Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Parish Newsletter
October 7, 2020
Keeping Us Connected
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A Letter From Our Pastor - Fr. Paulson |
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Dear Friends,
The Holy Father, Pope Francis arrived in Assisi in the afternoon of Saturday, October 3, where he celebrated Holy Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis, and then signed a new encyclical titled “Fratelli Tutti.” The title whose official English-language version has not yet been released, is a reference to the writings of St. Francis: "Let us all, brothers, consider the Good Shepherd who to save His sheep bore the suffering of the Cross."
There has been discussions and contestations of the title by a number of people and especially in the United States, where the title “Fratelli Tutti” is perceived as referring only to men, with some decrying it as misogynist. The editorial, written by Andrea Tornielli, editorial director of Vatican News, explained that Pope Francis chose the title “Fratelli Tutti.” They are the first words of the encyclical, “a direct quotation from St Francis (taken from the Admonitions, 6, 1: FF 155) and the pope has obviously not changed it.” It emphasized, however, that “the formulation of the title in no way intends to exclude women, that is, more than half of the human race.”
The editorial also stated that Pope Francis “chose the words of the Saint of Assisi to initiate a reflection on something he cares about very deeply: namely, fraternity and social friendship. He therefore addresses all his sisters and brothers, all men and women of good will who populate the earth: everyone, inclusively, and in no way exclusively.” The original Italian title will be used, without being translated, in all the languages in which the document is published.
“We live in a time marked by war, poverty, migration, climate change, economic crises, pandemic. Recognizing a brother or sister in everyone we meet and, for Christians, recognizing the face of Jesus in the other who suffers – these responses reaffirm the irreducible dignity of every human person created in the image of God. They also remind us that no one can ever emerge from the present hardships alone, one against the other, the global North against the global South, the rich against the poor or any other excluding differentiation” ( from the Encyclical).
The pope asks that the religious perspective also be taken into account, as “it is wrong when the only voices to be heard in public debate are those of the powerful and 'experts.'” He rehashes the value of kindness, and he warns against those who spread division, hatred and distrust on the Internet. He asks to “recognize the goodness and beauty that [God] has sown in each of us.” Inspiration for the encyclical came from Christian figures like St. Francis and Charles de Foucauld; as well as non-Catholics, like Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Mahatma Gandhi and Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, the Sunni Muslim leader. On Thursday, October 15 instead of the speaker series, I will offer an online session on this encyclical in the form of conversations. Stay tuned.
At CTK, after so many months, we will be opening our Church to one indoor mass on Thursdays at 6.00pm to celebrate Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Our church will be open for prayer from 5.30pm to 7.00pm Monday through Friday. The following protocols apply:
If you think you might be sick, even with just a cold (and don't assume it might just be allergies) - STAY HOME and watch an online Mass from CTK. Wear your masks and sit only in allotted spaces. Once you take a spot, DO NOT CHANGE SEATS. If you move to a different spot, nobody else will be able to sit there because it will now be considered “contaminated”. I am sorry, if you find the seat you have sat in for the last 20 years not available at this time (just kidding). If you choose to sit outside in the church patio, that is perfectly fine. Bring your own chairs.
This weekend, at the 10:30 am Mass, we will be celebrating the first anniversary of the death of Fr. Mathew Vellankal and Archbishop Dominic Jala. We will have a couple of portraits of both in different places. You will be invited to bring and place flowers (preferably roses) at their portraits during the service as a sign of prayer, love and respect. It is going to be a very special mass, and may God bless them with eternal bliss.
Fr. Paulson
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Join Us at CTK this Weekend |
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Music on the Lawn
Saturday, Oct. 10
After the 5pm Mass
Join us for another "Music on the Lawn" this Saturday after the 5pm mass. Please bring your own chairs, food and drink. Invite your family and friends and sit back and enjoy a night of music! As always, we ask that you social distance and wear masks.
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Interfaith Musical Worship Service - On the Lawn
Sunday, Oct. 11 - 7pm-8pm
CTK will host an Interfaith Musical Worship Service on Sunday evening after the 6pm mass. There will be Jewish & Muslim/Sufi Sacred Songs from the Middle East and North Africa. Bring your own chairs and enjoy this special evening.
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Sunday, October 11
10:30am Outdoor Memorial Mass for
Fr. Mathew Vellankal &
Archbishop Dominic Jala
We will be marking the first anniversary of the death of Fr. Mathew Vellankal and Archbishop Dominic Jala this Sunday, October 11th at the 10.30am mass. There will be special prayers offered during the mass for these two wonderful people. Kindly bring flowers (preferably 2 roses) that you can place in front of their portrait during the celebration. Flowers are a tangible way of showing love and respect, and flowers encapsulate those sentiments that we cannot express ourselves. The mass will be held outdoors in our beautiful facility (amazing outdoor tent). Please bring your own chairs, and masks are required.
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Indoor Church Mass on Thursdays |
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Indoor Mass
6pm Thursdays
We will hold our weekly Thursday Mass (Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help) at 6pm in the church. All other masses will remain outdoors. Please follow the direction of the ushers when you arrive. Those attending mass must wear masks and maintain proper social distancing practices. You are welcome to sit on the patio in front of the church and listen through the speakers. Please see Fr. Paulson's letter above for further details.
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The Church will be open for Private Prayer |
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Beginning Monday, October 12th
We will now have the church open
Monday - Friday 5:30pm to 7pm for private prayer.
Please enter through the side door closest to the Ministry Center.
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Thursday, October 8 at 5pm
Christ the King is pleased to have Mr. Steve Pezzola, the President of Salesian College Preparatory as our guest on our weekly Speaker Series on Thursday.
Salesian has a proud education history of Superior Academics, Diverse Culture, Catholic Spiritual Community based on the teachings of Don Bosco and Exceptional Teachers which results in a transformational Catholic high school education.
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Events Over This Past Weekend at CTK |
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Our new donated stage for the altar/priests musicians and lectors. |
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Thank you for bringing your pets to mass over the weekend to be blessed. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. We also displayed our new stage area under our awesome new tent! |
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Faith Formation Registration |
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Faith Formation Registration for K-8 and
High School Youth Group/Confirmation registration is open.
Classes begin October 11th.
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Are you or anyone you know, curious about the process of becoming Catholic?
The program is called Rite of Christian Initiation, or RCIA. As an adult, you receive Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. There is no commitment, simply come and see! During the pandemic we are meeting through email. Contact: Mary McCarthy maryjane.mccarthy@gmail.com
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Faith & Racial Healing - Study Program |
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Do you want to address racism in your community, but you don’t know where to begin? Presented through the lens of the Christian faith, JustFaith Ministries’ Faith & Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice and Restoration is an eight-session program that guides participants in telling the truth about the history of racism in the United States that we might work toward true reconciliation.
At CTK we have just finished an eight week session on Faith and Racial Equity. Many of us are continuing on this journey. We invite you to join us in our study and learning. Study includes reading, prayer and sharing. One group will be meeting Fridays from 1-3 pm starting October 16. The other will meet Thursdays from 7-9 pm starting October 15. We are especially looking for members for the afternoon group but you would be welcome in either one.
Please call Maggie Chaffee 925-932-5087 or Mary Anne La Pointe
925-787-1422 for more info and to register.
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October is the Month of the Rosary |
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Join us on Facebook to pray the holy rosary at 5:40pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. |
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Weekly Reflection on Sunday Readings |
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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
It’s party time! In this weekend’s Scripture readings, there’s a lot of feasting and abundance. We shall see, however, that not every party has a happy ending for some invited guests. Read More
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Have You Updated Your Parish Registration |
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We are in the process of updating our parish database with current information including phone numbers, emails, etc. If you haven't done so yet, please click the link below to fill out the digital form to update your information. Thank you for your help.
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No Reservations or Sign Ups Required
You can get out of your car and onto the grass
(Bring your own chairs/blankets)
Face Masks are required
Or continue to stay in the comfort of your car - tune into FM 106.7
All masses will be live streamed on Facebook
(except the 7:30am Sunday morning mass)
New - Thursday 6pm mass will now be indoors (in the church)
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Weekday Mass:
Thursdays 6pm (in the church)
Weekend Masses:
Saturday - 5pm
Sunday - 7:30am, 9am,10:30am, 12noon (Spanish) & 6pm
Song Sheet for Masses Here
Spanish Mass Worship Aide/Guía de Adoración Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
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Drive-Thru Holy Communion
Every Sunday 11:30am to 12 noon
In front of the church
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Streaming Live on Facebook and
our YouTube Channel
Monday - Saturday
9am - Chapel Mass
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Thursday, 6pm Indoor Mass
Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Beginning this week - In the church
(or sit outside on the patio in front of the church)
or in your home on Facebook
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5:40pm - Holy Rosary - On Facebook
(except Thursdays, Sat. & Sun.)
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Sacrament of Reconciliation
Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from
3pm to 3:30pm.
Please meet in front of the church.
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St. Stephen Church - Outdoor Mass |
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St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am - Outdoors
Drive Thru Holy Communion - 10:15am
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Thank You for Your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen Church |
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Staying Connected
Sunday Offering
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On-Line Giving: (click button below)
Online giving now includes St. Stephen Parish.
We depend upon your contributions!
Thank you again for your donations as we work together to sustain our community now and in the future.
Thank you for your support!
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Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
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Feast Day of
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
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Prayer to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
O God, our reflection on the mysteries of the rosary brings your Word to life. Through Mary’s intercession may we be faithful in your service and may our words and actions bring glory to your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference" |
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