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

Parish Newsletter

January 18, 2023

Staying Connected

Dear Friends,

 

The process of merging the two parishes is on track as Bishop Barber spent time with the two Pastoral Councils of St. Stephen and CTK. He listened to the members and responded to their questions. The two councils were unanimous in their vote to merge the parishes. I will be meeting with the Presbyteral Council of the diocese on Thursday January 19th to make a presentation on the merger. Once the necessary presbyteral council consultation is complete, Bishop Barber can bring about the merger by way of a written decree.

 

Successful church mergers involve two congregations entering into a new partnership, on an equal footing, to create something new. I am looking forward to coming together to form a union where neither community sees the other as dominant. We are in the process of forming a Leadership Team to plan and strategize the process, learning from other congregations that have done successful mergers.

 

Both parish communities have their own unique gifts. St. Stephen is an amazing community of very dedicated people, most of whom have worshipped at that site over 20 years. A church is much more than its floors, windows, walls, and equipment. The church is a place of worship, connection, and upliftment. There is a great sense of hospitality, unity and sacrificial giving that has made St. Stephen Church not only financially viable during the past four years, but one that is bound to flourish and grow. 

The church was designed by Aaron Green, student and eventual partner of Frank Lloyd Wright. The architectural design is simple and dignified, expressing a religious character. The Church is a source of pride for the parishioners and an architectural credit to the community. The Church seats 600 currently and includes 6 classrooms. All liturgical furnishings and landscape were designed by Aaron Green. The Harry B. Morrison Parish Center was constructed in 2001 and dedicated in 2002 by Bishop John S. Cummins.

 

The last couple of years, we have made significant improvements to both churches‚ as evidence we plan to expand, not retreat. Currently, the diocese holds marriage prep in-person classes at St. Stephen Hall. Additionally, Contra Costa Association of Realtors and affiliated professionals meet every Tuesday with breakfast in the morning. Our school, Youth Ministry and others have conducted their retreats and activities on this amazing campus. A couple of Catholic schools have also held their school auction here. St. Stephen community has so much to offer, and has so much potential for the community.

 

Once the Merger is complete, there will be one pastor, one staff, one Parish Pastoral Council and one Financial Council with Two Worship Sites. The assets are also merged and become the responsibility of the new parish entity. All sacramental records will be moved to CTK, the location of parish administration. I am convinced that, this new reality, One Parish Two Worship Sites, will give birth to new gifts and deeper faith.

  

Fr. Paulson

Movie Night

Pope Francis’ New Documentary on

Care for Creation

Thursday, January 19 at 7pm

80 minute running time

CTK’s Parish Hall - The cost is free

 

Join us on Thursday as we watch this amazing documentary. There will be a short discussion after the documentary. The Letter, a new full-length film focused on global solidarity and care for creation tells the story of Laudato Si’ and how climate change is affecting the Earth and all those who inhabit it. The film follows four individuals from across the globe and brings together their unique experiences of the ecological crisis. The film was produced in collaboration with the Laudato Si’ Movement and in partnership with the Vatican and calls all people to a new and profound awareness of what is happening to our common home.

School News

Catholic Schools Week Mass &

Open House

 

On Sunday, January 29th, we will kick off Catholic schools week with the

9am mass followed by an Open House in the school from 10am to 12pm.

 

We will join Catholic Schools across the nation in celebrating National Catholic Schools Week which takes place from January 30 to February 4.

 

Catholic Schools provide a learning space where Gospel Values are celebrated and students are provided opportunities to participate in traditions of rich academics and faith.

CTK Ray Newsletter


Christ the King Catholic School recently published the fourth issue of the CTK Ray, its biannual newsletter designed for CTK families, friends, alumni, prospective students, parishioners, and neighbors. In this issue, read about: the school's garden revitalization project, student faith families, CYO fall sports, an update from our Parent-Teacher Group president, and more! Hard copies are available in the school and parish offices. Read it online here.

Sock Drive

Christ the King’s

St. Vincent De Paul

Sock Drive



New socks for homeless men and women are needed for the homeless distribution bags. (only socks for adults; not children). A bin is located in front of the church until Monday, January 30th where you can donate socks.

 

CYO NEWS

2023 Track Season


2nd - 8th Graders Signup:

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6 – 7 pm in the Parish Hall

For more information click here

We are BACK! Save the Date!


Come join us for the 2023 CTK CYO Crab Feed!

March 11, 2023

CTK's Gym

Weekly Reflections

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.



It’s noteworthy that none of Jesus’ first four disciples had previously shown any aptitude—or desire—for what lay ahead of them. For Jesus, “conversion” meant a renewal of life from inside out... Read More

Over The Weekend

Thanks to those who celebrated and participated in the Filipino Tradition of the Feast of Santo Nino on Saturday Evening.

Weekly Church Bulletin

News From Our Diocese

More information can be found here.

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

Pope Francis on Twitter

Pope Francis

@Pontifex


Today the Week of Prayer for #ChristianUnity begins. This year's theme is: “Learn to do good; seek justice” (Is 1:17). Let us thank the Lord who faithfully guides his people towards full communion. #PrayTogether

"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference"