Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish

www.ctkph.org

www.saintstephenparish.org

Parish Newsletter

"Staying Connected"

March 19, 2025

Dear Friends:

From the earliest days of Christianity, pilgrims have journeyed to Jerusalem to walk in the footsteps of our Lord's Passion on the road to Calvary. Tradition holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, led by example, making daily visits to the sacred sites of her Son’s suffering, death, and resurrection following His ascension into heaven. More than 2,000 years later, we continue to seek a deeper understanding of Christ’s saving sacrifice by meditating on or reenacting His crucifixion through what has come to be known as the Stations of the Cross.

Also referred to as the "Way of the Cross" or "Via Crucis," this cherished devotion has been an essential part of the Church's Lenten tradition since the 18th century, when the Church officially approved the practice in its current form. Comprising 14 stations drawn from both Scripture and sacred tradition, the Stations of the Cross allow the faithful to spiritually journey along the Via Dolorosa (Latin for "Way of Sorrows") in Jerusalem, even without traveling there. Beginning with Christ's condemnation and culminating in the laying of His body in the tomb, each station invites us to pause and reflect through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, deepening our connection to the mystery of His Passion.

The roots of this devotion trace back to the widespread veneration of Christ’s Passion in the 12th and 13th centuries. The practice developed further when the Franciscans were entrusted with the care of the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem in 1342. In the 18th century, St. Leonard of Port Maurice became known as the "Preacher of the Way of the Cross," having erected more than 572 stations in churches throughout Europe between 1731 and 1751. Today, nearly all Catholic churches have a set of Stations displayed, offering a sacred space for personal and communal reflection.

In more recent years, the Church has encouraged a scripturally based approach to the Stations, incorporating elements directly from the Gospel accounts. Traditionally, five stations—Jesus meeting His mother, Veronica wiping His face, and His three falls—come from Church tradition rather than Scripture. However, the essence of the devotion remains unchanged: to enter into the heart of Christ’s suffering, to walk with Him, and to be transformed by His love.

While the Stations of the Cross primarily focus on Christ’s Passion, the Church reminds us that our reflection should ultimately lead us to the hope of the Resurrection. This understanding has led some to include a 15th station or conclude the devotion with a prayer focusing on the victory of the Risen Lord.

The Stations of the Cross offer us a profound opportunity for prayer and meditation, allowing us to contemplate Christ’s immense suffering and the boundless love He poured out for our redemption. Each station invites us to journey alongside Jesus, to recognize the weight of His sacrifice, and to deepen our gratitude for the mercy and salvation He offers. 

We warmly welcome you to join us every Friday of Lent at 5:30 p.m. as we come together in prayer for the Stations of the Cross. On Friday, March 21st, we will gather at St. Stephen’s Church for this sacred devotion, followed by a Lenten Soup supper in the Hall. During our meal, I will be sharing a special session on Judas and his place in the story of Christ and His Final moments.

We hope you can be part of this meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship. May this season deepen our faith, renew our commitment to discipleship, and draw us ever closer to the love and mercy revealed in Christ’s Passion.

With prayers and blessings,

~ Fr. Paulson

This year, we are seeking to welcome five new members to our Parish Pastoral Council.



The council is a dedicated group of parishioners who collaborate with the pastor in discerning the vision and goals of our parish, helping to guide its growth and future direction. Rather than taking on every task themselves, these members serve as a representative voice for our parish community, offering insight and support as we work together to strengthen our parish family.

I invite you to take a moment to consider joining the Parish Pastoral Council. If you feel called to serve in this way, please find the application form here.

Application Deadline is March 20.

Christ the King Church

 5:30pm - In the Church

March 21 - Stations will be held at St. Stephen

with a soup supper.

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St. Stephen Church

Please join us on Fridays at 12pm for outdoor guided meditation during Lent.

We are also open for self-guided outdoor stations on Fridays 12pm-6pm

and Mon. & Wed. 11am-2pm

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.

Judas-the bottom of the List

A meditation led by Fr. Paulson. Friday, March 21, at St. Stephen Church:

5:30 pm Stations of the Cross, followed by a soup supper and Father’s meditation.

Read more here.

Fr. Raymond E. Brown’s “A Crucified Christ in Holy Week”

Mondays, March 24 and 31, 10:00 am in the Brian Joyce room at CTK

a discussion led by Jeannette Holmes.

Read more here.

Jesus and His Trial

A meditation led by Fr. Paulson.

Tuesday, April 1, 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.

Our Religious Education Information Day was a huge success on Sunday. Thank you to all who stopped by.

Please read more about our RE Info Day here

The winners of the two raffles were:

#335013 and #335004.

Stop by the parish office and pick up your gift basket!

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.  

CTK School Auction Tickets

https://paybee.io/@ctkauction@125

Exciting Updates:

• March 18: Cabanas and reserved fire lounges go on sale.
• April 1: Golden Raffle Tickets available

For more details, email Auction@ctkschool.org. Secure your spot today!

CTK Music Festival + Auction APRIL 12, 2025

All are invited to join the Italian Catholic Federation to celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day

Thursday evening

March 20 at 6 pm in the CTK Parish Hall

We will be celebrating in the CTK parish hall with our annual Saint Joseph’s table and potluck, followed by our monthly meeting. Come and find out more about the ICF. Our branch is part of a national service organization dedicated to promoting activities that build faith, family, community and an appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of all members. If you have questions contact our membership chair, Eileen McGuaran: mcgauranem@comcast.net or

call 925-357-5446.

Thank you to Jay Becker and his amazing team who put together this year's

Crab Feed with a special touch to honor St. Patrick's Day.

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: $25.00 ($30 if you register after March 31.)

 Retreat Director: Rev. B. Kwame Assenyoh

Registration is now open. Click here to register.

See Flyer

You Can Also Register Here for the Young Families Retreat

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

Pope Francis has called Catholics in this Jubilee Year to be Pilgrims of Hope and care for all of God's creation. Members of the CTK-St. Stephen have an opportunity to respond to his call by supporting youth leaders who will advocate for creation care with our elected CA representatives Sunday 4/6/25 and Monday 4/7/25. Youth leaders will meet with our legislators to advocate for sustainable solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges. If you are interested in supporting our youth leaders in person, in Sacramento, please contact Katie Gaines: 925-407-5359. See Flyer here.

Medicare Informational Meeting

Thursday, March 20 - 10am

CTK Parish Hall- Room C

Are you turning 65? Or just want to know a little bit more about Medicare? Join us for an information meeting.

Third Sunday of Lent

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.



This weekend marks the midway point in Lent. No sincere Christians live Lent in exactly the same way. For some, it’s a fairly smooth journey to the Good Friday cross. For others, it may arrive as a “punch in the gut” experience. More likely, somewhere in between. Each of us needs to approach Lent as a personal cross to share with the one who bore his cross before and for us... and, by his death, paid the price for our spiritual and moral weakness.  Read More

Upcoming Second Collections

Mar. 23 - Catholic Relief Services

Mar. 30 - St. Vincent de Paul

April 6 - Catholic Education

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. Year C

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

or by clicking the Facebook or YouTube images 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).

Today is the Feast of St. Joseph

St. Joseph

St. Joseph (1st c.) was a descendant of Israel’s King David and a carpenter by trade. Scripture tells us that he was a just and virtuous man who was betrothed to the young Blessed Virgin Mary. Upon finding her pregnant with the Son of God, Joseph, after a time of uncertainty, was encouraged by an angel to continue with the marriage plans. Because of his complete faithfulness and obedience to the will of God, St. Joseph was chosen to become the spouse of the Mother of God and the adoptive father of Jesus Christ. As the divinely-appointed earthly guardian and protector of the Holy Family, St. Joseph provided and cared for the material needs of Mary and the Child Jesus. St. Joseph is the patron saint of many causes, especially fathers, families, married couples, children, pregnant women, workers, craftsmen, against doubt, the dying, and a happy and holy death. He is also the guardian and protector of the Universal Church. He has two feast days: St. Joseph the Husband of Mary on March 19th, and St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st. However, when St. Joseph’s feast day on March 19th.