

You're Invited: Movie Night at CTK!
Life brings a shifting mix of seasons. There are moments of abundance and happiness, and there are times of struggle where the road feels heavy. God designed community to be our anchor through it all.
Sharing our time isn't just about showing up for the big milestones; it is found in the simple, beautiful act of being together. It is in the sound of a shared laugh that lightens a room, the comfort of voices joined together in a favorite song, and the deep sense of connectedness that comes from knowing you belong. By celebrating together and lifting each other up during tough times, we reflect the very love we are called to share.
Please join us in this fun community event and come ready to experience a healthy dose of joy, a few good laughs, and maybe you'll even sing along to a favorite tune.
We can't wait to see you there!
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Don’t forget to wear your red! Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter, commemorates the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the disciples and marks the birth of the Church’s mission in the world. The feast has roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks, observed 50 days after Passover, when the first fruits of the harvest were offered and God’s covenant at Mount Sinai was remembered.
In both the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples gathered together, reminding us that the Spirit is given not only to individuals but to the whole community of believers. Through the Spirit, the apostles boldly proclaimed Christ crucified and risen, and the gift of tongues signified that God’s message now extends beyond one people or language to all nations.
The message of Pentecost remains the same today: openness to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. A Church empowered by the Holy Spirit does not simply preserve traditions; it becomes alive, courageous, joyful, and missionary. The Acts of the Apostles gives us a picture of such a Church.

New Paragraph
- A Spirit-filled Church is a praying Church. Before Pentecost, the disciples gathered together in prayer. Communities empowered by the Spirit seek God first rather than relying only on plans, structures, or programs.
- A Spirit-filled Church is a courageous Church. The frightened disciples hiding behind locked doors became bold witnesses who preached publicly. Such a Church is willing to speak truth, defend the vulnerable, and proclaim Christ even when it is uncomfortable.
- A Spirit-filled Church is a welcoming Church. At Pentecost, people from many nations heard the Gospel in their own language. The Spirit breaks barriers of age, race, culture, politics, and social status. A Spirit-filled parish asks: Who is missing? Who feels unseen?
- A Spirit-filled Church is a Church of discernment. Rather than asking, What do we want? it asks, What is God calling us to become?
Celebrating Sacraments: We have had deeply spiritual and joyful First Communion and Confirmation celebrations this year. This past Sunday, I joined the Bishop at our Cathedral as he anointed all of our Confirmation candidates. It was important for me to be there, as I had personally interviewed each of them regarding their readiness for the sacrament, while also encouraging and inviting them to continue practicing their faith. We truly had remarkable candidates — young people who love God and the Church. Their faith, openness, and enthusiasm gives us hope for the future.
I am deeply grateful to our Religious Education team, especially Deacon Nelson, Teresa Gonzales, Rosa Panelli, Phil Tafoya, and all our catechists, including our second-grade teacher from the school, who helped prepare our children and teens for these sacraments with dedication and love. I also want to thank the parents who participated in many of the sessions alongside their children throughout the year.
Ordination Jubilee: This month, we honor two remarkable priests among us. Fr. Lee Chompoochan celebrates 20 years of priesthood on Wednesday, May 20, and Fr. Brian Timoney celebrates an extraordinary 70 years as a priest on May 26. Fr. Brian spent the first decade of his priesthood serving among the teeming millions of India, educating, evangelizing, and sharing the Gospel before later continuing his ministry in the United States. His life reflects decades of faithful service to God and His people. We will hold a major celebration on Saturday, September 26, when our parish community will be invited to come together in gratitude and joy to honor these milestones. We will also celebrate Sr. Dominic, who marks 50 years of religious life as a nun.
Happy Pentecost! The same Spirit that transformed fearful disciples into courageous witnesses continues to move among us today. May the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire with faith, deepen our love for one another, and lead our parish into God’s future with hope and joy.
~Fr. Paulson

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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.

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

Never baptized? Or baptized outside the Catholic Church? Investigate OCIA!
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.
Have you considered becoming Catholic but are not sure how to proceed? Possibly married to a Catholic or have a child in Christ the King School – and interested in sharing their faith?
Investigate our OCIA program at a
May 20 information session at
7:00 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.
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
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!
Movie Night - Sat, May 30th
TicketsSound of Music Movie Night
Saturday, May 30th
Directly after 4PM Mass - CTK Gym
New Parishioner Welcome Events - June 7th & 18th
If you’ve joined Christ the King – St. Stephen Parish within the past year, we invite you to a Welcome Event to meet parish leaders and fellow new parishioners and learn more about parish life.
Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 pm (Christ the King)
or
Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 pm (St. Stephen).
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
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Christ the King Church
199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA











