Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Parish Newsletter
November 24, 2021
Staying Connected
Dear Parishioners,

Jesus says, “Be careful… be on watch and pray”

This weekend begins a new Church year – Advent – four weeks that precede Christmas, when we, filled with joy, prepare ourselves to celebrate again Jesus’ birth. During the Advent season we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord and the birth of Jesus. It is a new year for each of us and all that excites one with a new start.

To assist us in our efforts, today’s readings provide some help. Jeremiah in the first reading reminds us that God keeps His promises. In the second reading, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to break away from their routines and to be holy and pleasing to God. And we hear some piercing symbolisms in Luke’s gospel, as Jesus warns His followers of His future coming. Be vigilant, pray always.

What does this mean for us? Advent is inviting us to a real encounter with Jesus. It is a time to be open to new adventures that might come our way. It is a time to be more aware of God’s presence in the world, in ourselves and in the people around us.

Ah! But it is a busy time of the year! We all get caught up in the busy-ness of the season. But, it is important to take some time to check in with ourselves. Buying gifts, decorating trees and homes, baking and all our other traditions will still make their annual appearance in our already busy lives. Stepping away from this is not easy but using a bit of energy to focus on Advent will heighten our Christmas joy.

Here are some ideas to enrich your celebration of Advent at home.
· Advent Wreath:   
Prepare an Advent wreath. Three purple candles, one pink (or any candles) and some evergreens.  Place on a tray or plate. The candles symbolize Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Each week light one more candle and pray together.
 
· Gifts for Others:   
Gather together clothes and toys that can be donated to any of numerous charities for Christmas distribution. Children could pick out a toy to donate – something they would like to receive as a Christmas gift.
Donate baby supplies to a local charity.
Bring a meal to someone in need.
 
· Read
The story of “Las Posadas”: 
Posadas is a Spanish word meaning “shelter”. A Hispanic tradition, Las Posadas recreates Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem.
Read Matthew and Luke’s version of the nativity. Each of these gospels tell the Story of Jesus’ birth from a different perspective. Put together the traditional scene of Christmas crèches down through the ages.
 
· Family Tree Ornaments: 
(Advent Themes) Using materials of your choice create ornaments to represent the traditional Advent themes. 
1. God’s People – The Candle of Hope.
2. The Old Testament Prophets – The Candle of Peace
3. John the Baptist – The Candle of Love
4. Mary, the mother of Jesus – The Candle of Joy.
 
· Pray: 
Gather around your Advent wreath each Sunday for prayer.
Make some quiet time each day to pray.
Go for a walk and enjoy all of God’s Creation.
Plan to attend the Advent Reconciliation Service, joining others to celebrate God’s mercy, forgiveness and love: Saturday, December 11, 3PM or
Monday, December 13, 6PM.

I wish all of you your best Advent ever filled with many blessings. Remember, the real Advent happens within. The real preparation is in your heart.

Lovingly, 
Sister Maureen Viani, SNJM
On behalf of our clergy and staff, we wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful for all of your prayers, support, and generosity during this past year!

In observance of Thanksgiving, our parish offices will be closed
Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26.
Thanksgiving Day Mass
Thursday, November 25
You are invited to attend our
Thanksgiving Day Mass
9am
9:30am - St. Stephen Church
 
You are welcome to bring the bread and wine you will be serving on Thanksgiving Day for a special blessing.
No 6pm Mass or rosary on Thanksgiving evening.
Saving Grace
“Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts.”

Join Fr. Paulson for both discussion sessions:
Thurs. Dec. 2 - 9:30am (In the church)
Thurs. Dec. 9 - 7pm (on Zoom)
 Zoom link can be found here
 
Books can be purchased at the parish office for $20.
They also can be found on Amazon or Kindle.
Celebrate with Us!

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Wednesday, December 8
Mass times:
7am, 9am, 12noon & 7pm

St. Stephen Church - 6pm
Advent Reconciliation Services

Saturday, December 11 at 3pm or
Monday, December 13 at 6pm
In the Church

St. Stephen Church - Friday, December 10 at 6pm

Come and experience the healing power of the
Sacrament of Reconciliation as we prepare
our hearts for Christmas.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sunday, December 12
Mass Time: 4pm
In the Church
Weekly Church Bulletin
This Sunday, November 28
Begins our Advent Season
Little Blue Book for Advent

The little Blue Advent Books which consist of prayers, devotions and stories for Advent are available for you in the back of the church. Or you can pick one up at our parish office. $1 donation is appreciated.

The Little Books App is now available for your iOS and Android devices. For a simple $10/year subscription, you’ll get all the seasonal books in the app for easy daily reading. Here
Daily Advent Reflections

Daily Reflections, sent straight to your email:


Over the Weekend
Congratulations to Carmella, Kaiden & Matias who were baptized
over the weekend!
Welcome to Christ the King and St. Stephen Family!
Parents: Rena & Chris
Baby: Carmella Mae
Parents: Kim & Manuel
Baby: Matias Santiago
Parents: Kerrilynne & Alex
Baby: Kaiden Adam
Weekly Reflections on Sunday Readings
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
First Sunday of Advent

Luke warns of that day which will conclude human history with the coming of Christ, the Judge. “Be on your guard.” Read More
Mass Schedule
All Masses are Inside the Church.
Face 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).
Thanksgiving Worship Aide Here
Worship Aide for Mass - Nov. 27/28 Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
Links to our services (live or archived) can be found at ctkph.org
or 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

Holy Rosary - Livestreamed on Facebook at 5:40pm, Monday - Friday
St. Stephen Church - Masses
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597

Saturday - Mass 5pm
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am
Thanksgiving Day Worship Aide Here
Worship Aide Nov. 27/28 Here

St. Stephen daily mass:
Monday - Friday at 8am
Thank You for Your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen Church
On-Line Giving: (click button below)
We depend upon your contributions!
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
Second Collection
Upcoming Second Collection
This Sunday, Nov. 28
 
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Our special collection will support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. More than thirty-eight million people in the United States live in poverty. This collection supports programs that empower people to identify and address the obstacles they face as they work to bring permanent and positive change to their communities. Learn more about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development at www.CCHDEastBay.org. Or watch a short video here.
 
Thank you for your generous support!
Closing Prayer
Prayer From Advent Darkness to Christmas Light

 Lead us from death to life,
From falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope,
From fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love,
From war to peace.
Let peace fill our hearts,
Our world, our universe.
Let us dream together,
Pray together,
Work together,
To build one world
Of peace and justice for all.
                                          Satish Kumar, India
"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference"