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

Parish Newsletter

February 15, 2023

Staying Connected

Dear Friends:


As mentioned by Fr. Paulson in last week's newsletter - recent surveys indicated that you, our parishioners, expressed a need and desire for Adult Faith Formation opportunities. As Lent approaches, consider some of the options we are offering you.



As you know, the traditional practices of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Following are some suggestions for your Lenten practice this year!

PRAYER

Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina

Sessions led by Fr. Paulson and Dr. Terry Heywood who will guide the group in a quiet contemplative prayer experience called Centering Prayer. They will also lead a meditative way to reflect on the scriptures called Lectio Divina.

 

Lenten Retreat / Parish Mission: Last year we had a Parish Mission that proved to be quite popular! The same preacher, Fr. Mike Moore will be coming back this year to preach on the theme: Compassion on our Spiritual Journey. Each morning we have 9 am Mass followed by Fr. Mike’s reflection. Each evening we have 6:30 pm Mass and a repeat of the morning reflection. 

 

Daily Mass: We have 9 am Mass Monday through Saturday. Why not come to daily Mass for your Lenten practice?

 

Thursday evening Mass: Every Thursday at 6 pm we have a Mass in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. This was begun during the pandemic and we continue the novena to honor Our Blessed Mother.

Rosary: Join us on Thursday – in person or on livestream – to pray the rosary at 5:40 pm. Or consider praying the rosary on your own any day, any time!

 

Parish Reconciliation Services: come to the Lord through this sacrament to express sorrow for your sins. Every Saturday and two special communal services on March 25/27.

 

Lenten scripture study sessions – led by Jeannette Holmes - will focus on the scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. Listen to God’s Word – not just one time when you are at Mass – but be better prepared for Mass by reflecting on the Word of God in advance.

 

Christ’s Passion

You may find it difficult to reflect on the sufferings of Jesus. But it can help us in our Lenten experience to remember what He suffered for us. Watch the movie “The Passion of the Christ”.

 

Stations of the Cross: 

Prayerfully reflect on 14 stations: Jesus’ passion, the way of the cross. Every Friday in Lent.

FASTING

Fasting: the traditional giving up of chocolate or alcohol, or why not practice eating leftovers instead of tossing food out? Bring back to your family the practice of praying before meals.  Stay home and cook a meal instead of going to a restaurant. Instead of saying: “I’m going to grab a bite” … express gratitude to God for the food that is a gift - and do not take it for granted.

ALMSGIVING

Almsgiving: set aside money for the poor, for St. Vincent de Paul … give a handout to someone on the street corner … offer your extra jacket to a homeless person … bring blankets, socks or other items to places that care for the homeless, migrants and refugees. Find ways to share who you are and what you have with those who have less. Offer your time and presence to someone who is lonely. 


Bring into your daily prayer the people around the world whose suffering is unimaginable – those suffering from earthquakes, war, famine, religious persecution, extreme weather, floods, human trafficking …


Scroll down for dates and times of the Lenten offerings, mentioned above.

 

Sr. Dominic Marie, OP 

Parish Office Closed



Our Parish Offices will be closed on Monday,

February 20th in observance of President's Day.

Ash Wednesday Mass Times

Ash Wednesday

February 22


Mass Times:

 7am, 9:15am

12:05pm & 7pm


Religious Education Prayer Service - 4:15pm

Ashes distributed at all services.

St. Stephen Church 8am and 6pm

As You Journey Through Lent

Resources for your Lenten Journey:


USCCB/What is Lent?

Dynamic Catholic

Formed.org

Gospel Reflections with Bishop Barron

CRS Stations of the Cross

One Prayer a Day for Lent


Little Black Lenten Books are available in the back of the church beginning this weekend or at the parish office. These books have reflections and meditations for your Lenten journey.

Rice Bowls will be available this weekend in the back of the church, or you can pick one up at the parish office.


Your Lenten alms change lives globally and in our own community. More information can be found here.

Eucharistic Minister Training

Training Meeting

Monday, February 27

7pm in the Church


We are planning a Eucharistic Minister training meeting. The training is for those interested in becoming  Eucharistic Ministers and a refresher for our existing EMs. This is a wonderful, rewarding ministry and perfect for those too busy for another commitment. Once you have attended the training, you’ll use a signup app to choose which Mass and how often you’ll serve as a Eucharistic Minister. Please contact Kieran Chan at kierankc@pacbell.net with questions. 

Adult Faith Formation

Christ the King/St. Stephen Church

Adult Faith Formation

Lenten Series 2023


Please see more information by clicking here

Over The Weekend

Congratulations to Martin Charles on your baptism!

Welcome to the Christ the King and St. Stephen Family!

Parents: Christina & Marion

CYO News

We are BACK!


Come join us for the 2023 CTK CYO Crab Feed!

March 11, 2023

CTK's Gym


Tickets can be purchased here

Weekly Reflections

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.



Jesus taught us to approach an adversary in a manner we can only call “countercultural.” “Offer the other cheek” meant to break the web of violence. Read More

ICF Scholarship

CTK’s Italian Catholic Federation is offering a scholarship to 8th grade students wishing to attend a Catholic High School in the fall of 2023. Applications are in CTK’S and St. Stephen’s church vestibule and the CTK church office. The application deadline is March 31, 2023. Please contact Mary Ragsdale (925) 297-7169 if you have any questions.

Weekly Church Bulletin

Tour with Fr. Paulson to Africa 

Tour with Fr. Paulson to Africa


Join Fr. Paulson on an incredible tour of Africa (Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara National Park).



There is an additional package of Madagascar for those who want to continue for another 7 days. The trip will take place in June, 2023. For more information please contact the Parish Office at 925-682-2486.

 

40 Days for Life

Thank You For Your Financial Support

Give Now

To donate a one-time/on-line donation.

Or regular and/or second collections.

If you do not wish to give on-line,
you can continue to contribute using your offertory envelopes.

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

Mass Schedule

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).


All Masses are Inside the Church. - Face Masks are encouraged.

Readings for Sunday Mass Here

Links to our services (live or archived) can be found at ctkph.org

or by clicking the Facebook or YouTube images below.

Ongoing Services

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Private Confessions every Saturday from 3pm to 3:30pm, in the church.


Drive-Thru Holy Communion - Every Sunday 11:30am to 12 noon, in front of the church.


Thursday Mass - 6pm - Honoring our Mother of Perpetual Help, Rosary begins at 5:40pm, in the church. Worship Aide Here  (Also livestreamed).

St. Stephen Church - Masses

St. Stephen Church

1101 Keaveny Ct.

Walnut Creek 94597


Saturday - Mass at 5pm

Sunday - Mass at 9:30am


St. Stephen Daily Mass: Monday - Friday at 8am

In Closing

Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”)

is the day before Ash Wednesday,

which marks the beginning of Lent.


In times of greater Lenten austerity in Catholic countries, Mardi Gras offered an opportunity for households to consume some foods they would not enjoy until Easter. 


Some have drawn a connection between Mardi Gras and ancient pagan festivals to welcome spring. This may certainly be true, but Catholic liturgists identify another link — namely, a time to extend celebrations of the Christmas season until the beginning of Lent. Whatever the case, certain cities around the world (Venice, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans) have become identified with elaborate civic festivities leading up to Mardi Gras. These are usually known as “Carnival” (“Farewell to Meat”), a name that conveys the celebration’s religious, pre-Lenten character, although the events themselves (as in Venice) may commemorate military victories. In most places, however, Mardi Gras simply justifies an elaborate — often excessive — party.


FATHER REGINALD MARTIN

"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference"