Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    A Special Message from Father Ryszard

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis has left the nation shaken. Gunfire during a school Mass killed two children and injured others, shattering the sense of safety in a place meant for peace and prayer.

Such violence raises painful questions: if even church is not safe, where can we go? Yet Christians throughout history have turned to the Mass in times of tragedy. It is not about easy answers, but about finding a place to bring grief together. The rhythm of prayer and the presence of the Eucharist remind us that God is with us, entering our suffering and offering a peace beyond words.

For the grieving, this is especially powerful: at every Mass, we are united with the saints and the departed. In this mystery, those children remain close in Christ, and love is not broken by death.

Returning to church after violence takes courage. But the Eucharist is stronger than fear. From the earliest Christians under persecution to today’s faithful, gathering for Mass is an act of hope.

The path ahead will be hard, but the Church continues its deepest work: to pray, to heal, and to trust that love is stronger than death. Even in heartbreak, the words of the liturgy remain: “Peace be with you.” May the children rest in God’s peace, and may every heart find consolation and strength in the Eucharist.

Life is very precious and safety is our utmost priority!

        Father Ryszard

This Week's Letter From Father

Triumph of the Cross C

September 14, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross. In Eastern churches this feast dates to the fourth century. It entered the Western calendar in the seventh century. We observe the Exaltation of the Cross to honor the cross on which our Lord, Jesus Christ was crucified.

Jesus’ death on the cross is central to our faith. It is the event about which we have the greatest historical certainty. The death of Jesus is corroborated by extra biblical non-Christian writings such as the Roman historian Tacitus, Jewish historian Josephus and Jewish philosopher Philo.

According to John’s Meier’s educated guess, Jesus died on the evening of Friday, April 7, 30 AD at approximately the age of thirty-six.

Crucifixion was a common way of execution in the Roman empire. The idea of crucifixion was so shameful that Cicero once wrote: “The idea of the cross should never come near bodies of Roman citizens; it should never pass through their thoughts, eyes or ears.”

Martin Hengel points out that: “Crucifixion was aggravated further by the fact that quite often its victims were never buried. It was a stereotyped picture that the crucified victim served as food for wild beasts and birds of prey. In this way his humiliation was made complete. What it meant for a man in antiquity to be refused burial, and the dishonor which went with it, can hardly be appreciated by modern men.”

For us, this instrument of torture - the cross, is a symbol of victory over evil and death. So today we lift high the cross mindful that the tree of death has become for us the tree of life. What was intended to be a sign of Jesus’ total defeat has become a sign by which we bless ourselves and others and therefore, we are blessed as well.

Saint Anthony of Padua said: “Nowhere other than looking at himself in the mirror of the Cross man better understands how much he is worth.”

Today we bring our emotions and experiences to the cross. We present these difficult moments in our life so the Lord can fill them with the power of resurrection, so we can live in an unending presence of God.

In our suffering, we are not alone. Saint Teresa of Avila invites us: “Let us look to the cross and be filled with peace, knowing that Christ has walked this road and walks it now with us and with all our brothers and sisters.”

                                                                             …..

I was honored to baptize John Andrew Koch Jr. Seeing his joyful smile throughout the ceremony was heartwarming. Even at just six years old, he vividly recalls the pouring of water and the anointings. I am happy for the incredible journey of faith that lies ahead for him, and I wish John Andrew abundant blessings!

I had the privilege of celebrating a Mass for Fabiola Jimenez’s birthday, she looked stunning in her traditional Mexican costume, accompanied by her chambelanes and damas. During the liturgy, Fabiola recited the Creed and dedicated herself to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The happiness remained in her heart, and a smile was always on her face. I am filled with hope that the Lord will bless her life and faith journey, and that the Virgin of Guadalupe will guide her every step of the way.

I had the delightful experience of meeting my favorite squirrel and her adorable baby! Watching the little one bravely climb down the tree to greet me was a joy, especially when the loving mother gently scooped him up and carried him back to safety. What a touching moment!

A heartfelt thank you, Donna and Marty Fitzgerald, for a delightful dinner. Your two adorable parrots stole my heart. I am excited to teach them Polish. What a wonderful evening full of laughter and good company.

I am truly grateful, Rouaida and Khalil Haddad, for another delightful dinner together. The swordfish with brown butter emulsion, mushrooms, capers, piquillo peppers, and preserved orange was absolutely spectacular, and the chocolate orange cheesecake took it to another level. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful culinary experience with me.

I am thrilled to share the wonderful news that Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis have been canonized, while Archbishop Eduard Profittlich and Maria Magdalena Bodi have been beatified. It is such an exciting time, and you can read more about them in my book “Sparkles in a Bonfire.”

With continued 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.