospel, the Gospel of Mark.

The institution of the Eucharist is recorded in Synoptic Gospels: Mark 14: 22-24, Matthew 26: 26-29 and Luke 22: 19-20.

The word Eucharist refers to the entire Mass, not just to the consecrated elements. Saint Angela of Foligno said: “If we paused for a moment to consider attentively what takes place in this Sacrament, I am sure that the thought of Christ’s love for us would transform the coldness of your hearts into a fre of love and gratitude.”

During the celebration of the Eucharist, we not only recall Jesus’ words and actions but also emulate his way of life. Father Godfrey Diekman, OSB asks: “What diference does it make if the bread and wine turn into the Body and Blood of Christ and we don't?” For that reason, we are invited to live Eucharistically. According to Father Henri Nouwen: “Living Eucharistically is living life as a gift, a gift for which one is grateful.”

The Gospel reading selected for this year’s solemnity (Luke 9: 11-17) depicts Jesus emulating God’s provision of manna for the Israelites in the desert (Exodus 16: 1-36). Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fshes which fed a multitude of men, women and children encourages us to feed the hungry not only with physical food but also with spiritual food. Ma. Marilou Ibita points out to us, Christian communities need to contribute “in ways that uphold economic, political, and socio-cultural rights that afect the food and drink security, sufficiency, and sovereignty of peoples.”

                                                                                  …..

Thank you, Lesley and Randy Ferguson, for taking me out for Father’s Day dinner. I enjoyed your company and the meal. Have a great family reunion.

Thank you, Marie and Spencer Olsen, for treating me to lunch. It was great to spend the time with you over a savory meal. I am glad that you are back for the summer.

Thank you, Mimi Pitula, for “The Backyard Bird Chronicles”. I look forward to reading it.

Carolina wrens sing for me every day. They have beautiful voices. Gray catbirds visit me in the garden daily. I have never seen them before. They like fruits and insects.

I love having a cup of cofee watching my squirrels, birds and bunnies, especially now when they bring their babies. With blessings,

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.