Dear Friends,
I want to share an important update about Winter Nights Family Shelter, one of the most meaningful outreach ministries in which Christ the King-St. Stephen Parish has participated.
For more than two decades, Winter Nights has brought together faith communities throughout Contra Costa County to provide unhoused families with safe shelter, meals, hospitality, and hope during the coldest and wettest months of the year. Last year alone, our parish hosted Winter Nights families for five weeks between the Christ the King and St. Stephen facilities. Many of you volunteered, prepared meals, stayed overnight, donated supplies, and welcomed these families with extraordinary generosity.
Recently, we learned that the Board of Winter Nights Family Shelter, the nonprofit organization that has coordinated this ministry, voted to cease operations. This decision was made by the organization's board and not by the participating faith communities. The news has brought understandable sadness, concern, and many questions, especially because of the ministry's long history and the families who would have depended upon it during the coming winter.
I want to make certain that our parishioners receive accurate information.
At this time, no final plan has been developed to replace the existing organization, and many practical, legal, financial, and staffing questions still need to be answered. However, the faith communities that have sustained this ministry are not simply walking away.
I am working with other pastors, faith leaders, congregations, and community partners to explore a responsible path forward. Our parish team has already met to prepare for these conversations, and I am consulting with people who have experience in nonprofit leadership, homelessness services, finances, and program administration.
Among the possibilities being considered is whether an established local organization might be able to carry the program for at least one year or house it as a separate program. We are also examining whether the participating faith communities could help provide the funding necessary for a director and essential staff. These are possibilities only; no decision has yet been made.
The next stakeholder meeting will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the King. Pastors, representatives of participating congregations, and community partners will gather to review what we know, ask necessary questions, and begin discerning what may be possible.
This is not the appropriate time for speculation, blame, or premature promises. It is a time for careful listening, honest communication, prayerful discernment, and responsible planning. Our first concern must remain the children and families who need safety, dignity, and stability.
Please pray for the families affected by this decision, for the staff and volunteers who have served this ministry, and for all those participating in the discernment process. I will continue to keep you informed as reliable information becomes available and as a clearer plan begins to emerge.
With gratitude and hope,
Fr. Paulson Mundanmani
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.
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.
Weekly Scripture Reflections
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Welcome to our weekly reflections on
the Sunday Scriptures.
Like our opening prayer, this weekend’s Scriptures call us to humble honesty regarding our weaker tendencies.
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.
Religious Education Programs
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
If you do not wish to give on-line,
you can continue to contribute using your offertory envelopes.
Offertory Envelopes and Paper Checks
Can be mailed directly to:
Christ the King Church
195A Brandon Rd.
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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.
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 - 4pm
St Stephen Parish Hall
Join us for a day of Faith, Reflection and Fellowship
Donation of $30
Breakfast bites and lunch
CTK County Fair - Oct 16-17
The CTK County Fair Festival returns October 16-17 for two days of family fun, food, games, entertainment, and fellowship! You can get all the latest information on the Festival at our website: CTK County Fair
Get Your Tickets, Raffle Tickets & Festival Merchandise Early!
Festival tickets and exclusive CTK County Fair merchandise are available for pre-sale through September 11. Visit CTK Merch Store to purchase Merchandise, CTK Festival Raffle Extravaganza to purchase Raffle Tickets and CTK Ticket Sales to purchase tickets and wristbands support the Festival.
Sponsors Needed:
We're seeking sponsors to help fund carnival rides and midway games, which are at risk due to rising costs. Sponsorship commitments are needed by September 10. If you're interested in sponsoring or know a business that may be able to help, please contact the Festival Committee or visit Festival Sponsors.
Donations Welcome/We are currently collecting:
Gently used stuffed animals
Gently used children's and adult books
Bottles of wine
Bingo prizes
Donations may be dropped off at the School Office or Parish Office.
Help us keep the County Fair magic alive through your support, sponsorships, and donations!
"Rebuild My Church" Retreat - Oct 24
"Rebuild My Church"
A Franciscan Jubilee Year
Day of Renewal
For Christ the King-St. Stephen Parishioners
Saturday, October 24 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
"Go and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin." — Christ to St. Francis of Assisi
In this Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV, join fellow parishioners for a one-day Franciscan retreat — no overnight stay required. Through conferences, prayer, and Holy Mass, discover what it means to be living stones in the rebuilding of Christ's Church today.
The Day Includes:
● Conferences on Franciscan spirituality and sacred noticing
● A Franciscan friar's personal testimony of Gospel living
● Small group reflection and fellowship
● Holy Mass with blessing and commissioning
This program is offered on a complimentary basis. At its conclusion, participants will have an opportunity to make a voluntary goodwill offering in support of San Damiano Retreat Center.
Please register. (We will take the first 120 people)
SAN DAMIANO RETREAT CENTER
710 Highland Drive • Danville, CA 94526 • (925) 837-9141 • sandamiano.org
Dr. Michael Cunningham, OFS, D.Min., Executive Director • mcunningham@sandamiano.org
Line Dancing - Fri Oct 30th
Join our Dance Ministry in CTK's Parish Hall!
Come out and learn how to line dance!
Grow in faith and build community.
Free event! All are welcome.
Questions? Contact Nelson Gonzales
Men's Retreat -Nov 7th
More Info on our EVENTS page
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
View the last 4 editions of Staying Connected
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Christ the King Church
199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA
