Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Parish Newsletter
January 13, 2021
Staying Connected
A Letter from our Pastor - Fr. Paulson
Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I watched with deep sadness, the events of January 6, 2021 when our civilly sacred space was desecrated by a mob that had been misled and lied to. Archbishop José H. Gomez, who serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked Americans to “recommit” themselves to democratic values. “The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of this great nation. In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God. I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she guide us in the ways of peace, and obtain for us wisdom and the grace of a true patriotism and love of country.” 
  
The editorial Staff of National Catholic Reporter wrote, “A frequent refrain in the aftermath has been that "we are better than this." In some ways, that is false. This is part of who we are — it has always been part of who we are …” A more direct statement came from James Martin, editor of America magazine: “This is the time for Christian leaders to admit their part in the violence at the Capitol. When you cast elections as ‘good versus evil,’ vilify candidates and say that voting for one candidate is a ‘mortal sin,’ you encourage people to think that today’s actions are moral.”

I was deeply saddened by some of the symbols that were part of the riots, which included the erection of a noose and a confederate flag in the heart of the congress building, all of them painful reminders of racism that plagues our country. In our meeting of the Racial Justice Task Force, some of the members shared how distressed they were. We lament the recurring trauma experienced by so many people especially African Americans in this country. God has endowed every individual with equal value and dignity.

Our church needs to use this moment to reevaluate its unexamined embrace of political ideologies, or embrace of one issue at the cost of the holistic embrace of the Gospel. If the church is to live up to the teachings of Jesus, and if it is ever to be an authentic witness to the culture, it cannot, must not, be a part of what happened at our nation’s Capitol. Socrates stated “The unexamined life is not worth living,” truly reveals what could happen, when we repeat what we hear or act on them without taking personal ownership in the light of truth, regardless of our political or religious affiliations. Stay close to the Gospel, and let your faith shed a light on your politics, and we will be on the right side of God.  I am disappointed that our diocese has yet to speak publicly on this issue, and our bishops in general have stopped short of condemning white supremacy after the riots.

Winter Nights. During these pandemic times it is difficult to establish and maintain personal connections. Many of you who have previously participated in the Winter Nights Program of serving homeless families, have expressed great delight and satisfaction at having the opportunity to experience those connections. Although we have not been able to do that this year, nevertheless, you continue to "hear the gospel and make a difference." Because of your generosity, concern, and prayers we have been providing food and dinners for Winter Nights this last week at Church of the Resurrection down the street.

As expressed by one of the staff members in a recent email "Thank you for dinner tonight, the clients and staff really enjoyed it. We really do miss having the volunteers around and having them be more "hands on" with the clients. We are all hopeful to be back to normal as quickly and safely as possible." Thank you for all you do in helping keep homeless families together. Also thank you for your generosity towards rental assistance. We have collected $35,000 so far. May God bless you.

This Saturday, our Filipino society will be celebrating the feast of Santo Niño, Infant Jesus at the 4.00pm Mass. There is a tradition of bringing statues of the infant Jesus, if you have them, and blessing them at the end of Mass. I want to thank our Filipino Society for all they do at CTK. May the Infant Jesus bless us.

Fr. Paulson
Thanks for celebrating Fr. Timoney's Birthday

Thank you for attending either in person or
on-line the 90th birthday celebration for
Fr. Brian Timoney

If you missed mass you can still watch it!

Feast of the Santo Niño
The Filipino Society of Christ the King invites you to join in the celebration of the
"Feast of the Santo Niño”
(Child Jesus)

Under the large tent at CTK
Saturday, January 16, 2021 - 4:00 pm mass.

For Catholics, especially Filipinos, Santo Niño is our protector and has the power to grant and answer prayers. We invite you to bring your Santo Niño statue which will be blessed during the mass. For additional information, please contact Abe Miralles (925-381-5898) or Imelda Santos (925-623-7340).
Weekly Church Bulletin
Happy Birthday - 101 Years Old
Happy Birthday ~ Mary Louise Lynch!

Today, Mary Louise turns 101 years old. We wish you a day filled with happiness, and may you continue to find joy in your life each day.

Mary Louise is a founding member of CTK. She is one of the last "tent people." Mary Louise raised money for Catholic Charities of East Bay as a volunteer for 34 years. Then she worked for the organization for 20 years until she was 82. She was married for 64 years to Tim Lynch, Sr. who passed away 21 years ago. Mary Louise has 7 Children, 18 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great, Great Grandchild. Mary Louise says she relies on her Catholic faith every day!
A Ministry for Caregivers - Nourish
Are you a caregiver for a family member?
Are you a dedicated caregiver for others?

NOURISH provides caregivers a faithful perspective, as well as practical
and emotional support, useful tools, and shared experience.
Discover the blessings that come from caring for another.

Nourish meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7pm
Zoom Links:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83759720206
Meeting ID: 837 5972 0206
Questions? Call Donna at (925) 932-0900
Parish Office Closed

Our parish office will be closed on
Monday, January 18 in observance of the
Martin Luther King Holiday.
News from our Diocese
Vatican News
Weekly Reflection on Sunday Readings
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.

After spending a day at home with Jesus, Andrew ran immediately to his brother Peter with the news, “We have found the Christ!” Read More
Outdoor Mass Schedule
No Reservations or Sign Ups Required
Mass will take place on our lawn area
(Our Large Tent is also available to sit under)
Mass will take place rain or shine

Bring your own chairs
Face Masks are required
Or continue to stay in the comfort of your car - tune into FM 106.7
Or watch from your smart phone/tablet
Wifi ID:CTKstreaming Password:Outdoor1

Only the 4pm Saturday Mass and the 9am Sunday Mass will be livestreamed both on Facebook and YouTube

Weekday Mass:
Thursdays 6pm

Weekend Masses:
Saturday - 4pm (New Time)

Sunday - 7:30am, 9am,10:30am,
12noon (Spanish) & 4pm (New Time)

Song Sheet for Jan 16/17 Masses Here
Spanish Mass Worship Aide/Guía de Adoración Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
Drive-Thru Holy Communion
Every Sunday
11:30am to 12 noon
In front of the church
9am - Chapel Mass
Monday - Saturday
Streaming Live
on Facebook or YouTube
Thursdays, 6pm Outdoor Mass
Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Mass will not be livestreamed
Worship Aide Here
5:40pm - Holy Rosary
Livestreamed on Facebook

Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Fridays
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from
3pm to 3:30pm.
Please meet in front of the church.
St. Stephen Church - Outdoor Mass
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597

Sunday - Mass at 9:30am - Outdoors
Worship Aide Here

Drive Thru Holy Communion - 10:10am
Thank You for Your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen Church
On-Line Giving: (click button below)
We depend upon your contributions!
Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference"