July: The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

               This Week's Letter From Father

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A               

July 19, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
This Sunday, we once again reflect on the parables that illustrate the growth of the kingdom of heaven and our faith journey. The Parables of the mustard seed and the leaven invite us to see God’s living word as it takes root and continues to flourish within our hearts. Benedict Viviano, O.P., highlights that “these parables paired in Matthew and Luke, one about a man, the other about a woman, reflecting the even-hand fairness of Jesus to both sexes.”
 
The kingdom of heaven is dynamic. It has already begun and must grow because it is alive. As followers of Jesus, we need to foster healthy growth to strengthen the kingdom of heaven through the works of our parish and our Church.
 
Benedict Viviano explains that the theme of the parable of the mustard seed is “the sudden and surprising shift from the near invisibility of the kingdom to its full grandeur and its universal, all-embracing hospitality.”
 
Jesus began with only twelve men and some women, and now, it’s inspiring to see nearly 1.5 billion Catholics around the globe.
 
For many people, it is hard to recognize the kingdom of heaven in our midst and in the world because it often appears in very small ways, much like a mustard seed, and often manifests quietly, although people would rather witness grand acts of God all at once. Yet, it’s those subtle moments that hold profound beauty. Embracing gradual growth can lead to a deeper appreciation of the Divine in our everyday lives.
 
The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that we don't need immense faith. Even the smallest amount of faith is sufficient to accomplish great things within our families, parishes, and communities. Instead of worrying or complaining about the seemingly tiny faith we possess, we should feel grateful for what we have. This gift of faith is truly special and comes from God.
 
Just as the mustard shrub is a dwelling place for many kinds of birds, we should strive that our parish and our community should always be a welcoming and dwelling place for all people.
 
The parable of the leaven illustrates how the kingdom of heaven operates from within, much like yeast that causes wheat flour to rise and eventually become bread. By opening to God’s infinite grace, we can improve our families, parishes, and communities. However, it’s important to remember that meaningful change doesn't happen overnight. We must remain consistent in our efforts and practice patience, trusting that God will work alongside us.
 
Fr. Benedict Viviano observes that the side effect of the parable of the leaven “is that it is possible to see God present and active in everyday things if one looks at them with wonder.”
 
Let us be like the yeast in our family, parish and country, nurturing and building each other for the better. Together let’s foster growth for a brighter future.
                                                                   ……
I was honored to baptize Ellen Aleli Le Roy. She is a beautiful baby! May the Lord Jesus abundantly bless her as she continues her journey of faith. May her parents and godparents be wonderful examples of Christian living for her.
 
Thank you, Kathleen and Bill Green for the delicious tomatoes. They were some of the best I have eaten.
 
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.