Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

    This Week's Letter From Father

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

February 15, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In our Gospel reading from Matthew 5:17-36, we encounter Jesus' teaching with profound authority. He confidently challenges the traditions, saying, “You have heard the commandment imposed on your forefathers … What I say to you is.”

The Torah has always been of great importance to the Jewish people, guiding their lives and beliefs. Jesus affirms both the law and the prophets. He doesn’t cite external sources but speaks with his own authority, unlike the rabbis, who interpret the Torah and the prophets by quoting passages from the Hebrew Scriptures and the interpretations of those passages by renowned rabbis.

The author of the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes that it’s not just about articulating Church teachings- it’s about putting them into action. Our daily lives reflect our beliefs, showing that faith is best demonstrated through our actions, not merely through words.

At the core of the law is building good relationships with one another.

Our Gospel reading reminds us that guiding someone who has made a serious mistake can be truly transformative. When we gently help them recognize their actions and mistakes, we open the door to understanding and growth. Kindness and empathy are essential to healing and change; any other approach may do more harm than good.

What a wonderful opportunity it is to communicate with someone who has erred. By expressing our thoughts respectfully and compassionately, we can inspire meaningful growth and transformation while preserving their dignity and encouraging positive response.

When discussing adultery or divorce, let’s embrace the idea that morality entails profound responsibility, not only legally but also in our personal integrity and relationships.

Our conscience promotes us to ask important questions beyond those found in the Bible and civil law. It’s essential to prioritize the individual and their unique circumstances over rigid legal texts, fostering thoughtful, compassionate decision-making in every situation.

                                                                               …..

We had a few beautiful snow days, which I truly enjoyed. However, it eventually came to shoveling snow and dealing with the thaw. I would like to extend my gratitude to Paul Acheson, David Acheson, and Joe Smith for clearing the entrances to the church and rectory. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to the wonderful Kindergarten Class for the hand-painted cards and wishes. I loved reading each one. You all made my day so special.

Hey, Michele Roberts! I really appreciate your lunch invitation. The Mediterranean food was delightful, and our conversation made it even more enjoyable.

Hey, Rouaida Haddad! Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing tomato bisque. It was a delightful and unexpected treat on National Soup Day.

Thank you, Khalil Haddad, for the fantastic coffee cheesecake. I look forward to the cheesecake tasting. Let me know the date of the event.

The Olympic Winter Games are in full swing. I hope you’re enjoying watching them. My favorite sports are figure skating, alpine skiing, and freestyle skiing . In my opinion, figure skaters are artists on ice. Still, I am happy for all men and women participating in these wonderful events. This quote applies not only to the athletes but to every human being: “It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than you were yesterday.”

As every year at this time, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is underway. Your contribution helps train future priests, support Catholic schools, and promote faith through evangelization and discipleship. It shows compassion via Catholic Charities, bolsters campus and parish ministries, and benefits the most in need- the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the marginalized. When it comes to money, you can’t take it with you, but you can send it forth.

Next Wednesday marks Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. We will have light suppers each Friday before gathering for the Stations of the Cross.

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.