Welcome to Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish

Dear Parishioners,


“Peace be with all of you!” – These were the first words spoken by our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, as he greeted the Church following his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome.


Born in Chicago in 1955 to Spanish and Franco-Italian parents, Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope in the history of the Church. Yet, because of his many years of missionary work in Peru and his close ties to Latin America, he is equally cherished there. Ordained a priest in 1982 and later becoming a bishop in Peru, he has faithfully served both in the United States and abroad—especially among the marginalized and underserved.


Known for his pastoral humility, bridge-building efforts, and deep commitment to the Augustinian Order, he moved to Peru at the age of 30 and spent a decade ministering as a local pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo. Pope Francis recognized his service by appointing him Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru.


In his first address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep gratitude for Pope Francis, saying, “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us.” He encouraged the Church to move forward with unity and trust in God: “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.”


Let us join the universal Church in giving thanks to God for the gift of Pope Leo XIV. May his leadership be guided by the Holy Spirit, and may his life of mission and mercy inspire us to walk humbly, love deeply, and serve generously.


With prayers and hope,


Fr. Paulson Mundanmani
Pastor, Christ the King – St. Stephen Parish

Come Celebrate with Us

Christ the King Campus

Monday - Friday

9:00am (livestreamed)


First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass

5:00 PM - 6:00PM, Mass at  6:00 PM  (exposition and Mass livestreamed)


Saturday

9:00 AM & 4:00 PM Vigil Mass (both Masses livestreamed)

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Confessions


Sunday

7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 4:00 PM (10:30 AM Mass livestreamed)


St. Stephen Campus

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM


Saturday

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Confessions, Mass at 5:00 PM


Sunday

9:30 AM

Weekly Bulletin

Our bulletins are a snapshot of important events at Christ the King - St. Stephen.  You'll find everything from Fr. Paulson's letter to what's happening with Youth Ministry.

This week's bulletin

New Parishioner Registration

With our ministry management system REALM it's easy to become a registered member of Christ the King - St. Stephen.  We build a stronger church by becoming a closer community through better communication.

Register Here

To all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and mothers-in-law;


Christ the King - St, Stephen parish wishes you a joyful and blessed Mothers' Day!


May God bless you for all you do

Dear friends,


This Saturday at 12:00 noon, we will gather to celebrate the life and ministry of Fr. Tom Burns—a beloved priest, a gentle soul, and a cherished member of our Christ the King–St. Stephen community.


Fr. Tom moved to Pleasant Hill in 2000 to be closer to his chosen family and was delighted to live just a mile from Christ the King Church. Welcomed warmly by his friend Fr. Brian Joyce, he began serving as a weekend associate here while continuing his weekday ministry in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. There, he worked with the Franciscans at St. Anthony’s Foundation, offering care and compassion to the poor, the homeless, and those in recovery.


As his health began to decline, Fr. Tom accepted that it was time to truly retire. In March 2009, he moved into assisted living at Carlton Senior Living in Pleasant Hill, where he remained until his passing. Even in retirement, Fr. Tom continued to serve our parish community with grace and affection. He retained his deep faith, his sense of humor, and an enduring compassion for the suffering and underprivileged. Though he faced memory loss and reduced mobility, he never once complained.


To everyone who helped him—even in the smallest of ways—Fr. Tom would offer a warm smile and a sincere “thank you.” He often said, “I’ve been blessed much more than I’ve deserved.”

Fr. Tom was one of the kindest, most loving priests I have ever known. His appreciation for our parish family, his unwavering faith, and his profound kindness leave a legacy that will long be remembered and deeply missed.


Let us come together on Saturday to honor his life, give thanks for his ministry, and commend his soul to the God he served so faithfully.


This weekend holds another special occasion: we honor and celebrate Mother’s Day. As your pastor, I want to express my deep love and gratitude for the women of our parish. It is a joy to look across our community and give thanks for the many mothers and mother-figures who reflect God’s nurturing, self-giving love in countless ways.


Mother’s Day is also an invitation to reflect on the more tender, feminine imagery of God found in Scripture:


Mother’s Day is also an invitation to reflect on the more tender, feminine imagery of God found in Scripture:


*God cares for His people like an eagle hovering over her young (Deut. 32:11).


*God comforts like a nursing mother (Isa. 66:13).


*God will not forget us, just as a mother cannot forget her nursing child (Isa. 49:15).


*God shelters and protects like a fierce mother bear robbed of her cubs (Hosea 13:8).


*God is present like a midwife at birth (Psalm 22:9-10).

These passages remind us of the fullness of God’s love and the sacredness of motherhood. This weekend, we take time to honor and celebrate our mothers—for who they are and for all they have done to shape our lives with their love, sacrifice, and strength. As the Scriptures say, “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28–30).


Let us do just that—rise up in gratitude and offer our heartfelt praise to the women who have made a lasting difference in our lives. Whether they are mothers by birth, adoption, mentorship, or example. Their love is a reflection of God’s own tenderness and care.


~Fr. Paulson

Sign Up for Staying Connected RSVP for the Welcome Event

What's Happening at Christ the King - St. Stephen

  • Funeral Mass for Gwen Watson

    Dear Friends,


    It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Gwen Watson, a beloved member of our parish community and a powerful witness to the Gospel through her lifelong commitment to social justice. Gwen was the face of our Church’s mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, always advocating for dignity, compassion, and justice for those in need.


    Her funeral Mass will be held on 

     Tuesday, May 13 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, preceded by a vigil service beginning at 10:00 AM.


    We are honored to welcome her son, Fr. Mark Watson, who has traveled from Shreveport, Louisiana, to preside over the liturgy and celebrate the life of his remarkable mother.


    On behalf of our parish family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Fr. Mark and the entire Watson family, as well as to all who loved and revered Gwen. May she rest in the peace of Christ, and may her legacy continue to inspire us in our mission of love and service.


    In Christ,

    Fr. Paulson

  • New Parishioners Welcome Event

    If you are new to the parish, join us at either event to learn more about our parish and its ministries.


    Coffee and dessert will be served


    Two dates to choose from


    Tuesday, May 20, 7:00pm

    (St. Stephen Church Parish Hall)


     

    Sunday, June 1, 2:00pm

    (Christ the King Church Parish Hall)


    Register here

  • Vacation Bible Camp

    Christ the King / St. Stephen is excited to welcome back Vacation Bible Camp


    June 23-27 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM


    Come join in the fun as we celebrate God, our True North!

    • Song and Prayer
    • Bible Stories and Skits
    • Science Experiments
    • Outdoor and Water Fun
    • Crafts
    • Yummy Snacks

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


    Adult Volunteers - we need YOU to make this successful, please register as a volunteer and join in the fun!  Help bring God's love and joy to young people as they grow in their Faith.

    Register Here

Livestreamed Masses

The following Masses are livestreamed for those who are unable to celebrate with us.


Christ the King Campus
Monday - Friday
9:00am (and livestreamed)

First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass
5:00pm - 6:00pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Mass

Saturday
9:00am
4:00pm Vigil Mass

Sunday
10:30am

Staying Connected Archive


View the last 4 editions of Staying Connected

Contact us

Send us a Message

Christ the King Church

199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA

St. Stephen Church

1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA