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September: A Month of Reflection and Renewal

               This Week's Letter From Father

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time A 

September 13, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In our Gospel reading from Matthew 18:21-35, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, when my brother wrongs me, how often I must forgive him? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “No, not seven times; I say, seventy times seven times.”

When the Gospel of Matthew was written, the common standard for forgiveness was to forgive someone up to three times. Peter’s suggestion, though somewhat strict and legalistic, was still more generous than the previous standard for forgiveness.

This Gospel reading emphasizes that the focus is not on setting strict limits on our obligation to forgive. It’s not about counting how many times we should forgive; rather, it’s about the sincerity of our forgiveness. When we forgive, it must come from the heart. If it doesn’t, we truly haven't forgiven at all. The phrase “seventy times seven” symbolically represents the idea that our forgiveness should be endless, unlimited, and overflowing.

Jesus inspires us to embrace the boundless nature of God’s forgiveness, reminding us that true forgiveness must resonate deeply within and flow genuinely from our hearts.

We understand how challenging it can be to show mercy to those who have wronged us. However, when we forgive, we forgive people, not their evil actions. Forgiving does not mean forgetting; it means we stop dwelling on the offense. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past- it frees us from its grip, opening doors to healing and growth.

St Ambrose of Milan (339-397) said, “Forgiveness is not only a gift to others; it is also a gift we give to ourselves.”

Holding on to resentment harms us more than it harms others. It negatively affects our spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. Choosing to forgive liberates us, promoting our spiritual, mental, and physical health while alleviating the burdens of anger we carry.

Abbot Grigor of Narek (c.950-c.1005) prayed in this manner, “Remember, Lord, those of the human race who are our enemies as well, and for their benefit, grant them pardon and mercy … Do not destroy those who persecute me but reform them. Remove the vile ways of this world and plant goodness in them and me.”

Forgiving others is a wonderful skill we can develop through practice. By releasing our hurts and embracing forgiveness, we invite more compassion, empathy, and patience into our lives. It’s equally essential to extend forgiveness when it’s sought. This uplifting journey enriches our growth as followers of Jesus, filling our hearts with joy and inner peace.

                                                                  …..

Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for our Confirmation candidates. May they joyfully embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit and grow in their faith as they prepare for this sacred Sacrament.

The Cooking Club and Drinks and Dogma are hosting a gathering next Wednesday. The theme is “Grandma’s Favorite Treat,” and Dogma will focus on Traditions.

I am looking forward to the meeting of our new ministry, the Young Family Group, on October 3. This ministry is a wonderful opportunity for expectant parents and families with young children to connect with other young parents, share both the joys and challenges of parenting, and grow in faith together as we build a Christ-centered home.

Thank you, Pat Brennan, for the pumpernickel bread. I loved every single slice and really appreciate your thoughtful gesture.

Thank you, Bridget and Bob Stubblefield, for a lovely morning and delightful espresso chat. I’m thrilled to hear your puppy is thriving.

Thank you, Kathleen Donaldson, for the lunch. Your Jamaican jerk chicken with rice and coleslaw was excellent. I also enjoyed your Salmorejo gazpacho topped with a hard-boiled egg, creamy purée, and ham. The apple pie was fantastic as well. It was a pleasure spending the afternoon with you, and your friends Jane and Fran.

Thank you, Nancy and Frank Hughes, for the lovely dinner. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Italy despite the hot temperatures.

Thank you so much, Sandy and Tim Conroy, for the delightful dinner. It was a joy to catch up. I’m thrilled for you as you eagerly await the arrival of your first grandchild this month.

Great news. This week, we’re getting new air-conditioning units for the Parish Hall. We’re excited to make it even more comfortable for everyone.

Thirty years ago, on September 5, 1996, I experienced the impactful Category 3 hurricane Fran. Two months prior, I faced my first hurricane, a Category 2 storm named Berta. Later, on September 14, 2018, hurricane Florence, Category 1 storm, affected me and many others. While I have encountered other hurricanes, including a cyclone in Tokyo, none have matched the severity of the first three.

September is typically the most active month for hurricanes. I just saw the weather report and am glad to share that no new Atlantic hurricane is expected to form this week and threaten our Crystal Coast.

Let’s unite in prayer for our diocese's priests as we come together for the 2026 Annual Priest Retreat. Bishop Robert Baker is our presenter this year.

With prayers and 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.