Lenten Penance Service

Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    This Week's Letter From Father

Fourth Sunday of Lent A                     

March 15, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, as we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we hear the story of Jesus healing a man born blind (John 9:1-41). You might expect everyone in the story to be happy about the miracle that restored the man’s sight. However, the reality is quite different. The man, now able to see, is condemned as a sinner and expelled by the Pharisees. Many people prefer to remember him as he was before the healing-blind and begging. They also view Jesus as a sinner for healing the man on the Sabbath.

When Jesus hears of the man’s dismissal, he seeks him out. As a result, the man who initially recognized Jesus as a prophet comes to believe that Jesus is the Lord, the Son of God.

The religious leaders portrayed in the Gospel reading should guide others toward faith, but like some contemporary leaders, they do not. Because of their rigid religious beliefs and political ideologies, they refuse to accept others’ perspectives. Unfortunately, divisive attitudes, and prejudice are part of their everyday lives.

A wise Hasidic rabbi once posed a captivating question to his students: How can we truly discern the transition from night to day, from darkness to light? The students offered various logical answers, such as distinguishing a dog from a sheep or a date tree from a fig tree, and even mentioned specific prayers and rituals tied to each time of day or night. Yet the rabbi offered a profound insight: “You know night has given way to a day when you look into the eyes of another person and see a brother or sister. If you are unable to recognize this connection, then night still lingers, and darkness prevails in you.”

A society thrives when we respect one another, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or legal status. In our polarized country, we must refuse to harm others and speak up when we witness harm. Our divisions will diminish only when we recognize our shared humanity and the bonds among us. By overcoming prejudice and fostering love, we can begin treating each other with the same love that God shows us.

                                                                            …..

Bishop Luis visited our parish on Saturday and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to our youth. Through this sacrament, they were sealed with the Holy Spirit, strengthening their faith and deepening their commitment to the Church. After the ceremony, we gathered for a reception in the Parish Hall. We look forward to his next visit, and we will continue to keep him and the confirmands in our prayers.

Hi Urania Mitchell. I appreciate the lunch invitation. The Chilean Sea bass in that Italian style was delicious. It was great reconnecting with you, and I am thrilled to hear that your family is doing so well.

A huge thank you, Alyson Vick, for the delicious homemade beef and sausage soup, bread and pie. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.

A heartfelt thank you to Annmarie Maxim for a delicious chicken parmigiana. You always cook something tasty for me when you’re in town. I genuinely appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I recommend reading the National Catholic Reporter, a weekly Catholic magazine available online. The articles are well-researched and rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Spring arrives on Friday, March 20th. Remember, “Walk lightly in spring; Mother Earth is pregnant.”

The following day is World Poetry Day. Take some time to read a poem and try your hand at writing one, too.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of nature and the magic of words together,



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.