Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Parish Newsletter
August 26, 2020
Keeping Us Connected
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A Letter From Our Pastor - Fr. Paulson |
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Dear Friends,
The California fires rage on with little hope of easy containment. There are no easy answers to the suffering and destruction wrought by fires and hurricanes, that seems to escalate year after year. In times of tragedy such as this, we understand how much our fire fighters and law enforcement put their lives in harm’s way for the sake of the communities that they serve. Race, religion, resources – none of this matters. The officers take on their job of protecting lives as if that is the only thing that matters at the moment. They deserve our appreciation and love, after a summer of protests and rallies that have sometimes shaken the very foundation of these departments.
This Monday, we celebrated the feast of St. Bartholomew, described in the Gospel as Nathanael. I would like to share what I have personally learned from this encounter. When Nathanael first hears from Phillip about Jesus of Nazareth he responds with cynicism and makes a disparaging comment “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” There is a certain aspect of disdain in this statement both for the city as well as its citizens.
Nazareth was an isolated border town that finds no mention in the Old Testament and none of the ancient literature including the Talmud or the rabbinic writings refer to this place in any way. According to Marcus Borges, Nazareth is the site of occupation forces of a Roman legion. The hostility, chaos and the incessant uprisings that often define the landscape of an occupied territory is one that Nathanael thinks about when he hears about Jesus of Nazareth for the first time. What good can come from a border town anyway? And what about the radical political and religious ideologies often associated with the people of such towns? And what about the petty prejudices and biases that are quite often deeply entrenched into their daily pronouncements and demeanor? The Gospels are reticent about Nazareth – they mention a synagogue and a precipice. It could mean a people of faith on the precipice of life. So, when Phillip tells Nathanael that he has been impressed by Jesus of Nazareth, anyone would have responded as Nathanael- Jesus of WHERE?
Unfortunately, there are so many opportunities for us to disregard another person based on where they might be from, what degree they have earned, an accent we are not familiar with, the amount of money they have. Sadly, the list goes on and on. And many times, we can fall into the trap that Nathanael does of sharing the comment with another person. I challenge myself to become aware of the trap of negative attribution.
Jesus welcomes Nathanael wholeheartedly and says, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no guile or duplicity in him.” Rather than defending Nazareth or trying to prove that Nathanael’s opinion was wrong, Jesus focused on the good in Nathanael and invited him to come along. Jesus inspires me to pause when I hear something hurtful. This lesson is particularly poignant in the challenging times in which we are currently living.
I have to say Phillip is my Hero in this story. He is filled with love for Jesus and knows He is the Messiah. He enthusiastically invites Nathanael to meet Jesus. Phillip does not fall into the trap of gossip about someone from Nazareth. He does not dismiss Nathanael for his biases and prejudices or racist tendencies.
I know I am an imperfect human being. I know there are prejudices and biases in my heart. Phillip helps me appreciate people in my life who know I am not perfect, but have helped me become a better person, those who have seen gifts in me that I had not yet recognized. I am particularly grateful for people who have made the effort to introduce me to others who have helped me develop my faith and commitment to service.
Fr. Paulson
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Go to our Facebook Page! This is the best resource for up to date news about Christ the King Parish.
With the ever changing news during these last few months concerning air quality, covid19, curfews, increment weather and all that affect our outdoor masses, office operations, outdoor sacraments and more; please refer to our Facebook page.
(Click Image)
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Join us this Saturday, August 29 after the 5pm mass where you can enjoy listening to live music on the grass. This week we will have a jazz theme. Bring your own chairs, wine and snacks. Sit back and enjoy a summer evening with music, and invite your friends! |
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For Those Of You Who Receive Offertory Envelopes:
Offertory Envelopes are available for pick up. Our office is open Monday through Friday 9am to 1pm. After the weekend masses, a staff member can assist you in getting your envelopes. If you cannot pick them up during these times, please call so we arrange a time with you.
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You can watch our live streaming of weekend masses on CTK's Youtube Channel. (Yes, Facebook is still available). Click the image and subscribe to our channel. You can also search "CTKPH Online" on the Youtube search bar. |
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A Welcome Zoom To Meet Fr. Lee |
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Join us Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 pm to meet Fr. Lee on Zoom. This will be the last one at this time!
Please email: Welcome@CTKph.org
to get a zoom link for this 30 minute welcome. We limit the group to 10 people.
We go "around the room" and introduce ourselves as people log on. When everyone is present Fr. Lee tells a bit about himself, with a Q and A, and a hard stop at 30 minutes.
Chris Bertrand, of CTK Communications Ministry, will host.
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Are You Registered To Vote? |
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Do you want to register to vote?
Can't remember if you're registered to vote?
To register or check your status click Here
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Parish Registration Update |
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We are in the process of updating our parish database with current information including phone numbers, emails, etc. Please click the link below to fill out the digital form to update your information.
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Weekly Spanish Mass At CTK |
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Spanish Mass - Sundays at 12 Noon
Please spread the word! We have a new outdoor Sunday mass in Spanish at 12 noon. It will also be streamed live on our Facebook page. Everyone is invited, so let them know. Bring your mask and your own chair, and we look forward to Sunday!
¡Anuncio! Tenemos una nueva misa dominical al aire libre en Español a las 12 PM. También se transmitirá en vivo en nuestra página de Facebook. Todos están invitados, así que avísales. ¡Traiga su máscara y su propia silla, y nos esperamos el domingo!
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Oakland Diocese/The Catholic Voice |
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Enjoy the Latest Issue of the Catholic Voice
Read about the new transitional deacons; the two men who will be ordained to the priesthood in September; and how some of our retired priests continue to serve safely during the pandemic.
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Join us Every Thursday
For Our Speaker Series Followed By Our
Outdoor Weekly Mass
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Thursdays at 5:00pm on Facebook Live
This Thursday, August 27 at 5:00pm, our speaker will be Keith Cormier, retired from the Contra Costa Fire Protection District after 29 years of service. He will chat with Fr. Paulson Mundanmani about the current fire situation, how to prepare to evacuate, if need be, and how to deal with bad air quality, etc.
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Thursday, 6pm Outdoor Mass
Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help
After our speaker, stay on for our 6pm weekly mass where we honor Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Either on the lawn, in your car,
or in your home on Facebook Live!
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Outdoor Masses Continue This Weekend Both In Our
Parking Lot And Grass Area
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No Reservations or Sign Ups Required
You can get out of your car and onto the grass
(Bring your own chairs/blankets)
Face Masks are required
Or continue to stay in the comfort of your car-tune into FM 106.7
All masses will be live streamed on Facebook
(except the 7:30am Sunday morning mass)
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Weekday Mass:
Thursdays 6pm
Weekend Masses:
Saturday - 5pm
Sunday - 7:30am, 9am,10:30am, 12noon (Spanish) & 6pm
New - (Sunday) 12 noon Spanish Mass
Please Note:
7:30am mass will take place outside, on the patio, in front of the church
Drive Through Holy Communion - Sundays
11:30am to 12 noon
(In front of the church)
Song Sheet for Masses Here
Spanish Mass Worship Aide/Guía de Adoración Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
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Streaming Live on Facebook Only
Monday - Saturday
9am - Chapel Mass
5:40pm - Holy Rosary
(except Thursdays, Sat. & Sun.)
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St. Stephen Church
Walnut Creek
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am - Outdoors
Drive Through Communion - 10:15am
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New - Sacrament Of Reconciliation |
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Every Saturday 3pm to 3:30pm
Outdoors at CTK
We will provide private confessions this Saturday, August 29. There will be someone outside the church to guide you to the confessional.
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Weekly Reflection On Sunday Readings |
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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
This weekend’s Scriptures echo the raw emotions of many who believe in the Universal, Risen Christ... read more
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Second Collection - August 30 |
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This Sunday's second collection is for CTK's
St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Thank you for your support!
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Thank You For Your Continued Financial Support To CTK And St. Stephen Church |
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Keeping Connected
Sunday Offering
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On-Line Giving: (click button below)
Online giving now includes St. Stephen Parish.
We depend upon your contributions!
Your generosity and prayers help ensure that CTK and St. Stephen can continue running its essential ministries and pay their staff.
Thank you again for your donations as we work together to sustain our community now and in the future.
Offertory Envelopes/Paper Checks:
Can be sent directly to CTK:
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Can be sent directly to St. Stephen:
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Thank you for your support!
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Prayer for the
California Wildfires
Dear God,
We ask you to protect all those suffering from the wildfires in California.
• Help those who have lost their homes, to find a place to live
• Help those who have lost a loved one, to find peace in You
• Help those injured, to heal
• Help all firefighters, to continue their courageous act of service
As we pray together seeking your intervention; our hearts are filled with compassion for all those who are afflicted by this dreadful natural disaster.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference" |
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