July: The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

               This Week's Letter From Father

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

July 12, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Catholic Bible is not a single book, it comprises 73 books. This includes 46 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. The canon of these books was formalized in the late 4th century at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage, and reaffirmed by the Council of Trent in the 16th century.

The Bible is not a scientific book; it is a theological book that explains God and His will for us, offering insights into our faith and spirituality.



Starting today and for the next few Sundays, we'll enjoy some of Jesus’ teachings through parables about the kingdom of heaven. However, to fully experience the impact of these parables, we must participate in them.

In our first reading from Isaiah (55:10-11) and in the Gospel reading from Matthew (13:1-23), we are invited to connect with nature. Both passages lead us to reflect on seeds and their potential. Isaiah emphasizes the rain that nourishes the earth, allowing the seeds to grow and bear fruit. In contrast, Jesus  highlights the importance of the soil, which can either hinder or support seed growth.

The seeds sown by the sower in various types of soil symbolize our reception and response to God’s word in our lives. In other words, God’s word is like a seed; it can either bear much fruit or fall on deaf ears. God’s message can thrive or, sadly, go unheard. So, we are invited to own our hearts and minds to the abundant possibilities.

The word of God reveals His desire for us but also forms us. It forms us when we receive it with open hearts and minds. When we embrace it wholeheartedly, it transforms our lives and aligns us with His will for us.

Understanding the word of God requires an intentional effort on our part. It involves making the right choice. We can hear the message, but still do not fully comprehend it. This process requires our work and may take time.

Reflect on the Blessed Mary, the mother of Jesus. While she may not have understood everything at first, she took time to ponder the angel’s message and her son’s and Simeon’s words. As events unfolded over time, her insight blossomed, and her understanding deepened, showing the beauty of patience and the journey of faith.

In America, we often seek instant answers and quick results. Everything is focused on the temporary, immediate, and short-term. People become caught up in the illusions of money and wealth. However, the message from the parable of the sower contradicts this short-term mindset. It encourages us to be grounded in the teachings of the word, which we can achieve only by allowing ourselves the time to understand it.

When we align with God’s word and will, everything falls into place, leading us to inner peace and happiness.

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.