Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Parish Newsletter
September 29, 2021
Staying Connected
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A Letter From Our Pastor - Fr. Paulson |
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Dear Friends,
Our commitment to life from conception to natural death has come to the fore during the past months especially with a disease that we do not seem to have a handle on, people experiencing great hardship and pain, many leaving their shores for a better life and in the past weeks with the debate on abortion rights. We cannot falter in the face of such challenges, and we need to be consistent in our support for the life of every human being in every situation without prejudice.
Do Catholics “believe that human life begins at conception” — a formulation that’s become ubiquitous in recent weeks? We Catholics — presidents, governors, legislators, members of Congress, clergy of all ranks, and engaged citizens — should not ignore the science and claim that the matter of when human life begins is a disputed question. In conversations with many people, smart people, thoughtful people, I have often noticed an unwillingness to wrestle with the consequences of our Catholic belief that the taking of innocent human life is always wrong. There is a tangible indifference when it comes to that aspect of life that we do not support sufficiently whether it is the protection of the unborn or the welcoming of refugees and immigrants or taking care of the homeless.
Pope Francis enunciates it so much better: "The life we are called to promote and defend is not an abstract concept, but always manifests itself in a person in flesh and blood: a newly conceived child, a poor marginalized person, a sick person alone and discouraged or in a terminal state, one who has lost his job or is unable to find it, a rejected or ghettoized migrant." According to the teachings of the Holy Father, the Catholic Church cannot "water down" the truth that the defense of life includes opposition to abortion and euthanasia -- the clearest signs today of a "throwaway culture." But it also includes continuing the traditional Catholic advocacy for the right to health care for all people.
I invite you to get involved not just with one aspect of life, but all of them. As Pope Francis said, 'Respect, defend, love and serve life, every life, every human life! Only on this path will you find justice, development, freedom, peace and happiness." "The defense of life for the Church is not an ideology," he said. "Every human being is called by God to enjoy the fullness of life; and being entrusted to the maternal concern of the Church, every threat to dignity and human life cannot fail to affect its heart."
I would like to highlight another aspect of life. October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Every once in a while, we encounter persons with these challenges on our church campus and we struggle like everyone else how best to assist them. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to educate, provide tools, and start a dialogue surrounding the realities and complexities of mental health in our community. I am in conversation with a group of parishioners in this regard, and I hope we can address one of the most difficult challenges in our society. After all it is about LIFE, PRECIOUS LIFE.
I am happy to inform you that Fr. Tom Joseph, who is suffering from brain cancer has safely arrived home in India to spend his remaining days with family. Three weeks ago, his life took a turn for the worse, with his left hand and left leg weakened severely. I am grateful to John Alonso, Carl and Peggy Sutter who spent countless hours ministering to Fr. Tom. In addition to these wonderful folks, we had Lai Lacsina, a professional healthcare worker who took care of Fr. Tom during the night. I am grateful to all of you for your prayers for a priest who ministered to so many and brought comfort and peace to the dying. God bless Fr. Tom.
Tomorrow, Thursday September 30th, we will be celebrating the life of Thresiama who passed on to her eternal reward last week. She is the sister of Fr. Joseph Parekkatt, who is currently residing with us until he is able to retire to his home country. I invite you to join Fr, Joseph at the 9.00am Mass this Thursday, and offer him and his family our prayers and support.
Fr. Paulson
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All Weekend Masses/Oct. 2 and Oct. 3
In preparation for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of ecologists, our liturgies this weekend will have a special focus on the gift of God’s creation. We want to give thanks to God for the beauty of creation and to grow in awareness of our responsibility to hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth – so that together we may care for one another and for our common home.
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Video of Pope Francis - Our moral imperative to act on climate change. |
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Blessing of the Animals
("Drive-Thru")
Monday - October 4th
3:15pm to 4pm
Join us at Christ the King Church from 3:15pm to 4:00pm on Monday, October 4th (The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), for a "Drive Thru" Blessing of the Animals. You are invited to bring your pets from home to receive a special blessing from the clergy.
Come through the large parking lot and drive in front of the church. For the blessing, you may get out of your car with your pet. Be sure your pet is on a leash or in a cage.
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October 1st is our Monthly
First Friday Devotion
Join us
6pm to 7:15pm - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
in the church
This will be a time for quiet prayer.
7:30pm Mass - In the church
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The Month of October is dedicated
to the Holy Rosary
Join us on Facebook Monday-Friday at 5:40pm to pray the holy rosary with our clergy.
On Thursdays we offer 5:40pm rosary in church
followed by mass honoring
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
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Monsignor Wade Golf Tournament |
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CTK Golf Tournament Returns
Friday, October 15th!
The Christ the King Monsignor Wade Golf Tournament is back and registration is now open! Join us for a fun day of golf and camaraderie at Boundary Oak Golf Course on Friday, October 15th. This is a scramble format, and your tournament fee includes:
· Golf, Cart & Range Balls · Tee Prizes· Breakfast
· Food & Drinks on the Course · Contest Awards
· 19th Hole Reception
Sponsorships are still available and greatly appreciated. Funds raised support the Father Declan Emergency Fund, CTK's tuition assistance program, as well as CTK enrichment programs. The event is limited to 120 golfers. So get your tickets today by clicking here. Questions? Contact Golf Tournament chair Raul Ortega.
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Cub Scout Pack 401 invites all boys and girls in Kindergarten thru 5th grade
to join the Pack!
We have a full, and Covid safe schedule of fun events, activities and a world famous character building curriculum. Our first meeting of the new school year is this coming Thursday, September 30 in the CTK amphitheater at 6 pm. All are welcome for this fun event with uniformed scouts and leaders will be present to answer any and all questions. Please contact Scoutmaster Dan to learn more!
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Feliz Quinceañera
Congratulations to Elizabeth Mora Pajarito on your Quinceañera!
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Congratulations to Sam Pickett and Brett Lubeck
for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout!
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Weekly Reflections on Sunday Readings |
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Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Even now, the more we move forward in life the more interest we have in tracing our genealogies. Where and how did our ancestors live? How did our parents come to know each other? Who influenced us in our early decisions and actions? People of all nations have forever tried to reconstruct their personal, ancestral, and national histories. Read More
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All Masses are Inside the Church.
Masks are required.
Weekday Masses
9am Mass - Monday - Friday
(9am Masses will be livestreamed)
6pm - Thursdays (Rosary begins at 5:40pm)
(Rosary and Mass will be livestreamed)
Weekend Masses
Saturday
9am and 4pm Vigil
(Saturday 4pm Mass will be livestreamed)
Sunday
7:30am, 9am, 10:30am and 4pm
(10:30am Mass will be livestreamed).
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Worship Aide for Mass - Oct. 2/3 Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
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Links to our services (live or archived) can be found at ctkph.org
or clicking the Facebook or YouTube images below.
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Ongoing Services:
Drive-Thru Communion, Mass, Holy Rosary, Sacrament of Reconciliation
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Drive-Thru
Holy Communion
Every Sunday
11:30am to 12 noon
In front of the church
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Sacrament of Reconciliation
Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from
3pm to 3:30pm
Please meet inside the church.
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Thursdays, 6pm - Indoor Mass
Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Rosary begins at 5:40pm
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5:40pm - Holy Rosary
Monday through Friday
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St. Stephen Church - Masses |
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St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597
Saturday - Mass 5pm - Indoors/Church
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am - Indoors/Church
New: Beginning Monday Oct. 4th
St. Stephen will begin Monday - Friday 8am mass in the church.
Masses at St. Stephen are now being live-streamed on the St. Stephen Facebook page. If you are unable to attend with us in person, please join us through Facebook. A link is on our web site: saintstephenparish.org.
Only the 9:30am mass will be live-streamed.
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Thank You for Your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen Church |
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On-Line Giving: (click button below)
We depend upon your contributions!
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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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The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi
October 4
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Canticle of Brother Sun
By St. Francis of Assisi
Most High Almighty Good Lord,
Yours are praise, glory, honor and all blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
And no man is worthy to mention You.
Be praised, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
Especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is daylight, and by him You shed light on us.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor.
Of You, Most High, he is a symbol.
Be praised, my Lord for Sister Moon and the Stars.
In heaven You have formed them clear and bright and fair.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Wind
And for air and cloud and clear and all weather,
By which You give Your creatures nourishment.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
For she is very useful, humble, precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
By whom You light up the night,
For he is fair and merry and mighty and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Mother Earth,
Who sustains and rules us
And produces varied fruits with many-colored flowers and plants.
Praise and bless my Lord
And give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.
(Ibidem, p.251-2)
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference" |
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![His Holiness Pope Francis | Our moral imperative to act on climate change [English]](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5aeEJotxI-U/hqdefault.jpg)
