Christ the King - St. Stephen Parish
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,
In his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("The Greatness of Humanity"), Pope Leo XIV addresses one of the most pressing issues of our age: the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its impact on human dignity, society, and the future of civilization. I would summarize the entire document into one sentence: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.
Published on May 25, 2026, and signed on the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, the encyclical seeks to provide a Christian vision for navigating technological change while safeguarding what it means to be human.
The encyclical begins with a powerful warning and invitation: humanity stands at a crossroads. We can either construct a new "Tower of Babel," built on pride, power, and technological domination, or we can build a civilization, where God and humanity dwell together in harmony. The Pope insists that technology itself is neither evil nor opposed to humanity. Rather, technology reflects the values, intentions, and moral choices of those who create, finance, regulate, and use it.
Throughout the document, Pope Leo XIV emphasizes that artificial intelligence must remain at the service of the human person, not the other way around. Human beings possess a unique dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God. No machine, however sophisticated, can replace the human capacity for love, moral responsibility, conscience, creativity, sacrifice, or relationship with God.
The encyclical calls for a renewed commitment to the common good, ethical responsibility, and global solidarity. It urges governments, businesses, educators, scientists, and religious communities to work together to ensure that AI serves humanity rather than deepening inequality, isolation, manipulation, or exploitation.
One of the central themes of the document is the importance of preserving the human heart. In an age increasingly shaped by algorithms and automation, Pope Leo warns against reducing people to data, productivity, or efficiency. Human flourishing cannot be measured solely by technological progress. True progress must include wisdom, compassion, justice, and spiritual growth.
The Pope concludes by inviting all people to "remain human" by cultivating relationships, community, prayer, and responsibility for one another. He reminds us that the ultimate purpose of society is not technological achievement but communion—with one another and with God. The future must be shaped not only by intelligence but by love.
At its heart, Magnifica Humanitas is a hopeful document. It does not reject technology but calls humanity to guide it wisely. Pope Leo XIV challenges the world to ensure that artificial intelligence serves the dignity of every person and helps build a civilization in which "the human heart remains the place where God desires to dwell."
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Magnifica Humanitas was "born from listening"—to scientists and engineers, leaders and educators, victims of injustice, and even to the silent voices often overlooked in our technological age. The pope is inviting the Church and society to draw upon the enduring wisdom of Catholic social teaching to safeguard human dignity and ensure that, even in the age of artificial intelligence, the human heart remains a place where God can dwell.
~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.
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
Green Movie Night - June 19th
RegisterGreen Movie Night - "Over Troubled Waters"
June 19th: 7-9om
CTK Parish Hall
Description
Join us for a free screening of the award-winning documentary “Over Troubled Waters”, exploring the fight to stop the Delta Tunnels project and the search for a more sustainable water future for California
Following the film, Gary Prost, representing State Senator Jerry McNerney, will lead a community discussion and Q&A about SB 872 — proposed legislation aimed at protecting California’s primary water source for generations to come.
We’ll discuss:
what the legislation would do
who supports & opposes it
why it has been called “groundbreaking”
Write to info@sustainablecoco.org with questions.
This Green Movie Night is brought to you by the Interfaith Climate Action Network, and Sustainable Contra Costa.
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
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Christ the King Church
199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA
St. Stephen Church
1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA
