Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
www.ctkph.org
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Parish Newsletter
July 1, 2020
Keeping Us Connected
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Dear Friends,
This week Chief Justice John Roberts joined with four more of his colleagues in ruling that a Louisiana law that imposes restrictions on doctors who perform abortions violates a right the court first announced in the landmark Roe v Wade decision in 1973. It is legal to get an abortion in our country. Following the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade (410 US 113), there are around a million abortions performed each year in the United States. Originally a mere medical procedure which aims at delivering a woman from an unwanted pregnancy, abortion has become one of the most controversial issues of American life today.
It is always difficult to address questions surrounding abortion and to engage both thought and debate on such a divisive issue, without moving beyond the polarized rhetoric of concerned advocacy groups. I am sure that even in our church, we are probably divided on this issue.
The ruling that abortion is legal does not mean it is the right decision. As Chief Justice stated that he does not agree with the decision, but it is the law of the land based on previous rulings by the Supreme Court.
I am not a Republican and I'm not a Democrat. I vote for candidates that represent my views on a variety of issues. My job is to be a teacher of the faith and then to walk the talk, which is difficult more often than not.
When the U.S. bishops say, "the right to life is the 'preeminent issue'" that word is carefully chosen. The Church wants to avoid the perspective or the understanding that it's the only issue, because it is not. I have always disagreed with folks who equate Pro-Life Movement with abortion only, and turn a blind eye to other burning issues such as immigration and refugees, poverty and homelessness, racism and bigotry, to name a few. In the context of the ruling that came out this week, it is important for us to recognize that abortion is evil, and we must do everything in our power to stand up for the unborn as well as to pray and journey with couples that struggle with such decisions, so that every decision is made for the life and wellbeing of the unborn.
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This week I was happy to see this picture on the diocesan Facebook page, with an exhortation from our Bishop to change behaviors to be inclusive and welcoming. Of course, this is a photo -shopped picture, which Fr. Brian Timoney calls “fake”. He wished the Bishop would put a real banner with the words, “Black Lives Matter.” “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love (Mt 22:39). … The cumulative effects of personal sins of racism have led to social structures of injustice and violence that makes us all accomplices in racism.” (Diocesan FB page)
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I would encourage you to visit the diocesan FB page and read the comments that follow the message inviting us to reject racism and discrimination. As you read these comments, you will confront the struggles of our brothers and sisters in embracing Black Lives, the excuses we bring to reject Black Lives, the lack of understanding about these issues and, in some cases, certain remarks reveal racist tendencies. I am told some of the comments have been deleted. We have a long way to go in changing our attitude and behavior. I would like to underscore the beatitudes where Jesus does not say All Lives Matter. Blessed are the poor, Blessed are those who mourn, Blessed are the persecuted. … I would add Blessed are the Black Lives. We are not talking about some ideology that extremists may have, we are talking about Real Lives. Even in our Church we have fundamentalists who distort our faith, and we don’t abandon our faith because of that. Jesus invited us to love. Jesus exhibited a preferential love for the “little ones,” and he defined them in Mathew 25. He identified himself with those in the margins. We follow Jesus’ example.
This weekend, we will celebrate July 4th, probably without much fanfare. Staying home during this pandemic will definitely give us some time for reflection in the midst of fear, chaos and the uncertainty that prevails in our nation. The United States of America was founded on ideals of freedom, justice, and liberty, and each 4th of July the nation takes a moment to reflect on those ideals and celebrate the country’s independence. Of course, it’s important to recognize that the ideals people look at as profoundly and inherently American have never been equally bestowed to all citizens or people of this country. On this July 4th,
it’s important to remember the people who have sacrificed to make the United States a safer, more just, more free land — and it is just as important to reflect on the ways that different groups of people are granted different freedoms and liberties in this country. One of the most patriotic acts we can do this weekend, reflect on our own privileges and biases, and make active choices to ensure the America that exists in reality is one that is exemplified in our constitution. Remember the words of Desmond Tutu:
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
The diocese just announced the transfer that REV. LEE WEERASAK CHAMPOOCHAN, from Holy Spirit Parish, Fremont, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish, Pleasant Hill, effective July 1, 2020. I am not sure when he will arrive at Christ the King. More information to follow. I would like to welcome Fr. Lee into our community.
Fr. Paulson
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First Communion
On Saturday, we had our second weekend of children receiving their First Holy Communion. Our families enjoyed celebrating mass on the lawn. We will continue this sacrament for the following two Saturdays. Congratulations to our First Communicants!
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Baptism
Saturday we also welcomed into our CTK
family,
Kathleen Marie. She was baptized outdoors in our garden area.
Welcome baby Kathleen! If you have an infant/toddler to be baptized, please contact Sr. Dominic at sisterdominic.marie@gmail.com
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Wedding
We had our first outdoor wedding on Saturday. Our bride and groom were happy to share their special day with their guests, while social distancing.
Congratulations Julian and Jennifer!
Many blessings on your marriage journey together.
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CTK/St. Stephen Outdoor Masses Continue This Weekend Both in our
Parking Lot and Grass Area
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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)
Please wear face masks
Or continue to stay in the comfort of your car
All masses will be live streamed on Facebook
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Weekday Mass: CTK
Thursdays 6pm only
(Our Mother Of Perpetual Help Devotion)
Weekend Masses: CTK:
7/4 (Saturday) 5pm
7/5 (Sunday) 9am,10:30am & 6pm
Sunday Mass: St. Stephen:
7/5 (Sunday)
9:30am
Drive Through Holy Communion - Sunday 7/5
CTK: 11:30am to 12 noon
St. Stephen:
10:20am - 10:45am
CTK Song Sheet for Mass
Here
CTK Readings for Mass
Here
St. Stephen Worship Aide
Here
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Join us Every Thursday
For our Speaker Series followed by our
Weekly Mass
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Join us every Thursday at 5:00pm on Facebook Live.
This Thursday, July 2, at 5:00pm, Carol Vogl will speak about CTK's Sewing Ministry, called "Dress a Child around the World." Please join us.
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6pm Mass/Our Mother of Perpetual Help
After our speaker, stay on for our 6pm weekly mass where we honor Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Either in in your car, on the lawn, or home on Facebook Live.
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First Friday
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
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First Friday, July 3rd
Facebook Live or in Person
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We will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament this Friday, July 3rd from
9:30am to 1pm in the Ministry Center Chapel. You can pray from home on Facebook or if you want to come to the chapel, please call the office for a time slot at 682-2486. The only mass for the day will be the 9am morning mass.
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Our Grief Ministry
is still here for you! Even though we cannot meet in person, our Grief Ministers are reaching out to our grieving people to help give support during this challenging time. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, and would like to receive a call from one of our caring Grief Ministers, please call Donna @ 510 381-3615.
Grief Ministry Support Group meets the 1
st
Saturday of every month
Our support group will be meeting this Saturday, July 4 at 9:30am
via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 833 4224 5448
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83342245448# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83342245448# US (Tacoma)
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Join us every day
on Facebook!
Weekdays:
9:00 am -
Mass in Chapel
5:40 pm
- Holy Rosary
6:00 pm
- Outdoor Mass Thursdays Only
Program Notes:
Thursday
- 5:00pm - Speaker Series
Every Thursday:
6:00 pm
Outdoor Mass with Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotion
Weekends:
Saturday
9
:00 am
-
Mass in Chapel
5:00 pm
- Outdoor Mass
Sunday
9:00 am
- Outdoor Mass
10:30 am
- Outdoor Mass
6:00 pm
- Outdoor Mass
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This Sunday's Readings
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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This Sunday's Readings - July 5
First Reading
— Rejoice heartily, O Jerusalem! For see, your savior comes (Zechariah 9:9-10).
Psalm
— I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God (Psalm 145).
Second Reading
— The one who raised Christ from death will give life to your mortal bodies also
(Romans 8:9, 11-13).
Gospel
— Come, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:25-30)
Click the link below for the readings:
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Weekly Reflection on Sunday's Readings
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Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Weekend Scriptures.
Jesus tells us that his burden (“my yoke”) will never be more than we can handle...
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Thank you for your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen
Church
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Keeping Connected
Sunday Offering
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On-Line Giving:
Online giving now includes St. Stephen Parish.
We depend upon your contributions!
The ease of giving online will help you keep up your generosity and ensure that CTK and St. Stephen can continue running its essential ministries.
Offertory Envelopes/Paper Checks:
Can be sent direc
tly to CTK:
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Can be sent directly to St. Stephen
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Thank you for your support!
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MISSION CO OP COLLECTION
Each summer the Mission Office of the diocese facilitates the Mission Cooperation Plan, an opportunity for more than 100 international missionary dioceses, congregations, and organizations to share their stories and invite support from our faith communities. This year, although travel is impossible during a pandemic, the needs are greater than ever for communities of faith in under-resourced areas throughout our world. Please consider making a donation to this year’s Mission Cooperation Plan. You can contribute using your envelopes or making a donation online or just sending it marked for this cause. Thank you for your support!
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Gracious and loving God,
let Your spirit be with us today.
Hear our prayers,
and increase in us the will to follow
Your son Jesus.
Help us to draw on resources of our faith
As we use the opportunities of our democracy
To shape a society more respectful
of the life, dignity, and rights
of the human person, especially the poor and vulnerable.
We ask this through Jesus Christ Your Son.
Amen
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference"
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