SCAM ALERT: Fraudulent Messages Impersonating Father Ryszard

We have received reports that parishioners are receiving fraudulent text messages and emails from individuals pretending to be Father Ryszard. These messages may request money, gift cards, financial assistance, or other urgent favors. Please be aware: Father Ryszard and no one acting on behalf of St. Egbert Catholic Church will ever contact you by text, email, or social media asking you to purchase gift cards, send money, or provide personal financial assistance. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Father Ryszard or St. Egbert Catholic Church: 

• Do not respond
• Do not click on any links
• Do not send money, purchase gift cards, or provide personal or financial information.
• Please delete the message and block the sender.

We encourage all parishioners to remain vigilant and to share this information with family members and fellow parishioners who may also be targeted. Thank you for helping us protect our St. Egbert parish community from fraud and scams.

August: A Month of Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

               This Week's Letter From Father

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time A                         

August 16, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s Gospel reading, taken from Matthew 15:21-28, describes Jesus’ encounter with an unnamed Canaanite woman whose daughter is possessed. This woman lives in the region of Sidon and Tyre, which are located outside the Jewish territory. Today, Sidon is known as Sayda and Tyre as Sur- both of which are ancient Phoenician cities situated in Lebanon. These cities and the encounter of Jesus with the Canaanite woman remind us of the rich tapestry of history and faith that connect us all, enriching our understanding of each other.

Why is Jesus journeying beyond the Jewish territory into a pagan land? Perhaps he feels tired and disappointed due to the lack of faith in him from his people and rejection of him.

In this Gentile region, the Canaanite woman faces double marginalization by the Jews, who consider her perpetually unclean due to her being a woman (menstruant) and a pagan, a foreigner.

Today, we are shocked to witness Jesus’ rude and disrespectful behavior toward her. The woman pleads for his help, saying, “Have pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a demon.” What does he do? He remains silent, not responding to her.

How many times do we cry out to God for help when we are facing suffering, marital problems, challenges in our relationships at work, prejudice, and only receive silence? We call out again and again yet still get no answer. This leaves us feeling tired, weary, angry, disappointed, and discouraged, making it seem as if God does not love or care for us. Sometimes, in our frustration, we even abandon Him.

What happens next in this story is even worse. When she approaches Jesus again and asks, “Help me, Lord,” he replies harshly: “It is not right to take the food of sons and daughters and throw it to the dogs.”

The Gentiles kept their dogs at home, while the Jews did not, as they considered them unclean, similar to how they viewed the Gentiles.

With unwavering determination, she responds, “Please, Lord, even the dogs enjoy the crumbs that drop from their masters’ tables.” What a testament to hope and resilience. She holds her own in the debate with Jesus.

And Jesus says, “Woman, you have great faith.” This Canaanite woman is the only person in the Gospel of Matthew whom Jesus calls a woman of great faith. She shines as a beacon of great faith, earning Jesus’ admiration. Her steadfast belief is so powerful that it outshines and surpasses that of his own people.

This woman’s strong faith radiates with genuine love for both her daughter and God. It inspires Jesus and transforms his initial hesitation into heartfelt compassion and meaningful action. Her faith is resilient enough to endure moments when God’s presence feels like absence and silence.

The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman teaches us that when we reach out beyond the familiar, we can find God in people from different countries and cultures.

We must avoid falling into the trap Jonathan Swift warned about: having “just enough religion to hate, but not enough to love.” Such an attitude distorts the true message of the Sacred Scriptures about God. It distorts what the Gospels reveal about Him/Her in Jesus.

                                                                        …..

Yesterday, we had a wonderful Orientation for Catechist and Volunteers for the 2026/2027 Faith Formation Year. The session covered curriculum updates, volunteer roles, sacramental prep, safety protocols, and additional topics.

Thank you to all those who supported the Knights of Columbus Yard Sale and raffle ticket sales. Your generosity is appreciated. The funds raised will support our Faith Formation Program, St. Egbert School, and our seminarians.

Thank you, Marie and Spencer Olsen, and Sandra and Shack Shackleford, for the wonderful dinner filled with engaging conversation and laughter. It was truly enjoyable to spend the evening with you once more.

I’m excited to give a special blessing to our teachers next Friday as they get the classrooms ready for the students. I’m also looking forward to the upcoming school year at St. Egbert School. The students will come back the following week.

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.