Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish
We are so grateful God has led you here!
New parishioners, please join us for a welcome event:
Saturday, June 7th at 2:00 PM.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our pastoral team, connect with fellow newcomers, and discover the vibrant community and ministries that make our parish a family.
We want to get to know you, answer any questions you might have, and share how we can support you on your faith journey.
Light refreshments will be served.
Come as you are.
You are welcome. You belong.
Mass Schedule for Both Campuses
Christ the King Campus
- Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.
- Private Confessions Saturday 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
St. Stephen Campus
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m.
- Private Confessions Saturday before the 5:00 p.m. Mass
Weekday Masses (9:00 a.m.)
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday – St. Stephen
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday – Christ the King
First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
- St. Stephen Church which begins at 8:15am, followed by Benediction at 8:45am and Mass at 9:00am.
- You can also attend Eucharistic Adoration every Friday from 3pm to 5pm in the chapel at the CTK Ministry Center
Weekly Bulletin
Our bulletins are a snapshot of important events at Christ the King - St. Stephen. You'll find everything from Fr. Paulson's letter to what's happening with Youth Ministry.
New Parishioner Registration
With our ministry management system REALM it's easy to become a registered member of Christ the King - St. Stephen. We build a stronger church by becoming a closer community through better communication.
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, we celebrate the beautiful Feast of Corpus Christi — the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is a significant moment in the life of our Church, inviting us to pause, reflect, give thanks, and deepen our appreciation for the tremendous gift Jesus left behind: His very self in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist remains one of the great mysteries of our faith. According to Catholic teaching, under the appearance of bread and wine, Christ becomes truly present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. What we receive is not merely a symbol or memory, but Jesus Himself, given freely out of love.
The Eucharist always points us beyond the Upper Room to the Cross, where Christ completed the Father’s will by laying down His life for the salvation of the world. The bread broken and the cup shared at the Last Supper find their fullest meaning in Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary — a sacrifice of forgiveness, mercy, and redeeming love. Every Eucharist proclaims not only Christ’s presence, but His self-giving love poured out for sinners. Therefore, the Eucharist is never separate from justice, reconciliation, and love.
We cannot truly receive the Body of Christ while remaining indifferent to the suffering of others, the poor, the wounded, or those estranged from us. The One we receive is the same Jesus who forgave His enemies, welcomed sinners, washed the feet of His disciples, and reconciled humanity to God through the Cross. To celebrate the Eucharist is to be drawn into Christ’s mission: to become instruments of healing, builders of peace, seekers of justice, and people of compassion. The Eucharist changes us, calling us not only to worship Christ, but to live as Christ in the world.
Parishioners in our community receive Holy Communion in different ways. Most receive in the hand, some receive on the tongue, which remains
permitted according to the norms approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and occasionally someone may choose to kneel before receiving. None of these external gestures alone determine reverence.
True reverence is ultimately a matter of the heart — approaching the Eucharist with faith, humility, gratitude, and a sincere desire to receive Christ. Reverence also involves striving to live in communion with God and being properly disposed to receive this sacred gift. For me personally, as I step into the aisle and process toward the minister of Communion, my prayer is often simple and silent: “Lord, I need You. Lord, I am not worthy.” Perhaps that is the deepest posture before the Eucharist — not confidence in ourselves, but awareness of our need for mercy.
The Eucharist is never a reward for perfection, but a gift of grace for those who hunger for God. The Eucharist is never something we earn or deserve. It is always gift, always grace, always unmerited mercy. We come not because we are perfect, but because we are hungry. We come not because we have everything together, but because we need healing, strength, and hope.
I also wish to gently share a pastoral concern with our parish family. A couple of times recently, sacred Hosts were found left behind in the pews after Mass. While we cannot know exactly what happened, moments like these naturally cause concern because of our deep belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For this reason, I kindly ask all of us to be attentive and reverent when receiving Holy Communion. Communion is meant to be consumed upon receiving it. If you notice someone who may be uncertain or unintentionally carrying the Host away, please approach them gently, kindly, and respectfully, offering a quiet reminder.
If you bring family members or friends who are not Catholic or who may not fully understand our practice, this can also become a beautiful opportunity for loving explanation. As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and receiving Holy Communion is a sacred and deeply meaningful act of faith. We warmly welcome all visitors and invite those who are not receiving Communion to come forward for a blessing instead. Thank you for helping us preserve the reverence, care, and love we share for the Eucharist.
As we celebrate Corpus Christi this Sunday, may we rediscover awe. May gratitude overcome familiarity. May we never lose wonder before this mystery. And may we always remember: Christ gives Himself completely to us, so that we may learn to give ourselves more fully to one another.
~Fr. Paulson
.
What's Happening at Christ the King - St. Stephen
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
June 5 - St. Stephen
8:15 am - Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
9:00 am - Mass
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.
Graduation Mass
Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the 4:00pm Mass
We invite all graduating students (Middle School, High School, College) of the community of CTK-SS parish to attend in their proper, zipped up, cap and gown to be recognized and get a blessing at Mass.
Register by emailing your bio and photo to Nelson at ngonzales@ctkph.org by Monday, June 8, 2026
Jubilee Year of St. Francis
On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ passing into eternal life, Pope Leo XIV is offering Catholics a special opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence, inspired by the historic Pardon of Assisi granted by Pope Honorius III to St. Francis. The indulgence may be obtained by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world, while fulfilling the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. Those unable to make a pilgrimage may also receive the indulgence by spiritually participating in the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, sufferings, or hardships to God. This initiative invites the faithful to seek God’s mercy, grace, and spiritual renewal through the example of St. Francis.
As part of this special opportunity, on Saturday, June 20th, we will gather as a parish community for our 4:00 PM Vigil Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 860 Oak Grove Road, Concord, CA.
This pilgrimage and celebration will be just for our community, allowing us to pray together and participate more intentionally in this grace-filled event. To help prepare spiritually, we will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation beginning at 3:00 PM before Mass, providing an opportunity to receive God’s mercy and prepare our hearts for this special celebration and the possibility of receiving the plenary indulgence.
Need help dealing with grief?
GriefShare is here for you. GriefShare is a 13 week support group that assists those who have experienced a loss of a loved one in their life. We offer 2-3 13-week sessions per year. It is a scripture-based program open to all faiths.
If you would like to learn more or sign up, check out the GriefShare website: GriefShare.org.
You can also email or call the group leader Diana Mackinson:
925-519-4711
There is a $25 fee for the workbook and materials, however no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
Our next 13 week program will be starting at Christ the King-St Stephen's Parish on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:00 noon beginning on July 11 in Room C of the CTK parish hall (facing the small parking lot).
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
Interested in becoming Catholic?
Or are you Catholic – but not confirmed?
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. Our Adult Confirmation program is designed for those already Catholic but who have not been confirmed.
Investigate both programs at a Thursday, June 18 information session at 7:00pm 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.
New Parishioner Welcome Events - June 7th
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)
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
Children's Mass - June 21
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!
Line Dancing - Thurs, May 28
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
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
