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Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish

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.

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.

Donate Online

Staying Connected

Dear Friends,

Recently, I traveled with Fr. Brian Timoney to Tahoe City to celebrate the wedding of two of our beloved parishioners, one of whom I had received into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil. The marriage meant a great deal to me, as they are deeply engaged and committed to Christ and His Church. I stayed in Tahoe City, surrounded by God's magnificent creation. For a few days I enjoyed the lake, the mountains, the beauty of the forests, and the gentle rhythms of nature. It reminded me once again how blessed we are to live in a part of the world where God's grandeur is displayed so abundantly.

As I watched families launch boats into the lake and disappear toward distant shores, I found myself reflecting on how often God reveals Himself to us through creation. Sometimes we become so accustomed to beauty that we no longer notice it. Yet creation has a way of awakening wonder. The Psalmist asks, "When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you set in place" (Ps 8:4), and suddenly we are reminded that behind every mountain, every sunset, every ocean wave stands the Creator who loves us.

Perhaps that is why mountains occupy such an important place in the Bible. There are at least seven significant mountain-top experiences in the life of Jesus: the mountain of temptation, the Sermon on the Mount, the mountain of prayer, the mountain of healing, the Mount of Transfiguration, the Mount of Olives, and the mountain of the Great Commission. Again and again, Jesus retreated to mountains and wilderness places for His decisive teachings, His most intimate moments of prayer, and His most important encounters with God and humanity.

I have often wondered why. Michael Comins offers an interesting insight: “Ask people where they feel God’s presence, in a sanctuary or on a mountain, most will select the natural setting over the most beautiful of buildings.” There is often a disconnect between our deepest spiritual experiences and the institutional settings in which we practice our faith. While churches remain sacred places of worship, nature has a remarkable ability to quiet our hearts and awaken our souls.

On a mountain slope or in the wilderness, one enters a world without the constant demands of modern life—without schedules, notifications, social media, or the need to project an image of ourselves. The noise begins to fade. The soul begins to breathe. Amid towering trees, winding trails, waterfalls, and open skies, there is a healing presence that relaxes both body and spirit. John Muir spoke of the “mysterious enjoyment felt there, the strange calm, the divine frenzy.” Those who spend time in the wilderness know exactly what he meant. The mountains have a way of simplifying life. As Bob Madgic observed, “Human frailties—prejudice, envy, selfishness, egotism—tend to dissipate in the thinnest air, and all human emotions boil down to the joy of the moment.”

Jesus understood this. Much of His ministry unfolded outdoors. He preached from boats, walked along the seashore, climbed mountains to pray, and pointed to birds, flowers, seeds, and vineyards to teach about the Kingdom of God. Even after His resurrection, He accompanied His disciples on the road to Emmaus, opening their minds and hearts to God's presence. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way?" (Lk 24:32). Summer often gives us that same opportunity—to slow down, step away from routine, and discover God in new ways.

If you spend time near a lake, river, ocean, or mountain this summer, let your thoughts wander from creation to the Creator. If you gather around a campfire, look up at the stars and remember God's promise to Abraham. If you sit quietly on a trail or by a beach, take a moment to pray and thank God for the gift of creation. As Gerard Manley Hopkins beautifully wrote, “The beauty of Nature leads us to imagine the beauty that must characterize Nature's Creator.”

Finally, as you travel this summer, do not take a vacation from your faith. Make it a priority to find a Catholic church wherever your travels take you. Attend Mass with the local community and experience the beauty of our universal Church. One of my favorite travel traditions is bringing home a parish bulletin from every church I visit. If you find something amazing, please do share with us at the office.

May God bless you and your family with a safe, restful, and faith-filled summer.

~Fr. Paulson

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

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

June 5 - St. Stephen

8:15 am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

9:00 am - Mass

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.

Graduation Mass

Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the 4:00pm Mass

We invite all graduating students (Middle School, High School, College) of the community of CTK-SS parish to attend in their proper, zipped up, cap and gown to be recognized and get a blessing at Mass.

Jubilee Year of St. Francis

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ passing into eternal life, Pope Leo XIV is offering Catholics a special opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence, inspired by the historic Pardon of Assisi granted by Pope Honorius III to St. Francis. The indulgence may be obtained by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world, while fulfilling the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. Those unable to make a pilgrimage may also receive the indulgence by spiritually participating in the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, sufferings, or hardships to God. This initiative invites the faithful to seek God’s mercy, grace, and spiritual renewal through the example of St. Francis.

As part of this special opportunity, on Saturday, June 20th, we will gather as a parish community for our 4:00 PM Vigil Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord, CA.

This pilgrimage and celebration will be just for our community, allowing us to pray together and participate more intentionally in this grace-filled event. To help prepare spiritually, we will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation beginning at 3:00 PM before Mass, providing an opportunity to receive God’s mercy and prepare our hearts for this special celebration and the possibility of receiving the plenary indulgence.

Need help dealing with grief?

GriefShare is here for you. GriefShare is a 13 week support group that assists those who have experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. We offer 2-3 13-week sessions per year. It is a scripture-based program open to all faiths.

If you would like to learn more or sign up, check out the GriefShare website: GriefShare.org.

You can also email or call the group leader Diana Mackinson:

dijoed@comcast.net

925-519-4711

There is a $25 fee for the workbook and materials, however no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Our next 13 week program will be starting at Christ the King-St Stephen's Parish on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:00 noon beginning on July 11 in Room C of the CTK parish hall (facing the small parking lot).

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is Back!

Designated Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Mass

Ages: 4 years old - 4th Grade

Check back soon for the next CLOW event.

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

Interested in becoming Catholic?

Or are you Catholic – but not confirmed?

OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a faith journey for adults that results in full initiation in the Church – including Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Our Adult Confirmation program is designed for those already Catholic but who have not been confirmed.

Investigate both programs at a Thursday, June 18 information session at 7:00pm in the CTK Ministry Center/Fr. Joyce Room.

Learn more by emailing Tom Bobich at OCIA@CTKPH.org

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.

Adult Basketball - Starts June 9
Sport Ministry Basketball Season:
June 9 - August 18th

Tuesdays: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

CTK Gym
(Limited Spots)

Questions? Email:
wnorona@ctkph.org

Register HERE
Children's Mass - June 21
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!
Line Dancing - Thurs, May 28
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

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