June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating

Father's Day

Today we give thanks to God for the gift of fathers and all those who lovingly fulfill the role of a father in the lives of others. As we celebrate Father's Day, we look to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as a model of faith, humility, strength, and selfless love. May God bless all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and father figures with wisdom and grace as they guide their families. We also remember in prayer those whose fathers have passed away and all who find this day difficult. Through the intercession of St. Joseph, may all fathers be strengthened in their vocation and know the gratitude and love of their families and parish community.

Honoring Fathers Through The Example of St. Joseph

               This Week's Letter From Father

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time A         

June 21, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Today, we celebrate the joyful arrival of summer, a season that fills my heart with excitement. I cherish the long days bathed in warm sunlight, just as Anthony Hincks beautifully expressed: “Sunlight makes the world come alive, so have a day filled with sunshine.” Ralph Waldo Emerson added to this sentiment, inviting us to “live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
 
Our beautiful Crystal Coast truly is a gem. With its sparkling Atlantic Ocean, pristine beaches, peaceful Bogue Sound, and Newport River, it’s a paradise for both visitors and those lucky enough to call it home year-round. Vibrant singing birds, playful dolphins, and lively squirrels surround us. Don't forget about the golf courses that welcome us even in winter. Here’s to a wonderful summer ahead.
 
This Sunday, we reflect on the passage from Matthew 10:26-33. In the first verse, Jesus tells the apostles- and us- not to let ourselves be intimidated by others. “Do not let men intimidate you.” We all encounter bullies in politics, society, the Church, and many other parts of life.
 
When we proclaim the word of God, we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, who faced opposition from bullies. He encountered opposition from both religious and political leaders. The apostles and many faithful followers have faced similar trials.
 
Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived between AD 50 and 135, had a unique approach to those who sought to intimidate him. He said, “I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.”
 
Epictetus emphasized the individuality of our inner selves, particularly our thoughts, values, and character that define our core being.
 
Jesus did not promise that we would be free from harm, false accusations, slander, mockery, or even death while sharing the gift of faith we have received. Martyrdom is a reality faced by some members of the Catholic Church and is part of their journey as Catholics. However, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
 
We are not alone in this. The Holy Spirit works within us and comes “to the aid of our weakness,” helping us during moments of frailty and fear. Even when words fail us in prayer, “the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings (Romans 8:26)”.
 
Our ability to overcome fear and intimidation is rooted in the strength that the Holy Spirit provides. As Jeremiah 5:22 states, the God who strengthens and protects us is the one who “sets the sandy shore as the sea’s boundary.” The sandy shoreline, disturbed by the sea and causing fear in everyone, serves as a limit on the sea and prevents its uncontrollable expansion.
 
In today’s Gospel, Jesus said, “What you heard whispered, proclaim from the housetops” (Matthew 10:37). Before sharing God’s word with others, we must first listen to it, allowing Jesus to whisper it into our ears. Then, we need to meditate on it and digest it to understand its significance so we can truly live it out in our lives. Beyond understanding the text, we must also see Jesus beyond it. Only then can we genuinely proclaim his message.
                             …..

Pope Leo XIV at Sagrada Familia in Barcelona said in his homily: “We cannot believe in Jesus and promote war. We cannot believe in Jesus and kill the innocent. We cannot believe in Jesus and abandon those who suffer, those who weep, those who flee from misery.” He also said in Gran Canaria, “Human dignity has no passport and does not lose its value when crossing a border.”
 
I had a wonderful time celebrating Mass for the Ladies Guild and witnessing the installation of their officers. It was a joyful occasion.
 
I sincerely thank Annmarie Maxim for another wonderful dinner. As I have mentioned before, your delightful meals always brightened my days when you are visiting. I genuinely appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness.
 
Today is Father’s Day. Let’s honor our fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, both living and deceased, fathers-to-be, and everyone who fathers and nurtures children in their care- wishing everyone endless joy and blessings on this special day.
 
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.