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

Third Sunday of Advent A                 

December 14, 2025 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

The closer we are to Christmas; the more challenging Advent can be. The hectic time during

this season is marked by buying and wrapping gifts, cleaning and decorating homes, stringing

lights, baking cookies, and hosting or attending parties. Don't let stress overwhelm you. 

Beyond that, some people face a serious illness, death of a loved one or friend, caring for 

elderly parents, wayward children, struggling with financial burdens, having their hearts broken

because of divorce or rejection, dealing with guilt, a thankless job, or something known only to

them. 

On this Gaudete Sunday, let us brighten someone with a kind word, a smile, a note of 

encouragement or an o􀆯er of help. Enjoy those around you. Christ’s presence is priceless and

so is the company of those we love. 

Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday is so-called from the first word of the antiphon at the Introit. The

word “Gaudete” is taken from the Latin translation of the Letter to the Philippians 4:4-5 which

sets a tone of joyful expectation of the birth of Jesus and his Second Coming. “Rejoice in the

Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at

hand.” 

As we are halfway to Christmas, the author of the Letter of James (5:7-10), our second reading

selected for this Sunday, admonishes us to patiently prepare for the coming of the Lord. We

must be like the patient farmer awaiting the precious yield of the soil. “You too must be patient.

Steady your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Let us rejoice. The Lord is 

nearer than we think. However, that doesn't mean sitting back and doing nothing. The farmer

does his part by tilling the soil, removing weeds from the field, and planting seeds. God 

provides rain so that the hard work of the farmer can yield produce. 

Like the farmer, we need to collaborate with God’s grace so our faith will not die but become

more mature. By doing so, our good words, deeds and attitudes will attract others to Christ and

produce precious yield. 

In our Gospel reading (Matthew 11:2-11), imprisoned John reflects on his own prophecy 

that ended abruptly and tries to review the situation he finds himself in. Expressing doubts if

Jesus was the real Messiah, he sends forth his disciples to bring him an answer. They return as

eyewitnesses of God’s power working in Jesus for the bene􀆱t of all people: “the blind recover

their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the

poor have the good news preached to them.” 

When John’s messengers departed, Jesus praises John the Baptist as a great man, more than a

prophet. We too should praise and give credit to those who deserve it. 

John the Baptist reminds us that doubt refines our faith in God. And faith gives us hope that all

will be well. 

                                                                         ….. 

I appreciate you both, Bridget and Bob Stubblefield. Our delightful conversation about birds

and squirrels, and the natural environment over cappuccinos was wonderful. You’re 

fantastic neighbors, and I’m grateful for your friendship. 

Irene and Jake, thank you so much for the lovely dinner. I was amazed by your incredible stamp

collection from around the globe. What a unique hobby! I had such a wonderful evening and

enjoyed every bite of the delicious meal. 

We had a beautiful Advent Penance Service. I am grateful to Frs. Pat Keane and Vic Gournas for

assisting me with hearing confessions. 

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.