Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Parish Newsletter
April 21, 2021
Staying Connected
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A Letter from our Pastor ~ Fr. Paulson |
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Dear Friends,
It's being called the trial of the century and after 14 days, jurors have come down with the guilty verdict on the murder of George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. We need to remember that Jurors have decided on George Floyd’s death – not the issue of race. In fact, there is a real disconnect between what goes on outside the courthouse, where people will be talking about race, and what took place inside the courthouse, whether a crime was committed.
It's difficult to put systemic racism on trial. In fact, courts are uncertain where to start, what to do, and how to make purposeful changes. Regardless of how the jury has decided, racism is not overcome in a day, in one court verdict. We have work to do, as a community of faith. It is not an absence of knowing, it is not an absence of data, it is not an absence of conviction. It is an absence of a combination of leadership and a sense of urgency for now whether it is in our nation or here in our community.
“Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” Lao Tzu. I am looking forward to seeing our community take this step towards change and transformation with regard to racial justice and equity. And it is not going to be easy. To grow, we have to embrace the discomfort. Peter McWilliams once said, “Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort.” Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Psychologist and author of Better Than Perfect, says people who regularly seek out fresh experiences tend to be more creative and emotionally resilient than those who remain stuck in routine. Jesus challenged status quo, invited people to step out of a familiar present and opt instead for insecurity.
Right now, Minneapolis has become a fortified city with more than 3000 National Guard soldiers along with police officers, sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel. While I support peaceful assembly, let us pray that we don’t see the violence we have witnessed over the past years.
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St. Vincent de Paul Ministry Christ The King Conference (SVdP) and St. Stephen assist less fortunate members of our community on a person-to-person basis, providing emergency food, clothing and other services. Let me share with you some statistics from the past year that tells me we are doing what Jesus wants us to do.
- In 2020, our parishioners contributed $230,000 to support SVdP client activities.
- SVdP held 4,450 client meetings at our CTK SVdP location; approximately 18-23 meetings per day. These client meetings provided assistance touching 14,813 family members.
- The volunteer members of Christ the King Conference of St. Vincent de Paul 5,210 hours to help serve the less fortunate members of our community. These hours also include prison, hospital and eldercare visits for those who have no way of coming to us.
- In addition to normal SVdP contributions, our parishioners have contributed over $70,000 in 2021 to provide rent assistance to families in need and we are assisting families right now.
- At St. Stephen, we served 9 families during thanksgiving and over 60 people during the year.
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Finally, I am so grateful for the Tent that has been a defining feature of our church during the pandemic. From May 1, we will move Saturday and Sunday 4.00pm masses as well as the Sunday 7.30am and 12.00noon Spanish Mass indoors. I was advised by one of our county medical professionals that if we wear masks, we are fully safe, given the number of vaccinations. All the pews will be available. What is important is to keep sufficient distance with masks on for the entire service. We will continue to offer Sunday 9.00 and 10.30am Masses outdoors.
We may move all our masses indoors this weekend as the current weather forecast is for rain. If you choose to stay in your cars, we have our mass transmitted on FM 106.7 from the church. Communion will be distributed outside the church.
The secret to success lies in the very thing you’re avoiding. Those things that seem to break you down and humble your spirit.
Fr. Paulson
Below please find the statement from Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ: On the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin: Here
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Join us for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Wednesday, May 5th at 6pm
On the lawn at Christ the King
We will have Mexican Food, Margaritas, and a Mariachi Band!
Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children
To reserve your space click the link below:
Or come by the office to purchase your tickets!
April 30th is your last day to reserve your tickets.
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Three of our Outdoor Masses are Moving
Back into the Church
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Beginning the weekend of
May 1 and May 2
Saturday - 4pm Mass will move into the church
Sunday - 4pm Mass will move into the church
12 noon Spanish Mass will move into the church beginning this weekend
Please note for April 24/25: If it rains, we may bring the outside masses inside. You are also welcome to stay in your car and tune into FM 106.7
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Baptisms Over the Weekend |
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Congratulations to the children who received the Sacrament of Baptism.
We welcome you to our Christ the King and St. Stephen Family!
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Parents: Rina & Richard
Baby: Rhiana Kate
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Parents: Rowena & Michael
Baby: Grayson Henry
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CTK's Passport to Paradise Virtual Auction
We'd like to invite our CTK Parish community to join us for the 2021 Virtual Auction, Passport to Paradise, this Friday, April 23 at 7pm. This online-only event will be approximately 75 minutes long featuring speakers, live auction items and a Fund-a-Need for our P.E. program. The event is free, but please register here to receive the event portal link.
We look forward to having you join our Passport to Paradise!
Your 2021 Auction Chairs,
Arlene & Matt Santos
Carolyn & Tim Della Maggiore
2021 CTK Auction Co-Chairs
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As we prepare to return to in-person classes for next year’s Religious Education program, we need teachers! That means we need YOU! If you doubt that you can teach, think again! Read More
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St. Vincent de Paul Sock Drive |
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Christ the King's St. Vincent de Paul Sock Drive
New socks for homeless men and women are needed for the distribution bags.
A bin is located in front of the church until Monday, May 3rd where you can donate socks.
Thank you for helping us with this important cause!
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Weekly Reflections on Sunday Readings |
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4th Sunday of the Easter Season
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
The Jewish leaders bring Peter and John before them for questioning. These leaders belong to the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection of the dead. Read More
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Weekday Mass
9am - Monday - Friday Indoors/Church
(9am Masses will continue to be livestreamed)
6pm - Thursdays - Indoors/Church
Weekend Masses:
Saturday
9am - Indoors/Church
4pm - Outdoors
(Beginning May 2nd the Saturday 4pm Mass will be in the church)
Sunday
7:30am - Indoors/Church
9am,10:30am, & 4pm - Outdoors
12 noon (Spanish) - Indoors (New this Sunday)
(Beginning May 2nd the Sunday 4pm Mass will be in the church).
(Saturday 4pm and Sunday 9am Mass will be livestreamed)
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Mass Reminders
Outdoor Masses: Please bring your own chairs.
Masks are required.
Services will be held rain or shine.
If you wish to stay in your car, you can tune into FM 106.7
Or watch from your smart phone/tablet:
Wifi ID: CTK Streaming -
Password: outdoor1
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Song Sheet for Mass - April 24/25 Here
Spanish Mass Worship Aide/Guía de Adoración Here
Readings for Sunday Mass Here
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Links to our services (live or archived) can be found at ctkph.org
or clicking the images below
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Ongoing Services:
Drive-Thru Communion, Masses, Holy Rosary, Sacrament of Reconciliation
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Drive-Thru
Holy Communion
Every Sunday
11:30am to 12 noon
In front of the church
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Sacrament of Reconciliation
Private Confessions will continue every Saturday from
3pm to 3:30pm
Please meet in front of the church
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Thursdays, 6pm - Indoor Mass
Honoring Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Mass will not be livestreamed
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5:40pm - Holy Rosary
Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Fridays
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St. Stephen Church - Masses |
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St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597
Saturday - Mass 5pm - Indoors (New)
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am - Outdoors
Drive Thru Holy Communion - 10:10am/Sunday
Masses at St. Stephen are now being live-streamed on the St. Stephen Facebook page. If you are unable to attend with us in person, please join us through Facebook. A link is on our web site: saintstephenparish.org.
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Thank You for Your Continued Financial Support to CTK and St. Stephen Church |
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On-Line Giving: (click button below)
We depend upon your contributions!
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Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Offertory Envelopes and
Paper Checks
Can be sent directly to:
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
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Tomorrow we celebrate Earth Day! Take time to enjoy God’s creation.
What’s a small way you can care for mother earth?
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference" |
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