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.

Donate Online

Dear Friends,

 

As we celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, I would like to share a personal story about how this remarkable saint has profoundly influenced my own spiritual journey.

 

Nearly eight years ago, I had the privilege of spending thirty-three days in Loyola, Spain, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, making the Spiritual Exercises in complete silence. Thirty-three days of silence may sound intimidating, and, to be honest, it was. Without the distractions of everyday life, I was forced to confront myself—my strengths, my weaknesses, my fears, my dreams, and even the areas of my life that I preferred to avoid. My spiritual director gently but firmly helped me face myself in the light of God's love. It was not easy, but it was deeply healing. I discovered that God does not meet us only when we are at our best; He meets us most powerfully in our vulnerability.

 

One of the greatest gifts I brought home from Loyola was the practice of the Examen, a simple yet profound prayer developed by St. Ignatius to help us recognize God's presence in the ordinary events of each day. St. Ignatius believed that every moment of our lives carries spiritual significance because we are always living in God's presence. The Examen helps us become aware of that presence.


Though it can be prayed in different ways, the Examen is built around five simple steps:

Sign Up for Staying Connected

1. Centering – Quiet yourself and become aware that God is with you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your day as God sees it.

2. Gratitude – Recall the blessings and gifts you received during the day. Give thanks for God's countless graces, both large and small.

3. Review – Walk back through the events of your day. Pay attention to moments that stirred strong emotions—joy, peace, frustration, fear, disappointment, or hope. Where was God inviting you? How did you respond?

4. Sorrow – Honestly acknowledge where you fell short, where you failed to love, or where you missed God's invitation. Ask the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness.

5. Response – Looking toward tomorrow, ask God for the grace, wisdom, strength, and courage to live more faithfully. Entrust the future into His loving hands.

St. Ignatius himself learned this lesson through suffering. Born in 1491, he dreamed of becoming a famous soldier, winning honor and prestige. During the Battle of Pamplona, a cannonball shattered his leg and ended his military ambitions. While recovering at his family's castle, he found no books of chivalry to entertain him. Instead, he was given a Life of Christ and a collection of the lives of the saints.

As he read, he noticed something remarkable. Whenever he imagined returning to his former life of fame and glory, he felt restless and empty. But when he imagined following Christ and living like the saints, his heart was filled with peace and lasting joy. That simple observation became the beginning of his lifelong practice of discernment.

 

His injury, which seemed like a tragedy, became the doorway to his conversion. From that painful experience eventually came the Spiritual Exercises, one of the greatest treasures of the Church, and later the founding of the Society of Jesus, whose members have served the Church around the world through education, missionary work, scholarship, and spiritual direction.

 

His story reminds us that disappointment is often not the end of God's plan but the beginning of something far greater. Every one of us experiences setbacks, illness, broken dreams, or unexpected changes. Yet in every circumstance God continues to ask us the same question Ignatius learned to ask himself: "Who is God calling me to become?"

 

In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, Ignatius reminds us that silence is not empty—it is the place where God speaks. As we celebrate his feast, I encourage every parishioner to spend just five minutes each evening praying the Examen. It is one of the simplest and most practical ways to deepen your relationship with the Lord.

 

 ~ Fr. Paulson


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.


Weekly Scripture Reflections


18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Welcome to our weekly reflections on

the Sunday Scriptures.


This weekend’s readings invite us to have faith in God’s desire to feed and nourish us along the zig-zag path of our daily lives. Then, how do we dare think we have total control... and only need divine help when the going gets really tough?. Read More


Religious Education Programs

K-5th Grade RE


Christ the King - St. Stephen offers after school programs for K-5th Grade religious education, First Reconciliation and First Communion.

Tuesday and Wednesday classes are held at 3:30-5pm

Starting September 22 & 23


Sunday classes are held at 10:15-11:45am

Starting September 20, 2026


Registration Dates: May 26th - Sept 7th

For more information about Religious Education email:

rpanellictkre@gmail.com


Register Here

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!




Register Here

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.


Register Here

Direct Your Impact

Mission Co-op Appeal - July 18-19

Dear Friends,

 

Each year our parish participates in the Mission Cooperative Program, giving us the opportunity to support the missionary work of the Church throughout the world.

 

This year, Rev. Fr. Ephrem Ruwa'ichi Tillya from the Catholic Archdiocese of Arusha, Tanzania, was scheduled to visit our parish and speak about his mission. Unfortunately, he was unable to obtain a visa to enter the United States, so he cannot be with us in person. He has asked us to share his message with you.

 

The Archdiocese of Arusha serves many Maasai and other pastoralist communities where poverty and long-standing cultural traditions often prevent girls from continuing their education. Many young girls leave school at an early age and face limited opportunities due to poverty and early marriage.

 

The Church is working to break this cycle by helping girls remain in school. Through its parishes, priests, and religious sisters, the Archdiocese identifies young women who have the desire and ability to continue their education but lack the financial resources to do so.

 

A gift of approximately $1,200 can provide one girl with a full year of education, including tuition, boarding, meals, books, uniforms, transportation, and other basic necessities.

 

This weekend July 18–19, we invite you to support this important mission through your prayers and, if you are able, a generous financial contribution. Together, we can help provide these young women with the education they need to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

 

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the Church's missionary work throughout the world.

 

~Fr. Paulson 

Victims of the Earthquake in Venezuela - July 25-26

Dear Friends,

 

Our hearts have been deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela, leaving countless families grieving the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Many are now without shelter, clean water, food, or access to basic medical care.

 

At the request of Bishop Barber, every parish in the Diocese of Oakland has been asked to participate in a special collection to assist the victims of this disaster. Our parish will take up this Second Collection during the weekend of July 25–26.

 

Your generosity will help provide lifesaving assistance through Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Caritas Venezuela, the humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in Venezuela. Together they are providing emergency food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, medical care, essential household supplies, and emotional and spiritual support to families who have lost so much. Catholic parishes throughout the affected region have also opened their doors to welcome displaced families, offering safety, hope, and the loving presence of Christ.

 

I warmly invite you to prayerfully consider making a generous gift to this special collection. Whether large or small, every contribution becomes a sign of God's love and a reminder to those who are suffering that they are not forgotten. Together, we can bring hope where there is despair and healing where there is pain.

 

Thank you for your faithful generosity and for your willingness to be the hands and heart of Christ for those in need. Please continue to keep the people of Venezuela, the rescue workers, and all those providing relief in your prayers.

May our Lord, who never abandons His children, bless you abundantly for your kindness and generosity.


With gratitude and every blessing,


~Fr. Paulson


Annual Backpack Drive in Partnership

With Monument Crisis Center

 

The Weekend of July 25-26

Containers will be in the back of the church at CTK.


See supply list here.


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:

    wnorona@ctkph.org


    Register HERE

  • Picnic - Aug 23rd

    Picnic on CTK's Large Lawn

    11:30 - 1:30pm


    FUN - FOOD - GAMES

    Bring the whole family!


    FREE Event, but please register below

    Register
  • Cub Scouts Recruiting - Aug 23

    Cub Scouts Pack 401

    Recruiting Event


    Sunday, August 23

    See Flyer here for more information

  • Afternoon Tea - Aug 29

    Italian Catholic Federation

    Join us for Afternoon Tea!


    Saturday, August 29

    St. Stephen Parish Hall


    See flyer for more information here

  • 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

    Saturday, 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


    Purchase Tickets
  • Women's Retreat - Oct 3rd

    9am - 3pm

    St Stephen Parish Hall

  • Men's Retreat -Nov 7th

    More Info on our EVENTS page

  • Line Dancing - Thurs, TBD

    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

Contact Us

Send us a Message


Christ the King Church

199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill CA

St. Stephen Church

1101 Keaveny Ct, Walnut Creek, CA