

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace"
Psalm 29:11
As part of our ongoing Jubilee celebration
we warmly welcome
Sarah Hart and Francesca LaRosa
Join us Saturday, May 2nd
Dear Friends,
Over the next few weeks, our parish will experience something truly beautiful—grace unfolding in abundance. On the weekends of May 2 and May 9, across multiple Masses, our children will come forward to receive their First Holy Communion. And on May 17, our young people will be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation at the Cathedral
of Christ the Light. Together, these celebrations will involve more than 150 families—150 stories of faith, hope, longing, and love. They are sacred moments in the life of our parish community.
When a child receives the Eucharist for the first time, something profound happens. The child encounters Jesus in a deep and meaningful way—an encounter that nourishes the soul in a way nothing else can. The Eucharist is not symbolic alone; it is the very presence of Jesus, who gives Himself to us in love. For our children, this first reception is like lighting a
candle—a flame of faith that we pray will never be extinguished.

And Confirmation—so often misunderstood as a “graduation”—is in truth a beginning. It is the
strengthening of what was begun at Baptism. The Holy Spirit comes not to conclude a journey, but to empower
our young people to live their faith more deeply, more courageously, more intentionally in the world.
Upper Room

But here is the truth we must hold onto: Sacraments are the starting point of a lifelong relationship with
Christ. That is why these moments matter so deeply—not only for the children and teens, but for all of us as a parish community.
I am reminded of a beautiful story from St. Thérèse of Lisieux. On the day of her First Communion, she
described it not as something routine, but as a moment when “Jesus and I became one.” She had longed for that day with a childlike intensity, preparing her heart with love and simplicity. And after receiving the Eucharist, she said she felt an overwhelming peace and closeness to God—something that shaped her entire life of holiness.
One of the most meaningful parts of Confirmation is when each candidate chooses a saint’s name. This is not just a tradition, but a personal and spiritual choice—a reminder that they are called to be saints themselves. As they learn about their chosen saint, they discover real stories of faith, struggle, courage, and trust in God. Whether inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Calcutta, or St. Thérèse of Lisieux, they are invited to see that holiness is possible in everyday life. The name they take becomes more than a symbol—it becomes a lifelong guide, encouraging them to grow in faith and to live the mission God has given them.
To our parents: you are the first teachers of the faith. What your children see in you—the way you pray, the way you love, the way you make room for God in your daily life—will shape their faith far more than anything we can do in a classroom.
To our parish community:
these children and teens are not “someone else’s responsibility.” They are ours.
We are called to create a Church where faith is welcoming, alive, visible, and contagious.
To our young people:
what you are receiving is a gift beyond measure. Treasure it. Return to it. Let it shape
who you become.
And today, I want to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude.
To our catechists, who have given their time, energy, and love—often quietly and without recognition—thank you. You have not just taught lessons; you have formed hearts.
To our Faith Formation team, who have coordinated, guided, and supported this entire journey—thank you for your dedication, your patience, and your deep commitment to the mission of the Church.
And to our families—thank you for saying “yes.” Thank you for bringing your children, for making space for faith in a busy and demanding world.
And may we never forget: every First Communion, every Confirmation, is not just their moment— it is our moment as the Body of Christ.
~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
Family Rosary (kid friendly) - May 3rd
Christ the King - Ministry Center
Sunday May 3rd (after 9am mass)
Come join other young families from our parish for our final event before summer! We will provide a brief child friendly introduction on how to pray the Rosary and facilitate a family practice. Rosaries will be provided. Breakfast Potluck to follow.
Please RSVP by May 1st to YoungFamiliesCTK@gmail.com
Night of Peace Concert - Sat, May 2
Buy TicketsJoin us for a Night of Peace Concert with Sara Hart and Francesca LaRosa
Christ the King Church
Saturday, May 2
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
$10/Person. Under 5 yrs. - Free
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!
St. Stephen's Baby Shower Collection

See our Events Page for more detail
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











