Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

           This Week's Letter From Father

The Ascension of the Lord                       

May 17, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is traditionally celebrated on Thursday, forty days after Easter. However, in many dioceses across the United States, including our own, this observance is moved to the following Sunday, the Sunday before Pentecost.
 
This feast marks the end of Easter season and serves as a transition from the forty days that filled Easter, during which the risen Christ appeared. It leads us into the ongoing life of the Church. Now, God works through and in us, just as He did through and in the apostles and followers of Jesus throughout the centuries.
 
St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine of Hyppo referred to the ascension of Jesus, but it was likely St. Gregory of Nyssa who significantly influenced the celebration of this feast.
 
In the first reading (Acts 15:1-2,22-29), the ascension of Jesus occurs on the Mount of Olives forty days after his resurrection. The Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20 does not mention the ascension because it coincides with the resurrection.
 
As Jesus ascends to heaven, he leaves a community of imperfect disciples he has formed. These disciples show weaknesses and incompetence yet are eager to grow and learn together. He entrusts them with everything he has said, done, and revealed about God, empowering them to teach others to follow his teachings. Jesus does not expect them to share everything he taught verbatim; instead, he wants them to ensure they carry out his teachings. He instructs them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” They are to serve as his witnesses throughout the world, even to the point of martyrdom.
 
What methods or tools should we use to teach others the lessons of Jesus? The most effective approach is to lead by example, living according to the Gospel’s standards. When people see that our words and actions align with our behavior and way of life, they will be more likely to believe us and embrace the Good News of the Gospel.
 
Despite our imperfections, shortcomings, and sins, Jesus entrusts us with the responsibility to be his witnesses, even to the point of martyrdom if necessary. He wants us to demonstrate through our lives that the Good News he proclaimed is truly Good.
 
With the same faith he had in the apostles, he believes in our ability to accept God’s abundant love and grace and share them joyfully with others wherever we go.
 
We can take heart in his promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the world.”
 
St. Catherine of Siena said: “When we are what we are called to be, then and only then, we will set the world ablaze.”
                                                                    …..
Pope Leo XIV recently expressed, “If someone wants to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let him do so truthfully. For years, the Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt on that point.” He also remarked, “The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace. I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the value of the Word of God.”
 
I'm excited to share that Smith Hunt, Annie Lusink, Xander DePriest, Valerio Montesano, Vanessa Roberts, Joshua Garcia and Ames Green-Kline are stepping up as altar servers. Their commitment is truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to Alison Vick and Pat Brennan for guiding them in this vital role within our parish community. Current Altar Server, Hope Green-Kline helped trainers. A huge thank you to you, Hope.
 
I am also thrilled to share that Victoria Salas led the previous Altar Serving training, and Theodore Nguyen, Fraser Bouck and Van Nguyen were trained. I am proud of them.
 
Keep up the great work everyone.
 
I invite you to participate in a 5-week study titled, “A Scriptural Walk through the Mass,” starting on May 30/31. We will delve into the scriptural roots of our beloved Catholic liturgy, uncovering the meanings behind the ritual, and deepening our appreciation of this sacred celebration. 

Hey Annmarie Maxim, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the spaghetti and meatballs. It was absolutely delicious. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
 
The dolphins are still delighting me as they swim through the beautiful waters of Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. They keep reminding me of the beauty and joy of nature.
 
With blessings,


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.