Celebrating Two Milestone Anniversaries:
60 Years of St. Stephen, founded 1966
75 Years of Christ the King, founded 1951
Dear Friends,
We celebrate the Baptism of the Lord this weekend and with this feast the Christmas Season comes to an end! When we focus on the Lord’s Baptism – that experience should not be too far removed from our own experience of being present at the Baptism of family members or friends. Baptisms are a joyful event in the lives of families! It is a time to celebrate, to bring family members together and to invite friends to join in.
We have many young families in our parish who request Baptism for their child. Since I work with these families, I offer some common questions and concerns.
When should we baptize our child? As soon as they are born. There is no need to wait. There is no need to wait until their first birthday. If we understand the meaning of Baptism and how the child enters into life with God through the grace of the sacrament, why wait?
How do we start the process of Baptism? Inquire with Sr. Dominic and ask for information on the preparation process.


What does Baptism preparation entail? The preparation begins with an initial meeting: mother and father of the child meet with Sr. Dominic. After that, parents and godparents are asked to attend an in-person Baptism Class at Christ the King.
How do we choose godparents? Look for a person who will have a longtime relationship with your family. Look for a person who is living the Catholic faith with commitment and consistency and who will be a good example for your children. You may have one godparent or two.
What if our godparents do not live locally? They would attend a Baptism Class in their local parish.
What if the godparents cannot be present for the Baptism ceremony? Someone (of your choosing) may stand in for them at the Baptism ceremony.
Grandparents: Grandparents are concerned and anxious that new members of the family be baptized, which is most understandable! However, the parents of the child are the primary people to request Baptism, and the request must come from them.

Some things to think about:
- Why do I want my child baptized?
- What does their Baptism mean to me?
- How will I raise my child in the Catholic faith?
- What are my ideas on how I will fulfill this responsibility?
- Whom will I choose as godparents?
REMEMBER: You may begin Baptism preparation before the birth of your child. Once the baby is
born, life is hectic and days are full!
Sr. Dominic Marie, OP

What's Happening at Christ the King - 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










