Pope Francis described politics as “a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity” when it seeks the common good (Evangelii Gaudium, 205). This offers a demanding vision of leadership: public office is a responsibility to serve others, especially those who need help most.



Pope Benedict XVI likewise taught that working for the common good is an expression of love for our neighbor through the institutions that shape society (Caritas in Veritate, 7). Compassion belongs in our public decisions as well as our personal relationships.

Let the values of the Gospel guide your reflection: respect for human life and dignity, care for the poor, justice, mercy, peacemaking, and love of neighbor. No candidate perfectly embodies everything we believe. We must examine the choices honestly and form our consciences through prayer, Church teaching, reliable information, and thoughtful reflection.

Please give the ballot measures the same careful attention you give the candidates. Their wording can be complicated, and their consequences can last for years. Read beyond the advertisements. Seek reliable explanations, consider the arguments on both sides, and ask who will benefit, who will bear the costs, and how each proposal will affect the common good.

In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis reminds us that political charity gives particular attention to those in greatest need (187). As we study our ballots, let us remember people whose struggles may be very different from our own. Our responsibility extends beyond our personal interests.

May our choices serve the common good, and may those elected lead with wisdom, humility, integrity, and care for all.

Fr. Paulson

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Join us this Friday, October 2nd at 8:15am at

St. Stephen for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

followed by 9am Mass

All are welcome to come and spend quiet time in

prayer and reflection.

Weekly Scripture Reflections

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.

It’s party time! In this weekend’s Scripture readings, there’s an abundance of feasting and joy. We’ll see, however, that not every party has a happy ending for some guests. Read More

Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Returns this Sunday, October 11 at at the 9am 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.

 
CLOW Details

Time: 2nd & 4th Sundays | 9:00am Mass

Ages: 4 years old - 4th Grade

No registration necessary.

Questions? Mea McGraw mauld20@gmail.com

CTK - St. Stephen Transition Committee

A transition status update and parishioner listening sessions will be held at

St. Stephen on Saturday, October 24, following the 5:00 p.m. Mass,

and Sunday, October 25, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Please note new date!

We encourage all parishioners to attend, hear the latest information, ask questions, and share their thoughts, hopes, and concerns with the Transition Committee. Read More.

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.

Christ the King Church

199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA