Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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Parish Newsletter
May 4, 2022
Staying Connected
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Dear Friends,
One of the prominent symbols decorating the sanctuary during the Easter Season is the Paschal candle. Let me give you a little history and significance. (Taken from zieglers.com)
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This Paschal candle is one of the most sacred and enduring elements in Christianity. Made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ, the candle’s wick signifies Christ’s humanity, and the flame His Divine Nature. It is adorned with one or more Christian symbols, often the cross to represent His redemptive sacrifice; the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet - Alpha and Omega – to signify that He is the beginning and the end; symbols of wheat and grapes, or a chalice and host, for the Eucharist - the true presence of Christ and our spiritual strength; the 12 Apostles – witnesses and scribes to the passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ; and other symbols such as the Good Shepherd, the Lamb, the Sacred Heart, and the Risen Christ.
The Paschal candle is a rich symbol of our faith. It reaches its pinnacle at Easter. Each year during the Easter Vigil service on Holy Saturday night, a fire is kindled in a metal bowl, called a brazier (bray’-zhur). From the brazier comes a “new” and blessed fire that lights the Paschal candle which is carried in procession into the dark church. The “new” fire serves as an image of the Resurrection. The candle, which represents Christ himself, is placed on a special Paschal candle stand near the altar. Five grains of incense are inserted into the candle to recall the aromatic spices that were used to prepare Christ’s body for the tomb, and the wounds in His hands, feet and side, which remained after His resurrection.
This candle, also called the Easter Candle, originated in the earliest days of Christianity, when evening prayer began with the lighting of a candle. This practice was probably inspired by the Jewish custom of lighting a lamp at the conclusion of the Sabbath. Historical references mention the Lucernarium, the evening prayer rite with which the early Christians began each Sunday vigil. The lighting of the candle dispelled the darkness and represented Christ – the Light of the World.
This solemn rite was carried out with even greater reverence during the Easter Vigil. In the time of Constantine we are told by the historian Eusebius that the emperor "transformed the night of the sacred Easter Vigil into the brilliancy of day, by lighting throughout the whole city pillars of wax, so that this mystic vigil was rendered brighter than the brightest daylight.” By the second half of the 4th century, a hymn in praise of the candle and the Easter mystery was sung, as referenced by Saint Jerome in 384 AD. Saints Ambrose and Augustine are known to have composed these hymns of praise. By the 12th century, it was common to inscribe the candle with the current year. Over time the candle grew in size to merit the description of “pillar." By the mid-sixteenth century, some Paschal candles weighed as much as three hundred pounds, and, after use, were melted into tapers to use at the funerals of the poor.
When you next see the Paschal candle in the church, think of its long and sacred past, the death and resurrection of Our Lord which it represents, and the faith, hope and eternal life it means for all of us!
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Winter Nights: Christ the King has been housing Winter Nights families for over a week now, with your generosity and love. Operated by the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, the Winter Nights Shelter program is a rotating homeless shelter that uses the facilities and helping hands of over 30 faith organizations to provide shelter for homeless families from October through May. Those served by the program move every two weeks from one congregation to the next during this period. The program serves those most at risk in the cold weather: families with children and seniors. We are such a blessed community, and I am so grateful we can serve Christ in the poor and the vulnerable. I want to thank John Alonso and Dennis Snarr for taking care of this awesome ministry on behalf of our community.
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I would like to wish all Mothers Happy Mother’s Day. Our mothers are so precious to us. You watched over us right from childhood until we grew up to stand on our own. We love you all. We all say thank you. My mother was an amazing woman, and she is no more with us. So today, I remember her, and the moms who are looking upon us from heaven, and continue to keep us safe with their prayers.
Fr. Paulson
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Synod Meeting
Wednesday, May 11
7pm in the Parish Hall
You are invited to join us in an open meeting for any parishioner who wishes to discuss the Parish Synodality Report and what happens next.
Our Parish Synod Report can be found here.
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Time Change for This
Thursday Mass - This Week Only
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Due to the Cinco de Mayo Celebration we will change the time of holy rosary and
mass for this week only
Thursday, May 5 (only)
5:10pm Holy Rosary
5:30pm Mass
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First Friday
This Friday, May 6, is our
Monthly First Friday Exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament Followed by Mass
Exposition at 5 pm
Mass at 6pm
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The month of May is
dedicated to our
Mother, Mary.
Spend time in prayer.
Different opportunities to do this at CTK:
Mass every Thursday evening at 6pm, honoring
Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Rosary begins at 5:40pm
(Note: this week only we begin at
5:10pm followed by 5:30pm mass)
Pray the Holy Rosary at 5:40pm
livestreamed on Facebook
Monday thru Friday.
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Parent Information Meeting
Christ the King's Youth Ministry will be hosting a parent information meeting on
May 24th at 6:30 PM in the Parish Hall.
Families with youth entering 7th - 12th grade that are looking to enroll in the following Youth Ministry Programs should attend.
Christ the King Explorers (formerly 7th & 8th grade youth group)
Foundations of Catholicism (formerly High School Inquiry/First year Confirmation Prep)
Catholic Practices & Experiences (formerly Sacramental Prep/Confirmation)
If you have any questions email Mike Aliscad, Youth Minister at maliscad@ctkph.org or call the Youth Ministry Office at (925) 246-1128.
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Italian Catholic Federation |
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ICF Meeting
May 15
ICF Members and Guests are reminded that our monthly meeting will be coming up on Sunday afternoon, May 15 in the Parish Hall on the side facing the large parking lot at 1 o'clock pm. Details of the meeting will be emailed to members. If you are interested in joining us as a guest, call or email Ann Consul for further information: 925-998-9476, anniebanana724@yahoo.com.
All are welcome!
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Congratulations to the children who were baptized recently.
Welcome to the Christ the King and St. Stephen Family!
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Parents: Irene & Lachman
Baby: Zach
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Parents: Marylee & Michael
Baby: Lily Rose
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Parish Festival Update
June 3-4
We are getting more and more excited as planning continues for Christ the King Parish Festival, which will take place on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th. Here are some areas where we could use your generous support to help make Festival a success:
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We are looking for donations of creative kid-focused prize baskets to be used for festival prizes and/or for our silent auction. Basket themes could be around sports, popular hobbies/activities, vacation fun, or any theme you think will resonate with the kiddos. Please contact Stacy York at stacyleeyork@gmail.com if you are interested in creating and contributing a fun themed basket.
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And for all you Bakers out there, get in on the Cake Walk fun! We would love to accept your delicious cookies, cakes, cupcakes, bars, banana bread, cake pops etc. as prizes for this family favorite. Please contact Nancy Molina at mrsmk@icloud.com for further details if you are able to help.
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We are looking for donations for our Bourbon Tasting tent. Donations of bottles of bourbon (over $20 value) can be dropped off at the CTK school office.
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Wine anyone? Drop off your donations of bottles of wine (any kind) for the always popular wine toss at the CTK school office.
More Festival information and specifics can be found at www.ctkfestival.org including pre-ordering of Festival tickets and wrist bands at a special discounted price.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at Festival!
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The National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 5
This is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
On this day, Americans are encouraged to give thanks and to turn to God in prayer and peaceful meditation.
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Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
4th Sunday of Easter
Most people gravitate toward famous, “bigger-than-life” figures, whether they are secular leaders or saints. The presence of a Good Shepherd becomes all the more essential for displaced persons, those driven from their homes and native land. Read More
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Healing Mass
We will have our next healing mass on
Saturday, June 11 at 10:30am in the church.
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Concern America Craft Sale |
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CONCERN AMERICA CRAFT SALE COMING SOON!
On Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, volunteers for Concern America will be here at Christ the King Church with a Craft Sale featuring unique, quality handcrafts that provide us with the opportunity to purchase conscientiously. The gifts we find for special events, holidays, or to brighten our own homes are an exchange of caring with impoverished communities in developing countries.
This year we have many new crafts from Bangladesh, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Inspired by nature, these beautifully handcrafted textiles, ceramics and wood products, honor indigenous traditions, and were selected to be reminders that when a Concern America product is purchased we are providing a source of income to materially poor communities; promoting human scale endeavors; eco-friendly work patterns; and fair working conditions. You may view the selection of their crafts on their web site: www.concernamerica.org
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Make the switch to REALM Giving
To get started follow these steps:
1) Create your REALM account and set up online giving here
2) Delete your old online giving account by clicking here
3) If you need help contact the parish office, we are here for you!
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To donate a one-time/on-line donation.
Or regular and/or second collections.
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If you do not wish to give on-line,
you can continue to contribute using your offertory envelopes.
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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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Upcoming Second Collections |
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Upcoming Second Collections
May 8 - Catholic Communications
May 15 - Catholic Charities
May 22 - Youth Ministry
May 29 - St. Vincent de Paul
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All Masses are Inside the Churc.
Face Masks are encouraged.
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).
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Worship Aide for Mass - May 7/8 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 Facebook or YouTube images below.
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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
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St. Stephen Church - Masses |
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St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct.
Walnut Creek 94597
Saturday - Mass 5pm
Sunday - Mass at 9:30am
Worship Aide for Mass May 7/8 Here
St. Stephen Daily Mass: Monday - Friday at 8am
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A Prayer in Gratitude for
Our Mothers
Good and Gentle God, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly. Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.
- Author Unknown
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"To Hear the Gospel and Make a Difference" |
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