As we celebrate ‘Thanksgiving’ tomorrow, my heart is filled with gratitude for our communities of Christ the King and St. Stephen, for the manifold blessings bestowed on us even in this pandemic.

“Boost your health with a dose of gratitude” was the title of a web launch by a medical group. The essay cited thousands of years of philosophic and religious teaching urging gratitude and then cited new evidence that grateful people, for whom gratitude is a permanent trait, have a health edge. Commenting on this website, preacher John Buchanan writes, “It may be that grateful people take better care of themselves, but there is evidence that gratitude alone is a stress reducer, that grateful people are more hopeful, and that there are links between gratitude and the immune system. So, your mother was right when she made you call your grandmother and thank her for the birthday card.” I invite you to celebrate ‘Thanksgiving’ with us at 9.00am at CTK or 9.30am at St. Stephen, and then take the grace of such a grateful celebration to your loved ones.

This weekend, we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. In this week’s bulletin, Julie Ashmore writes, “What if, in response to this crucible that we call ‘2020’—a year marked by suffering, discord, and death that only an unprecedented pandemic, over-the-top natural disasters, racial injustice, and contentious elections could bring--What if, in response to all that, we choose selfless love?” She continues, “Of course, this involves more than just rising above the devastation and ugliness of this year--as commendable as that would be. It also involves being “alert” and “mindful of Him,” “doing right,” so we are not “lacking in any spiritual gift.” It means not allowing the good of the season--the roasting of chestnuts and the flurry of family fun—to supplant what’s essential—selfless, loving acts of corporal and spiritual mercy. These help us grow in love of God and others and make the world a better place.”

I have attended a number of sessions on Racial Justice together with Kathy Gannon Briggs from our parish as we were nominated into the Diocesan Task Force. The Bishop has asked the group to develop educational materials and pastoral care support, as the Diocese of Oakland acknowledged that more must be done within the diocese to address and end inequalities. I would like to recommend a book for your reading during this time, BECOMING BRAVE: FINDING THE COURAGE TO PURSUE RACIAL JUSTICE NOW.

In Becoming Brave, Brenda Salter McNeil traces the journey of realization that came to her after 30 years of teaching and working in the field of racial justice. Triggered by a question asked by a young seminarian at one of her workshops, "Dr. Brenda, when are you going to talk about justice?" she reveals in this book how she awakened to the understanding that what she was doing, the programs she had developed, the workshops she had given, the lectures she had proclaimed were simply not enough.

(It will also be livestreamed)

Bring the bread and wine you will be serving on Thanksgiving Day for a special blessing.

Note: We will not have our 6pm Thursday mass.

Dynamic Catholic and Formed.org and

One Prayer A Day for Advent (direct link)

Friday, December 11th at 7:00pm. Streamed Live on Facebook and YouTube

Then join us for individual confessions at

Now that the weather is colder and it is getting darker earlier, we have decided to change the time of our Sunday evening outdoor mass to 4pm, beginning Sunday, Dec. 6. Thank you as we continue to navigate through these changing times.

Congratulations to Michelle Quicho and Jonathan Abena who were married outdoors on a beautiful November afternoon at CTK (Picture taken indoors).

Twins: Liam Paul & Kian David

The eucalyptus trees at CTK were cut down last week,

making way for some beautiful and safer new trees.

The CTK Young Families Ministry is having a Virtual Moms-Giving. Join us for a “Moms Night In,” whether you are expecting your first born or managing multiple kids, let’s come together (virtually) and support one another.

When: Mon, Nov. 30th 

Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Please RSVP at youngfamiliesctk@gmail.com by Nov. 29 to receive the virtual link. 

Nov. 18 - Bishop Barber's Letter to the Faithful of the Oakland Diocese

Nov. 18 - Bishop Barber revises protocols for attending liturgies and reception of Holy Communion

Nov. 23 - Issue of The Catholic Voice Available Online

The Church holds the month of November in dedication and remembrance of our beloved faithful departed, and honor with great respect the memory of the dead, especially those who have passed during this year. Please see the scroll of names of CTK and St. Stephen loved ones who have passed. Here

This year CTK Church is partnering with Church of the Resurrection in Pleasant Hill for Winter Nights. Church of the Resurrection will host the families beginning December 28th, and we will help monetarily with purchasing dinners at local restaurants and offer other support.

A pregnancy theme dominates the season of Advent. Mary’s accepting, carrying, and nurturing Jesus energizes the spirit of these four weeks. Read More

St. Vincent De Paul at CTK continues serving food to the poor everyday (Monday-Friday). During Covid, it has remained open to help those in need.

Thank you for your support.

Every Sunday 11:30am to 12 noon

In front of the church

New - Thursday Mass is now outdoors

Worship Aide Here

5:40pm - Holy Rosary - On Facebook

(except Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays)

Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from

3pm to 3:30pm.

Please meet in front of the church.