Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

           This Week's Letter From Father

Palm Sunday                           

March 29, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, when Jesus enters Jerusalem to fulfill his Paschal Mystery. Today, red is worn in honor of his suffering.
 
The earliest evidence of Palm Sunday celebrations dates back to the 8th century AD.
 
Some parishioners inquired about the origin of the palms used for Palm Sunday. To the best of my knowledge, the majority of the palms used in the United States for this occasion come from the cabbage palmetto, a palm tree primarily grown in Florida.
 
Jesus dedicated his life to spreading goodness and love. Though cherished by many, he faced misunderstanding and ridicule, ultimately meeting a tragic fate. Yet, he responded with remarkable compassion and forgiveness, embodying hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
 
We all know the pain of wounded love, betrayal, and abandonment by those we care about, including friends and coworkers. However, our suffering, like Jesus’, can become compassion when we choose to forgive and support others. According to Pope Francis, “Jesus’ passion becomes compassion whenever we extend a helping hand to those who feel they cannot go on, when we lift up those who have fallen, and when we embrace those who are discouraged.”
 
In his darkest moment before his death, Jesus prayed to the Father, expressing his feelings of despair in the words of Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
 
Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff emphasizes that: “the love of God was in Jesus, but it was withdrawn so that he could participate in the human hell of the ‘death of God’ suffered by many people. All these will never be alone.”
 
Father John P. Meier encourages us to remember that in challenging circumstances, “We must not let go of the hidden God, even if this God seems to let go of us.”
 
There are moments in life when we might feel far from God as if we’re navigating our struggles alone. That is when our faith is truly tested. Whether facing serious challenges like illness, the loss of someone dear, tough times at work or financial difficulties, it’s completely normal to wonder, “My god, where are you?” But remember, these trying times can lead to a richer connection with God, and we can find strength and hope in the journey ahead.
                                                                         …..
Join me in praying  for our outstanding OCIA candidates- Clyde Brooks, Robin Galyon, Olivia Pearce, and Sue Davidson. As they prepare for their reception into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, let’s surround them with blessings and encouragement. May this new chapter in their spiritual journey be filled with joy and grace.
 
Thank you so much, Annmarie Maxim, for the delicious pasta Bolognese. You always know how to bring something tasty to share, and I appreciate it.
 
Thank you so much, Sonny Nguyen, for the wonderful lunch at “Musashi.” Kathleen Donaldson and I really enjoyed the hibachi shrimp served over rice and vegetables, along with the refreshing ginger salad. Your warmth and hospitality made our lunch memorable. We cherished every moment.
 
A heartfelt thank you to Rouaida and Khalil Haddad for the delightful lunch. I cherish our friendship and look forward to many more wonderful memories together.
 
A warm thank you to Linda Gould for generously donating six palm plants for our Palm Sunday celebration. They wonderfully enhance the beauty of our sanctuary.
 
This Tuesday, I will participate in the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Raleigh. During this Mass, the bishop will bless the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick and consecrate the Sacred a Chrism. The Church uses these oils in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. Michele Roberts, Kim LeClair and Loredana Modafferi will receive these Olin’s on behalf of our parish.
 
Sending my warmest Palm Sunday wishes and blessings.

May all your troubles fade away,

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.