Dear Friends,
On July 16, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the most beloved titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast holds special significance for the Carmelite Order. My own brother priest is a Carmelite, and for Carmelites throughout the world, this is one of the most important days of the year—a day to honor Mary as their Mother, Patroness, and guide in the spiritual life.
The story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel begins on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, the mountain associated with the Prophet Elijah. It was there that Elijah defended faith in the one true God and where a small cloud rising from the sea brought hope to a drought-stricken land. For centuries, Christians saw in that cloud an image of Mary, through whom Christ, the Savior of the world, would come.
In the late twelfth century, a group of Christian hermits settled on Mount Carmel. Many were former Crusaders who had become disillusioned by the violence, bloodshed, and conflicts of their age. Instead of returning home, they remained on the mountain seeking something deeper: the presence of God. Living in caves and gathering for prayer, they built a chapel dedicated to “Our Lady of this Place.” They believed that Mary, who was completely open to God's presence, would help them rediscover hope amid disappointment and darkness.
Their story speaks powerfully to our own times.
We live in a world marked by war, violence, polarization, and uncertainty. Nations are divided. Political discourse often seems driven more by anger than by dialogue. Truth is frequently obscured by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and competing narratives. Many people feel anxious, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the state of the world.

The first Carmelites knew those feelings well. They, too, lived amid conflict and disappointment. Yet on Mount Carmel they learned to listen for God's gentle whisper, just as Elijah had done centuries earlier. They found in Mary a companion on the journey, reminding them that God had not abandoned His people.
The Carmelites came to understand Mary not only as a heavenly Queen but also as our Sister in faith, one who walks beside us and teaches us to recognize God's presence in our daily lives. Wherever they traveled—even after they were forced to leave the Holy Land—they carried with them the conviction that Mary helps us remember the great truth of our faith: Emmanuel—God is with us.
A cherished part of this tradition is the Brown Scapular. According to Carmelite tradition, during a time when the Order itself faced possible suppression, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Simon Stock on July 16, 1251, and entrusted him with the scapular as a sign of her maternal protection and care. Over the centuries, millions of Catholics have worn the scapular as a reminder to live under Mary's mantle, to imitate her faith, and to remain open to God's presence.
The scapular is not a good-luck charm. Rather, it is a sign of discipleship. It reminds us that, like Mary, we are called to say "yes" to God each day and to trust Him even when the future is uncertain.
In celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, let us turn to Mary with confidence. In a world troubled by division and fear, she teaches us prayer. In a culture filled with noise, she teaches us to listen. In moments of uncertainty, she reminds us that God remains faithful.
May Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap us in her mantle of protection, strengthen our faith, and lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mother of Hope and Comfort, wrap the people of St. Stephen in your loving mantle during this time of closure and transition. As you guided the Carmelites through uncertainty and change, help us to trust that God is with us in every season of life. May the spirit of St. Stephen continue to live within our parish family, and may we move forward together with courage, peace, and hope.
~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.

Annual Eucharistic Celebration of St. Mary Magdalene
The Transformative Power of God’s Love
Speaker: Margaret Riley, M A, Spiritual Director, San Damiano
Wednesday, July 22 | 9am Mass | St. Stephen Church
All are invited! Reception in the St. Stephen’s Parish Hall following the Mass. Join Margaret for a discussion of the theme.
Presented by Women of Magdala
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

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!

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.
The Impact of Giving
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:
Register HERE
ICF Pancake Breakfast - July 19th
The Italian Catholic Federation Pancake Breakfast
July 19th 8am - 12pm
Donations acceoted - Pay what you can.
Proceeds benefit 8th grade and college scholarships and the diocesan semenary fund.
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
Picnic - Aug 23rd
RegisterPicnic on CTK's Large Lawn
11:30 - 1:30pm
FUN - FOOD - GAMES
Bring the whole family!
FREE Event, but please register below
Joyous Jubilee - Sept 26th
Purchase TicketsSaturday, 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
Children's Mass - September
Join us for the third Sunday of every month for our monthly Children's Mass at 9am.
Men's Retreat -Nov 7th

More Info on our EVENTS page
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










