Love God, Love Others, Share the Good News!

           This Week's Letter From Father

Fourth Sunday of Easter A                     

April 26, 2026
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Each year, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter, affectionately known as Good Shepherd Sunday.
 
Many older generations fondly remember the beautiful stained-glass windows in churches and the holy cards depicting sentimental images of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. These images show Him wearing a pristine white robe, unstained by sheep manure or swat from hard labor in the scorching heat. In one hand, he lovingly cradles a pure white lamb, while in the other hand, Jesus confidently holds a shepherd’s hook. These visuals evoke memories of his incredible love and dedication to all of us.
 
The image of the shepherd appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible. Not only are leaders such as Moses and rulers like David described as shepherds, but God Himself is also referred to as a Shepherd. In contrast to God, who is dedicated to the welfare and well-being of all, kings are often depicted as careless and unfaithful to the subjects entrusted to them.
 
A shepherd’s imagery also appears in the Gospels: Mark 6:35, Matthew 25:32-34, and Luke 15:3-7.
 
In our Gospel reading from John 10:1-10, Jesus illustrates the bond between the good shepherd and his sheep. He knows each one by name and guides them to lush pastures. When he says, “I am the gate,” he reassures us that true safety is found in him. His pivotal message, “I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly,” inspires us to revel in the abundant physical, spiritual, and sacramental life he offers here on earth and in the promise of eternal life in heaven.
 
As we grow older, we realize that our world becomes smaller. We experience the loss of loved ones and friends; we face declines in physical and mental abilities and let go of many things we once took for granted. It’s important to remember that Jesus is our way and our gate. What God has in store for us is beyond our understanding, and more amazing that we can imagine.
 
Meanwhile, let the Lord help us listen more closely to his voice so that we can effectively continue his mission in the world. Let us also seek the Lord’s strength and courage so that, through our words and actions, we can embody what St. Paul describes as “the aroma of Christ” to others.
                                                                       …..
Pope Leo XIV stated: “Blessed are the peacemakers. But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.”
 
At St. Egbert, we express our unwavering support for Pope Leo XIV and pray  for his well-being amidst scandalous assaults. We hold you in high regard, Holy Father.
 
I’m excited to share some wonderful news with you. We’re starting a brand-new ministry at our parish: the Saint Joseph Study Group for men, led by Doug Browne and Tony Alfano. Let’s give them a warm welcome.
 
A big thank you to Charlie Ogle for the delicious lunch and cappuccino. It was so wonderful to see you again and spend quality time together. I truly enjoy hearing Charlie’s stories. Did you know he became a paratrooper at Fort Bragg at just 13 serving in World War II. At only 16, he joined the Navy, and after a long military career, he worked for GE until retiring for the second time.
 
A heartfelt thanks to Pat and Finn O’Connor for the delicious Irish dinner . We enjoyed a wonderful evening together. It was good to catch up on life.
 
I truly enjoy observing the adorable baby squirrels, sparrows, and a lovely variety of baby birds, including Carolina wrens, tufted titmice, chickadees, house finches, cardinals, bluebirds, robins, blue jays, mourning doves, Eurasian- collared doves, mockingbirds, brown thrushes, red-winged blackbirds, swallows, and grackles. It’s such a delightful way to connect with nature.
 
It is always wonderful to watch the flocks of ibises and pelicans fly in formation, whether in V-shapes or in synchronized lines.
 
I also enjoy spending time in the garden with my adorable bunny. She brings me so much joy.
 
Dragonflies are already here and I enjoy seeing them too. They always add such a touch of magic to the moment.
 
The 2026 Mount Everest climbing season has officially begun, with teams arriving at the base camp. They will attempt to summit the world’s highest peak in May, if the weather window allows. We wish them and all who attempt other eight-thousand-meter peaks in the Himalaya successful summits and safe returns home.
 
I am looking forward to baptisms of two siblings: Noah Galvin and Graham Smith Hunt. I am also eagerly anticipating our children’s First Communion next Sunday.
 
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.