Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.

We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"

Amen.

Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    This Week's Letter From Father

Second Sunday of Advent A                   

December 7, 2025 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Today we enter the Second Sunday of Advent. The time of joyful waiting for Christmas is a 

reminder that our entire life is an advent, waiting for the meeting with our Savior face to face. We

should be happy, optimistic and trustful in the fulfillment of God’s promises. Saint Julian of Norwich

believed strongly that God will transform us and the entire creation. “All shall be well, and all 

manner of things shall be well.” What great news! 

Our Gospel reading (Matthew 3:1-12), takes us to the desert of Judea where we meet John the 

Baptist, the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah, both of priestly lineage. Like the prophet Elijah, he

wore camel hair and a leather girdle around his waist and ate honey and locusts. Quoting the

prophet Isaiah, John describes himself as the forerunner of the Lord, summoning people to:

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” 

Having recognized John’s prophetic authority, Jesus spoke praises of John and declared him: “a

burning and shining lamp.” 

As the prophets of the past, John too proclaims threats of imminent judgment on those who

strayed from the ways of the God of Israel. To encourage change of heart, he employed harsh 

insults (“you brood of vipers”) and violent threats. 

We must not use such words and threats if we want to attract people to Christ. However, like John,

who was the precursor of Jesus in birth and death, we are to prepare the way for the Lord, so others

can see our love and care for each other and the created world, and recognize in our words, deeds

and attitudes, the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our midst. 

St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles, in our second reading (Romans 15:4-9), reminds us of the 

importance of reading Sacred Scriptures which were written for our instruction and encouragement

to live the words of God. 

He also calls us to unity amid diversity. “Accept one another, then, as Christ accepted you, for the

glory of God.” We are not only to accept each other, and Catholic visitors to our church, but all 

people regardless of their creeds, race, ethnic origin, and socioeconomic status. 

Harmony should be our ideal for peaceful living. Sri Chinmoy said: “If you can create harmony in

your own life, this harmony will enter into the vast world.” 

                                                                             ….. 

Tomorrow we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin

Mary. This feast originated in the 7th century as the Feast of the Conception of Mary by Saint Anne.

Pope Clement XI, in his Bull, Commissi Nobis Divinitus, established this 

Solemnity for the entire Church in 1708. The Immaculate Conception is our belief that Mary, the

Mother of Jesus, was free from all stains of original sin from the very moment of her conception in

the womb of her mother, St. Anne. Pope Pius IX in his Bull, Ineffabilis Deus (Latin for Ineffable God), 

defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 1854. “The Most Blessed Virgin

Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty

God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved from all

stains of original sin.” 

On December 12th, together with the Hispanic community, we will honor Our Lady of Guadalupe

who holds a special place in the devotional life of the Mexican people. Her image has played a 

significant role as the national symbol of Mexico and a sign of unity during difficult times, wars, 

religious persecution, and hardships our neighboring country has endured. 

Many thanks to Loredana Modafferi. I enjoyed the delightful dinner and espresso. Our conversation

was wonderful. You're doing a great job as a principal- keep it up. 

A huge thank you to Marilyn and Steve Vogios for another fantastic dinner. It was a joy to catch up

with you both, as well as with Barbara and Michael Basher. The evening was rich with great 

conversations. I enjoyed every minute. 

Lucy and Jimmy Bond, thank you for the savory minestrone and apple cake you brought me. I had

such a great time enjoying them. 

A warm thank you to Kathy Richardson, Lisa Surfass, Michele Roberts, Tony Alfano and Peter

Alfano for generously serving the Thanksgiving meal to our brothers and sisters in need on the

Crystal Coast. It was wonderful to ecumenically unite St. Egbert Catholic Church and First Baptist

Church for this uplifting event. Seeing everyone come together filled my heart with joy, knowing

we made a positive impact by sending so many people home with full bellies and bright smiles. 

A special thank you to Paul Acheson, Grand Knight, and our Knights of Columbus for delivering 41

complete Turkey Box Meals to those most vulnerable shut-ins. It was a beautiful initiative that will

continue with a Christmas Food Drive, too. Thank you, Brothers! 

Many thanks to our Parish and School family for Thanksgiving cards and wishes. I hope your

Thanksgiving Day was amazing. 

In Christ, 

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.