This is more than a legal or administrative process. It is a pastoral journey involving people who have worshiped at Saint Stephen, celebrated sacraments there, mourned loved ones there, and formed lasting friendships there. We will continue to communicate openly, listen respectfully, preserve Saint Stephen's spiritual heritage, and accompany every member of our community.

2. RELEGATION — THE CHURCH

Relegation concerns the sacred status of the building. Canon 1222 §2 provides that, for grave causes, the diocesan bishop, after hearing the presbyteral council, may relegate a church "to profane but not sordid use," provided that "the good of souls suffers no detriment." This requires a separate decision and decree.

3. ALIENATION — THE PROPERTY

Alienation is the canonical term for the sale or transfer of ownership. Canon 1291 requires the permission of the competent Church authority for the valid alienation of property belonging to a public juridic person when its value exceeds the amount established by law. Canon 1293 also requires a just cause and a written appraisal by qualified experts.

WHAT THE OCTOBER LETTER MEANS

Our anticipated letter in October addresses only the first of these three canonical steps. Sending the letter—or receiving a decree of suppression—does not mean that Saint Stephen Church closes at that moment.

Buildings hold sacred memories, but the Church is ultimately the People of God. Saint Stephen's faith, history, ministries, and people will remain a living and treasured part of our parish as we move forward together in faith and hope.

Please pray for our parish, our Transition Committee, Bishop Barber, and all who are guiding this process.

In Christ, Fr. Paulson Mundanmani, Pastor

"See, I am doing something new!

Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?

In the wilderness I make a way."

— Isaiah 43:19

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Join us this Friday, October 2nd at 8:15am at

St. Stephen for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

followed by 9am Mass

All are welcome to come and spend quiet time in

prayer and reflection.

Weekly Scripture Reflections

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.

This weekend’s Scriptures center around a consistent pattern over the past few weekends—vineyard themes and images. The liturgists who designed the order of scripture readings might have had in mind that September is harvest time in the northern hemisphere. Let’s follow this “vineyard thread.” Read More

Transition Committee Update

The Christ the King–St. Stephen Transition Committee met on September 3 to continue planning for the transition associated with the eventual closure and sale of the St. Stephen property. Fr. Paulson emphasized that the committee’s guiding principle is “to make this a pastoral transition rather than merely a property transaction.” Regular communication, transparency, and opportunities for parishioner input will be important throughout the process.

A transition status update and parishioner listening sessions will be held at

St. Stephen on Saturday, October 24, following the 5:00 p.m. Mass,

and Sunday, October 25, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Please note new date!

We encourage all parishioners to attend, hear the latest information, ask questions, and share their thoughts, hopes, and concerns with the Transition Committee. Read More.

Blessing of the Animals

Bring your beloved pets for a blessing.

Please have your pets on a

leash or in a cage.

Sunday, October 4, CTK Large Lawn, 11:45am

or

School Blessing, Thursday, October 1, CTK Large lawn, 2:40pm

Do you enjoy singing? Would you love to share the joy of making music with your children, grandchildren, or other kids in your extended family? The CTK Family Choir is returning for its fifth season, and we’d love to welcome new singers and families!

The Family Choir is open to children of all ages and their families. We sing at the 9:00am Mass on the first and third Sundays of each month, as well as at the Family Mass on Christmas Eve. Our first Sunday back will be September 20, when we’ll sing for the Children’s Liturgy.

We sing fun, accessible music that the whole family can enjoy, and no formal musical training or choir experience is necessary—just a love of music and a willingness to sing!

Whether you’ve sung with us before or are thinking about joining for the first time, we’d love to have you. For more information, please email Jennifer Bennett at jbennett@ctkph.org.

Christ the King Church

199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA