Dear Friends,
As we celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, I would like to share a personal story about how this remarkable saint has profoundly influenced my own spiritual journey.
Nearly eight years ago, I had the privilege of spending thirty-three days in Loyola, Spain, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, making the Spiritual Exercises in complete silence. Thirty-three days of silence may sound intimidating, and, to be honest, it was. Without the distractions of everyday life, I was forced to confront myself—my strengths, my weaknesses, my fears, my dreams, and even the areas of my life that I preferred to avoid. My spiritual director gently but firmly helped me face myself in the light of God's love. It was not easy, but it was deeply healing. I discovered that God does not meet us only when we are at our best; He meets us most powerfully in our vulnerability.
One of the greatest gifts I brought home from Loyola was the practice of the Examen, a simple yet profound prayer developed by St. Ignatius to help us recognize God's presence in the ordinary events of each day. St. Ignatius believed that every moment of our lives carries spiritual significance because we are always living in God's presence. The Examen helps us become aware of that presence.
Though it can be prayed in different ways, the Examen is built around five simple steps:
1. Centering – Quiet yourself and become aware that God is with you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your day as God sees it.
2. Gratitude – Recall the blessings and gifts you received during the day. Give thanks for God's countless graces, both large and small.
3. Review – Walk back through the events of your day. Pay attention to moments that stirred strong emotions—joy, peace, frustration, fear, disappointment, or hope. Where was God inviting you? How did you respond?
4. Sorrow – Honestly acknowledge where you fell short, where you failed to love, or where you missed God's invitation. Ask the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness.
5. Response – Looking toward tomorrow, ask God for the grace, wisdom, strength, and courage to live more faithfully. Entrust the future into His loving hands.

St. Ignatius himself learned this lesson through suffering. Born in 1491, he dreamed of becoming a famous soldier, winning honor and prestige. During the Battle of Pamplona, a cannonball shattered his leg and ended his military ambitions. While recovering at his family's castle, he found no books of chivalry to entertain him. Instead, he was given a Life of Christ and a collection of the lives of the saints.
As he read, he noticed something remarkable. Whenever he imagined returning to his former life of fame and glory, he felt restless and empty. But when he imagined following Christ and living like the saints, his heart was filled with peace and lasting joy. That simple observation became the beginning of his lifelong practice of discernment.
His injury, which seemed like a tragedy, became the doorway to his conversion. From that painful experience eventually came the Spiritual Exercises, one of the greatest treasures of the Church, and later the founding of the Society of Jesus, whose members have served the Church around the world through education, missionary work, scholarship, and spiritual direction.
His story reminds us that disappointment is often not the end of God's plan but the beginning of something far greater. Every one of us experiences setbacks, illness, broken dreams, or unexpected changes. Yet in every circumstance God continues to ask us the same question Ignatius learned to ask himself: "Who is God calling me to become?"
In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, Ignatius reminds us that silence is not empty—it is the place where God speaks. As we celebrate his feast, I encourage every parishioner to spend just five minutes each evening praying the Examen. It is one of the simplest and most practical ways to deepen your relationship with the Lord.
~ Fr. Paulson

What's Happening at Christ the King - St. Stephen
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.
Weekly Scripture Reflections
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
This weekend’s readings invite us to have faith in God’s desire to feed and nourish us along the zig-zag path of our daily lives. Then, how do we dare think we have total control... and only need divine help when the going gets really tough?.
Read More
Religious Education Programs

K-5th Grade RE
Christ the King - St. Stephen offers after school programs for K-5th Grade religious education, First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Tuesday and Wednesday classes are held at 3:30-5pm
Starting September 22 & 23
Sunday classes are held at 10:15-11:45am
Starting September 20, 2026
Registration Dates: May 26th - Sept 7th
For more information about Religious Education email:
rpanellictkre@gmail.com

Echo Junior High Program
All 6th, 7th & 8th Graders are invited to join the Echo Junior High Youth Ministry Program which begins September 22.
Echo meets every other Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm for fun, faith, fellowship, friends and food!

High School Confirmation Program
Our confirmation program is a 2 year confirmation preparation program.
This program is designed for Freshmen and Sophomores in High School but Juniors and Seniors can also register.
Our Confirmation Registration is now open.
You can register below.
Direct Your Impact
Mission Co-op Appeal - July 18-19

Dear Friends,
Each year our parish participates in the Mission Cooperative Program, giving us the opportunity to support the missionary work of the Church throughout the world.
This year, Rev. Fr. Ephrem Ruwa'ichi Tillya from the Catholic Archdiocese of Arusha, Tanzania, was scheduled to visit our parish and speak about his mission. Unfortunately, he was unable to obtain a visa to enter the United States, so he cannot be with us in person. He has asked us to share his message with you.
The Archdiocese of Arusha serves many Maasai and other pastoralist communities where poverty and long-standing cultural traditions often prevent girls from continuing their education. Many young girls leave school at an early age and face limited opportunities due to poverty and early marriage.
The Church is working to break this cycle by helping girls remain in school. Through its parishes, priests, and religious sisters, the Archdiocese identifies young women who have the desire and ability to continue their education but lack the financial resources to do so.
A gift of approximately $1,200 can provide one girl with a full year of education, including tuition, boarding, meals, books, uniforms, transportation, and other basic necessities.
This weekend July 18–19, we invite you to support this important mission through your prayers and, if you are able, a generous financial contribution. Together, we can help provide these young women with the education they need to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the Church's missionary work throughout the world.
~Fr. Paulson
Victims of the Earthquake in Venezuela - July 25-26
Dear Friends,
Our hearts have been deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela, leaving countless families grieving the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Many are now without shelter, clean water, food, or access to basic medical care.
At the request of Bishop Barber, every parish in the Diocese of Oakland has been asked to participate in a special collection to assist the victims of this disaster. Our parish will take up this Second Collection during the weekend of July 25–26.
Your generosity will help provide lifesaving assistance through Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Caritas Venezuela, the humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in Venezuela. Together they are providing emergency food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, medical care, essential household supplies, and emotional and spiritual support to families who have lost so much. Catholic parishes throughout the affected region have also opened their doors to welcome displaced families, offering safety, hope, and the loving presence of Christ.
I warmly invite you to prayerfully consider making a generous gift to this special collection. Whether large or small, every contribution becomes a sign of God's love and a reminder to those who are suffering that they are not forgotten. Together, we can bring hope where there is despair and healing where there is pain.
Thank you for your faithful generosity and for your willingness to be the hands and heart of Christ for those in need. Please continue to keep the people of Venezuela, the rescue workers, and all those providing relief in your prayers.
May our Lord, who never abandons His children, bless you abundantly for your kindness and generosity.
With gratitude and every blessing,
~Fr. Paulson

Annual Backpack Drive in Partnership
With Monument Crisis Center
The Weekend of July 25-26
Containers will be in the back of the church at CTK.
See supply list here.
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:
Register HERE
Picnic - Aug 23rd
RegisterPicnic on CTK's Large Lawn
11:30 - 1:30pm
FUN - FOOD - GAMES
Bring the whole family!
FREE Event, but please register below
Cub Scouts Recruiting - Aug 23
Afternoon Tea - Aug 29
Italian Catholic Federation
Join us for Afternoon Tea!
Saturday, August 29
St. Stephen Parish Hall
See flyer for more information here
Children's Mass - Sept 20th
Join us for the third Sunday of every month for our monthly Children's Mass at 9am.
Joyous Jubilee - Sept 26th
Purchase TicketsSaturday, September 26, 2026 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
CTK Gym
195A Brandon Rd
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3298
Join us for a Joyous Jubilee.
Celebrating
- Sr. Dominic Marie - 50 Years - Dominican Sister
- Fr. Brian Timoney - 70 Years Priestly Ministry
- Fr. Gerry Moran - 55 Years Priestly Ministry
- Fr. Paulson Mundanmani - 35 Years Priestly Ministry
- Fr. Lee Chompoochan - 20 Years Priestly Ministry
4pm - Mass of Thanksgiving at CTK Church
5pm - Welcome Reception | 6pm - Dinner
7pm - Program & Tributes | 7:30 - Continued Celebation
Women's Retreat - Oct 3rd
9am - 3pm
St Stephen Parish Hall
Men's Retreat -Nov 7th

More Info on our EVENTS page
Line Dancing - Thurs, TBD
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
Newsletter Archive
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Christ the King Church
199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA











