A number of you have shared the good news that you have received your vaccine, and I am so happy for you. Among the clergy and staff, only Deacon John has received the vaccine, as far as I know. Fr. Brian Timoney is working with his doctor, but so far, he has not yet received a date for his vaccination. He is in no hurry as he feels safe at the rectory, but looks forward to getting it soon.

Pope Francis, 84, and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, 93, received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week. At his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, the pope called for COVID-19 vaccines to be made available to the world’s neediest people. He said: “I ask everyone -- government leaders, businesses, international organizations -- to foster cooperation and not competition, and to seek a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet. Before all others: the most vulnerable and needy!”

In an interview recently, Pope Francis called on everyone to get the vaccine. “It’s an ethical choice, because you are playing with health, life, but you are also playing with the lives of others,” Francis told the news station. “I’ve signed up. One must do it.” According to the transcript, the pope added, “I don’t understand why some say, ‘No, vaccines are dangerous.’ If it is presented by doctors as a thing that can go well, that has no special dangers, why not take it? There is a suicidal denial that I wouldn’t know how to explain.”

This week, they removed the concrete in front of the church. It is unfortunate that there was no rebar in the concrete. That explains why the concrete was cracking and heaving, and had become a serious tripping hazard. I am sorry we had to redo something that was done not many years ago. Rest assured, and with due respect to any efforts done in the past, we are working as a larger team here to make sure each project we address is done with the utmost attention to detail, quality and care for longevity and return on the effort and investment.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, has made the decision to call forth another class for Permanent Deacon Formation in the Diocese of Oakland. I would love to see more deacons from Christ the King and St. Stephen. Candidate Qualifications: • Practicing Catholic for 10 years or more. • Must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and be validly married by the Church, if applicable. • At least 33 years of age but not older than 60 years of age at the time of application. • Good physical and mental health. • Gainfully employed or otherwise financially secure. • Sufficient time to devote to the formation program. • Demonstrates leadership ability and calling to the social justice ministry of the Church. • If married, both oral and written support, endorsement and consent of his wife and family. His wife should be willing to participate in the formation process. • A commitment to celibacy is required of non-married candidates, as well as widowers.

The application process will begin in February 2021 with Inquiry sessions starting in March 2021 that will allow interested men to explore the call to diaconal ministry and gain understanding of the requirements, the process and the commitment involved in becoming a deacon. There will be a thorough application and screening process before anyone is accepted into the Deacon Formation program. For further information, speak to Deacon John or call Clergy Services, 510-267-8356 or  email cbranco@oakdiocese.org.

Over the weekend, through the sacrament of Baptism, we welcomed Eliana Bella to our CTK and St. Stephen Family. Congratulations!

Christ the King is partnering with First Christian Church of Concord, (a CC County/Interfaith effort) in a food drive for the homeless. Our two churches will collect and bag enough food for 250 grocery bags for the homeless in Contra Costa County. Interested in helping January 30th? Go to Sign-Up Genius to volunteer and/or donate food for our brothers and sisters in need. Click here

Our Grief Ministry is still here for you! Even though we cannot meet in person, our Grief Ministers are reaching out to our grieving people to help give support during this challenging time. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, and would like to receive a call from one of our caring Grief Ministers, please call Donna at 510-381-3615. We will continue our grief support meetings twice a month.

The end of year statement of contributions has been delivered to your email on-file in our parishioner registry, or has been put in the U.S. mail to you this week. You will receive two emails, one has your statement in the body of the email, the second is a form appropriate for printing. Please also check your spam folder. If you have not received an email or a copy through the U.S. mail in the next week, please give our office a call at 925-682-2486 and we will assist you.

USCCB has announced a nationwide Prayer Vigil for Life, January 28-29. Details about how to participate in this virtual two-day event available through the link. here

Jesus calls us to turn toward what is yet to come. A Christian necessarily lives in the present, but we know what matters most comes “after.” Read More

CTK's St. Vincent de Paul assists less fortunate members of our community on a person-to-person basis, providing emergency food, clothing and other services.

Thank you for your support.

Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from

3pm to 3:30pm.

Please meet in front of the church.

Pope Francis, Feb. 2, 2019 -