Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish

www.ctkph.org

www.saintstephenparish.org

Parish Newsletter

"Staying Connected"

April 2, 2025

Dear Friends,

A Homecoming of the Heart: Encountering God’s Mercy in Reconciliation:  This past weekend, our community had the opportunity to reflect on one of the most beloved parables in Scripture: the Prodigal Son. Preaching on this powerful story was a profound joy and blessing. Together, we explored the depth of the father’s love - a love that does not hold grudges, does not keep score, but instead welcomes, heals, and restores.



This parable is more than a moving story; it’s a vivid image of what God offers us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Like the father in the story, God runs to meet us. He does not shame or condemn, but embraces us with mercy. He restores our dignity, clothes us with grace, and celebrates our return. This is the heart of reconciliation—not punishment, but healing; not fear, but love.

With this in mind, I warmly invite you to our upcoming Lenten Reconciliation services:

• Saturday, April 5 at 3:00 PM
• Monday, April 7th at 7:00 PM (CTK)
• Friday, April 11^th at 6.00pm (St. Stephen)

We are especially blessed to have Bishop Barber with us on Monday evening to hear confessions.



If it's been a long time since your last confession, don’t worry. Simply tell the priest, and he will gently guide you through. There’s no need for the perfect words—just a sincere heart and a desire to return to God. In your preparation, consider taking time to examine your heart. Are there patterns of pride, selfishness, or indifference that may have crept in? Are there areas where you’ve resisted God’s love or withheld it from others? These moments are not cause for shame, but opportunities for grace. This Lent, let us return to the Father with open hearts. Let us allow His love to do what it does best: welcome us home.

Winter Nights: We are truly honored to welcome the Winter Nights families to our campus here at CTK. It is a privilege to care for these individuals who, in many ways, represent Christ in our midst. With open hearts, we strive to love, nourish, teach, and serve them as we would Christ Himself.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to John Alonso and his devoted team, to Helen, and to our incredible staff for the care and compassion they extend to our brothers and sisters. I am also sincerely thankful to all our ministries who are preparing meals, teaching the children, and offering so much more.

In December, we were blessed to host Winter Nights at St. Stephen Parish Hall -one of the most meaningful acts of charity we share as a community. It is truly one of the finest expressions of love and service we offer together.

Entering the Second Phase of Lent: As we continue our Lenten journey, it brings me great joy to see more and more of you at daily Mass. Your presence is a beautiful sign of God’s grace moving among us in this sacred season.

Traditionally, Lent is seen in two parts. The first half invites us to examine our hearts, recognize our sinfulness, and return to God. The liturgies during this time call us to repentance - to “put on sackcloth and ashes”—and to prepare our hearts for renewal.

Now, as we enter the second half of Lent, our focus turns outward—from our own need for conversion to the suffering and Passion of Christ. These final weeks invite us to walk closely with Jesus on the road to Calvary, contemplating the depth of His love and the sacrifice He made for each of us.

I encourage you to spend time with the Gospel accounts of His Passion and death. Let the Word speak to you and draw you into the mystery of God’s mercy. Be sure to mark your calendars for Holy Week. The liturgies and opportunities for prayer during this sacred time are rich with meaning and grace. Let’s finish this season strong, with hearts wide open to the transforming love of Christ.

~Fr. Paulson

This Easter, our celebrations will look a bit different from last year -

and in the best way possible!

We’re blessed with two beautiful churches on our campuses, and we’ll be using both for our Easter Sunday Masses. This allows us to ease traffic congestion at the CTK campus and fully embrace the beauty of each worship space.

Our incredible staff and volunteer leaders have been working diligently to support the Easter Sunday liturgies, and we are especially excited to share that 20 candidates will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation this year. What a profound gift from God!

I warmly invite you to join us for the Easter Vigil Mass at CTK, a service rich in symbolism and meaning. Please note: there will be no Vigil Mass at St. Stephen this year. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to accompany our candidates as they receive Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation—a moment of deep spiritual joy and transformation.

On Easter Sunday, we are offering two specially prepared Family Services that feature the active participation of our children:

• 9:00 AM at CTK, led by Nelson and Teresa Gonzales
• 11:00 AM at St. Stephen, led by Heidi Nuti and her team

Children are invited to take part in the Liturgy in various meaningful ways. Please feel free to connect with the leaders if you’d like your child to participate.

In addition to the Family Masses, we will celebrate Easter Sunday with the following Mass schedule:

• CTK: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (Family), and 10:30 AM
• St. Stephen: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM (Family)

There will be ample parking at St. Stephen. Our neighbors are gracious and don’t mind if you park on one side of the street along the church or on Conejo Street and walk up.



Let’s come together in joy and thanksgiving as we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord!

This Friday, April 4 at CTK Church

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 4:30pm

Followed by Stations of the Cross at 5:30pm

Mass begins at 6pm

Christ the King-St. Stephen OCIA candidates and their sponsors gathered with

Bishop Barber and candidates from other parishes for the Rite of Election on March 8.

Christ the King-St. Stephen Candidates Join OCIA Rite of Election

On Saturday, March 8, our OCIA and Adult Confirmation candidates gathered with Bishop Barber and candidates from other diocesan parishes for the Rite of Election. In this ceremony, they were called to become our Elect, in final preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation – at the Easter Vigil on April 19.

The Elect and candidates of our parish include:

Charlie Bolanos | Dan Fritz | Danielle Fritz | Jazmine Gonzales-Cruz

Danielle Hotting | Nick Hotting | Mark Kolc |Scott Loyd | Michael Lucas

Maceo Mayorga | Lexi McKeown | Erin O’Leary | Ryan Ramirez | Brianna Spraker Salvador Tamayo | Andy Thompson | Kevin Tran-Mortel | Jill Walker

Please pray for those on the journey to full initiation into the Catholic Church. If you are interested in the OCIA program, contact OCIA Director Tom Bobich at OCIA@CTKPH.org.

Seder Meal

Wednesday, April 16



6pm to 8pm | CTK’s Parish Hall

Cost is $30

You're warmly invited to join us for a Seder Meal. We are honored to welcome Rabbi Roberto Graetz,

retired from Temple Isaiah, who will guide us through this meaningful two-hour experience with thoughtful commentary and reflection.

You are invited to attend our Lenten

Reconciliation Service in the church

CTK: Saturday, April 5 at 3pm

CTK: Monday, April 7 at 7pm

St. Stephen: Friday, April 11 at 6pm

Come and experience the healing

power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation

as we journey together during Lent.

Jesus and His Trial - Tuesday, April 8 - Please note new date

A meditation led by Fr. Paulson.

Tuesday, April 8, at 10:00 am in the Ministry Center chapel.

Read more here.

The Gospel According to Luke

An eleven-week Little Rock Scripture Study, The Gospel According to Luke, 

will begin on Monday, April 7, at 10:00am in the Ministry Center.

Read more here.

Hole-y, Whole-y, Holy.

“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Lev. 19:2  

A presentation by Kathy Roberts on

Monday, April 14, 10:00 am and repeated at 7:00 pm at St. Stephen Parish Hall

Read more here.

 Palm Sunday Masses - April 12 & 13

Christ the King Church - Saturday 4pm | Sunday - 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am & 4pm

St. Stephen Church- Saturday - 5:30pm | Sunday 9:30am & 11am (additional Mass)

Holy Thursday - April 17

   Christ the King Church - 7pm Mass | St. Stephen Church - 7pm Mass

 Good Friday - April 18

Christ the King Church

12pm - Taize Prayer Around the Cross

1pm - Stations of the Cross

1:30pm - Preaching on the Passion

2pm - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

6pm - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

St. Stephen Church - Stations of the Cross - 6pm - Outside

Easter Vigil Saturday - April 19

Christ the King Church

7:30pm Mass

Easter Sunday Masses - April 20

Christ the King Church

7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am

9:00am- Children’s Liturgy

NO 4pm Mass

St. Stephen Church

8am, 9:30am, 11am

 11am—Children’s Liturgy

(Please note 2 additional Masses)

Join us Saturday, May 3rd for the

Christ the King-St. Stephen Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Christ the King Gym

Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for kids 4years - 12years, Children under 3 are free

Mexican cuisine



Live entertainment - Mariachi Band & Dancers!

Proceeds support the Youth Ministry Summer Service

Trip to Montague MI.

Tickets are available here

Weekly School Newsletter click here

Campers and Adult Volunteers -

it is not too late to sign up!

Please note: 

Student Counselor Volunteer spots are full, but you may sign up for the waitlist.

Come join in the fun at our very own

Vacation Bible Camp

as we celebrate God, our True North!  

Song and Prayer

Bible Stories and Skits

Science Experiments

Outdoor and Water Fun

Crafts

Yummy Snacks

and so much more!

Each Camper will receive a complimentary t-shirt and music download.  

Children's Liturgy on Easter Sunday

Christ the King - 9:00am Mass

St. Stephen - 11:00am Mass

If your child is interested in participating in one of these special liturgies,

please contact the appropriate coordinator:

9:00am at CTK: Teresa Gonzales (Director of Religious Ed) tgonzales@ctkph.org



11:00am at St. Stephen: Heidi Nuti (School Liturgy Coordinator) hnuti@ctkschool.org

Our Religious Education Team prepared and served dinner on our opening night at the Winter Nights Family Shelter on Monday. Read More.

This past March, our Religious Ed Team held a fun-filled retreat for the children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion this May and their mom or dad. The day was packed with moments of faith, connection, reflection and a day for fostering a deeper understanding of the sacred journey toward this holy sacrament. Read More

Congratulations to our newly Baptized!

Parents: Gabby & Joaquin

Child: Liliana

Parents: Allie and Tommy

Baby: George Thomas

(Baptism at SS on March 22)

Christ the King - St. Stephen Men’s Retreat

Saturday, April 26, 2025

St. Stephen Parish Hall, 1101 Keaveny Ct., Walnut Creek

8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Cost: $30

 Retreat Director: Rev. B. Kwame Assenyoh

Registration is now open. Click here to register.

See Flyer

The Easter Egg Hunt is Back this Year at CTK!

Saturday, April 19 on the lawn



The Knights of Columbus are holding their annual CTK Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 19th, so come join us for a morning of fun and excitement on the lawn. The Easter Bunny will be arriving at 10am and the Easter Egg Hunt will follow our usual schedule:

10:15am for 1-4 years old

10:45am for 5-7 years old, and

11:15am for 8-10 years old

Bring your Easter baskets, get a picture with the Easter Bunny, participate in the Easter Egg Hunt and enjoy some light refreshments and games as we celebrate Easter weekend, courtesy of the CTK Knights of Columbus Council #5811

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.



This liturgy’s Scripture readings contain a single clear theme: Our God is not a God of the old… but of the new! It isn’t my past that matters so much to God but my present... and my future. Read More

Upcoming Second Collections

April 6 - Catholic Education

April 13 - Easter Flowers

April 20 - Easter

CTK Weekday Masses

Monday - Friday

9am Mass

(9am Masses will be livestreamed)

CTK Weekend Masses

Saturday

9am and 4pm Vigil

(Saturday 4pm Mass will be livestreamed)

CTK Sunday Masses

7:30am, 9am, 10:30am and 4pm

(10:30am Mass will be livestreamed).

Readings for Sunday Mass Here. Click on Year C.

Links to our services (livestreamed or archived) can be found at ctkph.org

or by clicking the YouTube image below.

Ongoing Services at CTK & St. Stephen

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Private Confessions every Saturday from 3pm to 3:30pm at CTK and Saturday before the 5pm mass at St. Stephen.

CTK Thursday Morning Mass - 9am - Honoring our Mother of Perpetual Help, Worship Aide Here (Also livestreamed).

Devotion of the Month

The month of April is traditionally dedicated to devotion to Jesus in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The Catholic Church teaches that the Blessed Sacrament is the real and living presence of Christ—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—received into our souls with every reception of Holy Communion. Our Eucharistic Lord is the source and summit of our Christian life, the ultimate proof of His infinite love for us.