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Please note that weather related schedule changes will be noted on our webpage as soons as possible.  

August 21, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Kingdom of God, as Isaiah prophesied in the first reading, has no borders or limits on the number of its inhabitants. People of all faiths, nations and walks of life are welcome to be part of it. Salvation is a gift from God, freely given because God loves all humans. We can’t earn salvation. It is a gift ! The passive verb “be saved” in the Gospel reading chosen for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary time, clearly indicates that the saving/redeeming action is done by God alone. The Kingdom of God is very inclusive. Everyone can join it without any restrictions attached. At the heavenly banquet we will meet people quite different from us. The saints will sit with sinners, insiders with the outcasts. The otherness of the other is fully accepted.

Think of all humanity as family and not as neighbors. What does salvation mean ? It means that everyone does not have more than what he/she needs, until everyone has enough. Mahatma Gandhi, although not a Christian himself, said: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” And Cornel West remarked: “If the Kingdom of God is in you, you should leave a little bit of heaven wherever you go.”

Faith, like salvation, is also a gift from God. We need to build it up and strengthen it through spiritual exercises of prayer, meditation and charity. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to embrace Christianity with enthusiasm.

The second reading, taken from the Letter to the Hebrews, encourages us to be disciplined to train in spiritual life like the athletes do physically. “Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.” A spiritual workout makes us stronger, more faithful, more prayerful and more sensitive to the needs of others.  Spiritual gym is a must. We should not be discouraged to go there daily.
                                                    …...

Thank you, Marie and Spencer Olsen, for inviting me to lunch. It was good to see you again and sharing our similar interests in art and history over a nice meal.

Our new ministry, the  Scientific Club, had its first planning meeting. They are working very hard on preparing the program for parishioners to discuss various topics involving the relationship of faith and science. I enjoyed meeting and talking with them.

I also had a chance to talk with our Rosary Makers who spread devotion to the Blessed Mother and Our Lord Jesus Christ. We had a nice chat as well.

The new school year will start at St. Egbert August 24^th.  I enjoyed spending some time with Nancy Guthrie, faculty, and staff. Full of enthusiasm, they were preparing for the upcoming academic year. Before school begins, the brand new Outdoor Science Center will be ready for the students. Congratulations!

In Christ,
Fr. Ryszard

• UNTIL FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ARE RECEIVED FROM THE DIOCESE, HOLY COMMUNION WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED ON THE TONGUE!!!

• During Ordinary Time, Altar Flowers may be given in honor or memory of a loved one.  Please contact Cherie Amedy at the Parish Office, 252-726-3559, for more information.

Summer Gospel Coloring Project 

 It is simple and easy!!

1.  Each week pickup a Children’s Bulletin. (by the front entrance of the church on a small table)
2. During the week color the Bible picture found on the inside front cover. (put your name & age on your sheet)
3. Bring your colored Bible picture to Church with you the following Sunday.
4. Hang your Bible picture on the display line in the back of the Church.
5. Repeat 1 - 4, each Sunday!

Faith Formation (Sunday School) 2022-23

(Grades Pre K through High School to include Sacramental Preparations)

Registration for the 2022-23, Faith Formation (Sunday School) Ministry Program will begin on the weekend of August 13-14, 2022, and continue the following weekend, August 20-21, 2022, after all Masses in the Agape Room. 

We are in the process of updating our parish census. We are asking all member families to click on the link below which will take them to a census form where you can make changes in your family listing in our parish directory, ie, address, emails, phone changes, additional children (or removing children who no longer live here, etc. Please do this as soon as possible.

Parish Census Form

Please take a moment to complete the parish registration form by clicking on the link below:

Parish Registration Form

The New Bern Regional Office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is offering NEW programs to service our communities:

Senior Pharmacy -- For qualified seniors -- Assistance paying for: Medications related to Chronic Health Conditions; Limited Medical Supplies; and Health Topic Information.

Emergency Assistance -- Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Case Management; Job Search and Budgeting

Disaster Assistance -- When Available: Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Home Repair; Case Management

502 Middle Street, New Bern 28560

252-638-2188

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM -12 Noon; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Donate Now at http://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/donate and Select ``Direct Your Gift: New Bern Deanery

www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/locations/new-bern

Providing Help -- Creating Hope -- Serving All

You can now make your offertory donations online by using the link below.

Access Online Giving