Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish
"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace"
Psalm 29:11
As part of our ongoing Jubilee celebration
we warmly welcome
Sarah Hart and Francesca LaRosa
Join us Saturday, May 2nd
Mass Schedule for Both Campuses
Christ the King Campus
- Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
- Private Confessions Saturday 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
St. Stephen Campus
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m.
- Private Confessions Saturday before the 5:00 p.m. Mass
Weekday Masses (9:00 a.m.)
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday – St. Stephen
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday – Christ the King
First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
- St. Stephen Church which begins at 8:15am, followed by Benediction at 8:45am and Mass at 9:00am.
- You can also attend Eucharistic Adoration every Friday from 3pm to 5pm in the chapel at the CTK Ministry Center
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.
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.
Dear Friends,
There are times when the Church finds itself in the news for the wrong reasons. Many of us have lived through such moments, and yet we have remained rooted in our faith in Jesus and in the strength of our community. In these days, the Church - especially our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV - has again been in the public eye. But this time, it is largely for the right reasons: for proclaiming the Gospel and calling for peace in a world deeply wounded by conflict, division, and suffering.
At the heart of this call is something both beautiful and profoundly challenging - the teaching of Jesus Himself. A new commandment He gives us: love one another as I have loved you. Notice the newness. It is no longer simply “love your neighbor as yourself,” but as I have loved you—with the very love of God.
And this is not easy. The Beatitudes and the teachings of Jesus stretch us beyond what feels natural or reasonable. “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn the other.” “If someone forces you to go one mile, go the extra mile.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” These words are not instinctive to us. In truth, leaders of nations—and indeed all of us—often struggle to understand and live them. They challenge our sense of justice, our desire for control, and our instinct for self-preservation.
Upper Room
It is important for us to remember that presidents and leaders of nations do not always fully understand how Catholicism works. The Pope is not merely a political figure or a head of state; he is the Vicar of Christ, entrusted with a spiritual mission that transcends national interests and political categories. His voice is not meant to align with one side or another, but to speak the truth of the Gospel into every situation - a truth that often challenges every side.
We are not strangers to turmoil. Across the world, many continue to suffer - some even facing persecution and the destruction of Christian communities and institutions. In such a climate, the voice of the Church must remain clear: a voice for peace, for dialogue, and for the dignity of every human life.
It does not trouble me that leaders and commentators disagree with the Holy Father. Conversion and change rarely happen without tension. At times, disagreement can even become a path toward deeper understanding and stronger bonds. What is more concerning, however, is the loss of respect—the tendency to dismiss, ridicule, or reduce serious moral and theological reflection to mere opinion or insult. Yet even this, too, is part of the imperfect world we inhabit.
It is also heartening to see that voices beyond the Catholic Church have spoken with clarity and solidarity. Rev. Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church reminded us that to follow Jesus is to embrace the peacemaking role the Pope is defending. Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai strongly condemned any attack or offense against the Holy Father, emphasizing that amid the darkness of conflict, those who believe in God are called to build fraternity and open paths of reconciliation in the name of the Almighty.
As disciples of Christ, we are not called to respond with anger or harshness. We are called to lead differently—to witness by the way we live. The Holy Father continues to remind us that too many are suffering, too many innocent lives are being lost, and that someone must stand up and say there is a better way. The life of faith itself is a life of dialogue—dialogue with God and with one another.
In light of this, I invite us as a parish to embrace a few simple but profound resolutions:
• To remain grounded in the Gospel, not in fear or reaction, but in hope.
• To speak with charity and respect, even when we disagree.
• To be peacemakers, in our homes, our community, and our nation.
• To pray for our leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom and courage.
• To build a culture of encounter, where listening, understanding, and compassion shape our conversations.
In a time when anger and division can so easily take root, we are invited instead to live a different way - the way of Christ. It is not easy, but it is the only path that leads to true peace.
~Fr. Paulson
.
What's Happening at Christ the King - St. Stephen
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is Back on Sunday, April 26!
Designated Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Mass
Ages: 4 years old - 4th Grade
At the 9:00 a.m. mass, children will have the opportunity to join a special Children's Liturgy. They will listen to the readings of the day in an interactive, child-friendly way so they can better understand God's Word and strengthen their faith.
No registration necessary. Children will be called forward at the start of mass, and will return to the church to present the Gifts and sit near the Altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They will return to their families during Peace be with You. CLOW is optional, children may participate if they'd like, or remain with their families throughout mass in the church.
Questions? Email Mea McGraw
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Join us every Friday in CTK’s Ministry Center Chapel for
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
All are welcome to come and spend quiet time in
prayer and reflection.
Community Events
We hope you can join us for one of our special events!
Use the drop down list to explore our upcoming activities. For more information, please visit our Events page.
Winter Nights - Mon, Apr 6 - Mon, Apr 27
Learn MoreThis year, the Winter Nights program is returning to CTK
The mission of Winter Nights is to provide shelter to homeless families and help families break the homelessness cycle.
We’re looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent in several roles: set-up and take-down; dinner preparation and service; weekend breakfast preparation and service; tutoring; laundry; and other special skills.
For a full description, see our Events Page
Line Dancing - Thurs, Apr 30
Join our Dance Ministry on Thursdays in CTK's Parish Hall!
Come out and learn how to line dance!
Grow in faith and build community.
Questions? Contact Nelson Gonzales
Family Rosary (kid friendly) - May 3rd
Christ the King - Ministry Center
Sunday May 3rd (after 9am mass)
Come join other young families from our parish for our final event before summer! We will provide a brief child friendly introduction on how to pray the Rosary and facilitate a family practice. Rosaries will be provided. Breakfast Potluck to follow.
Please RSVP by May 1st to YoungFamiliesCTK@gmail.com
Night of Peace Concert - Sat, May 2
Buy TicketsJoin us for a Night of Peace Concert with Sara Hart and Francesca LaRosa
Christ the King Church
Saturday, May 2
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
$10/Person. Under 5 yrs. - Free
Children's Mass - May 17
Join us for the third Sunday of every month for our monthly Children's Mass at 9am.
Coffee & Donuts - Every Sunday
We’re happy to welcome back coffee and donuts for the Spring season.
Please join us after all Sunday morning Masses at both CTK and St. Stephen for fellowship, refreshments, and community!
Livestreamed Masses
The following Masses are livestreamed for those unable to celebrate with us.
Christ the King and St. Stephen Campus
Monday - Saturday
9:00am
First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 8:15am followed by Mass at 9:00am
Saturday
4:00pm Vigil Mass
Sunday
10:30am
Newsletter Archive
View the last 4 editions of Staying Connected
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Christ the King Church
199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA
