A few days ago, the news of Pope Francis' endorsement of civil unions for same-sex couples in the new documentary "Francesco" took the Catholic world by storm. Some Catholics have applauded the remarks as a major step forward in the church's pastoral attitude toward LGBT people while others have decried it as a break with official church teaching and a tacit approval of sexual immorality. This is definitely an historic moment in the church, and I don’t know what the ramifications of Pope Francis’ opinion with regard to civil unions will hold for the future of the Church and its teachings. I don’t want to add anything more than what is out there right now.

While he was the Cardinal of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis had categorically opposed efforts to engrave same-sex marriage in law. And he still does. Cardinal O’Malley stated that the Pope’s remarks on civil unions is not an endorsement of homosexual activity. O’Malley said in a statement that while “many people are anxious for the Church to change its position on marriage and family,” the pope’s comments do not represent a groundbreaking shift in the church’s teachings. “Pope Francis strongly and consistently teaches that marriage is between a man and woman for a lifetime and that this is God’s plan for having and raising children,” O’Malley said. “Just as the Church does not campaign against civil laws that allow for common-law marriage or second marriages that are not sacramental, even though such arrangements can be in violation of the laws of the Church, the Holy Father recognizes that in civil society there can be cogent reasons to enact such laws providing for civil unions which are not the same as the institution of marriage.”

I would also like to bring your attention to what is happening in Walnut Creek, where parishioners from our church as well as other parishes who have been part of 40 days of Life movement, faced aggression for basically protesting abortion in a prayerful way. Peaceful protest is a right regardless of whether people agree with it or not. And I applaud all those who continue to uphold the cause of the unborn. “Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development. Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, the already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia, the victims of human trafficking, new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection.” (Pope Francis, Gaudete et Exultate) Let us pray for peace!

As Covid 19 continues to spread across the nation, our community remains very cautious and prudent in the way we offer our services. We will continue to hold outdoor services as long as possible. Wi-Fi will be available in our entire parking lot soon so that in addition to radio (FM 106.7) which has been working well, you will be able to view the mass on your tablet or smart phone. This will be definitely beneficial during the rainy or cold days. We priests have been praying daily for all of you that God will protect us from Covid 19 and other hardships. Let us also pray for fair elections and also, that we as a nation may accept whoever wins this election, and support our leaders.

A Special Mass of Remembrance 

Saturday, November 7 at 5 pm  

Do you have a loved one who died during the past 12 months? Were they not buried from Christ the King and St. Stephen Parish? Would you like their name included? Please click the link here. Deadline is November 5. 

(Questions? Sr. Dominic Marie at 925-246-1122.)

Children are invited to dress in costume for our outdoor mass on the lawn. Please bring your own chairs. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Livestreamed on Facebook or YouTube

This Thursday for our speaker series we welcome back our CTK principal, Joe Silveira. Mr. Silveira will be interviewed by CTK's school finance chair, Joe Reid. Mr. Silveira will update us on the school with regards to Covid 19. Father Paulson will be leading and curating questions from the parent community.

Does your family love Halloween?! You are invited to join the Young Families Ministry for an afternoon of Halloween fun! Our mission at YFM is to celebrate families, parenthood, and Christian friendships. All are welcome!

What: A Virtual Halloween Dance Party!

RSVP: Email YoungFamiliesCTK@gmail.com or

Click here: RSVP for the Virtual Halloween Dance Party

The CTK Knitting Ministry is pleased to announce its first delivery of hand knit and crocheted items to a family in need from Oakland Catholic Worker. It is our hope to provide a package of handmade items to at least one family per month, and perhaps more as our efforts progress. Each family will receive a Welcome Blanket to welcome the family to the United States, as well as one personal item (hat or scarf)  to share love and warmth with each family member.

During these Covid times, The CTK Knitting Workshop is meeting virtually on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1pm. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more information, please contact Patti Turner at ctk.knits@gmail.com.

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 

To promote effective and safe voting among residents, the Contra Costa County Elections Department has sent mail-in ballots for the Nov. 3 election to every county voter. For more information about returning your ballot, tracking your ballots, deadlines, voter registration and more. Click here

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!

Every Sunday 11:30am to 12 noon

In front of the church

New - Thursday Mass is in the Church

Worship Aide Here

5:40pm - Holy Rosary - On Facebook

(except Thursdays, Sat. & Sun.)

Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from

3pm to 3:30pm.

Please meet in front of the church.

Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. Bless the memories of Your saints, God. May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love. In the honor and noble victory of the martyrs. Amen.