Finding a place to worship in a city as big as Dallas can feel like a chore. You've probably been there: circling the block, frantically checking your phone, wondering if the 5:30 PM service is actually at 5:30 or if that was a typo on some random website from 2014. If you're looking for christ the king catholic church dallas mass times, you aren't just looking for a clock; you’re looking for a community that’s been a Preston Hollow staple since 1941. Honestly, showing up at the wrong time in this part of town usually means fighting some of the most polite but aggressive traffic in North Texas.
Christ the King (CTK) isn't just another parish. It’s a landmark. With its Romanesque architecture and that famous red tile roof, it’s hard to miss. But the schedule? That can be a bit of a moving target depending on the liturgical season.
Current Christ the King Catholic Church Dallas Mass Times
The core schedule at CTK is pretty consistent, but you always want to double-check for Holy Days. For 2026, the standard rhythm for the weekend and weekdays remains the primary way the parish serves its roughly 6,000 members.
Weekend Obligation
- Saturday Vigil: 5:30 PM (This is the "early bird" special for those who want their Sunday free).
- Sunday Morning: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM.
- Sunday Afternoon: 12:30 PM.
The 11:00 AM Mass is usually the "big" one. It’s often livestreamed for those who can't make it in person. If you prefer a slightly younger crowd or a more "parish family" vibe, the 12:30 PM slot often sees a lot of the youth and school families.
Weekday Schedule
Basically, if you’re a morning person, you’re in luck.
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- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM.
- Saturday Morning: 8:00 AM.
Daily Mass is held in the main sanctuary, and it’s a much more intimate affair than the Sunday crush. It’s perfect if you just need twenty-five minutes of quiet before hitting the office.
Confession and Adoration
You can't really talk about christ the king catholic church dallas mass times without mentioning Reconciliation. Getting there early is a pro move.
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Great for those who work late).
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (The line usually starts forming around 3:45 PM).
The 2026 Holy Day Twist
In 2026, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, falls on a Thursday. For a parish like CTK, this changes the game. You’ll typically see a Vigil Mass on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 5:30 PM, followed by the feast day services on January 1 at 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM.
Don't assume the weekday 8:00 AM is the only option on these days. The parish almost always adds an evening service to accommodate the "Holy Day of Obligation" crowd.
Why Everyone Talks About the "Upside Down Ark"
There is a weird bit of local lore about the church building itself. Some people say the roof looks like an upside-down boat. While that makes for a cool "Noah’s Ark" metaphor, the reality is a bit more practical. Back when the main sanctuary was built, the height of the laminated wooden beams was actually determined by the maximum length a railroad car could carry at the time.
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It’s a fun fact to keep in your back pocket. It shows that even a place this grand was built within the very real, physical limitations of 1940s logistics.
Parking: The Preston Road Struggle
Parking is, quite frankly, a nightmare if you arrive at 10:58 AM for the 11:00 AM Mass. Don’t do that to yourself.
- The Surface Lot: Accessible via Douglas Avenue or Westchester Drive.
- Underground Parking: Use the Weldon Howell Parkway entrance. This is the secret weapon for rainy days.
- Overflow: On major holidays like Christmas or Easter, the Chase Bank lot nearby is often fair game, but always look for the temporary signage provided by the CTK security team to be sure.
What to Expect If You’re New
If you aren't a regular, the first thing you’ll notice is the art. There is a massive, two-story painting behind the altar. A lot of visitors think it’s a mosaic because of the detail, but it’s actually a painting of the Risen Christ. It’s meant to emphasize Christ as a King (hence the name) rather than just the suffering servant.
Also, look up at the light fixtures. They are shaped like crowns. Subtle, right?
The atmosphere is definitely "reverent Novus Ordo." You’ll hear traditional hymns and maybe some chant, but it’s all in English (unless it’s a specific bilingual service). The community is a mix of old-school Dallas families and young professionals moving into the nearby apartments.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
Planning to go this Sunday? Here is how to actually make it happen without the stress.
- Download the Schedule: If you’re a planner, grab the PDF of the Lector and EM schedule from the official CTK website. It lists the specific dates for the entire month so you can see if there are any "Youth Masses" or special events.
- Arrive 15 Early: This isn't just for parking. It’s for the "genuflect and settle" time. The parish takes reverence seriously. No coffee cups in the pews. No gum.
- Check the School Calendar: If there’s a big school event or a "CKS Readers" Sunday, the 9:30 AM Mass will be packed with kids. If you want a quieter experience, stick to the 8:00 AM or the Saturday Vigil.
- Sign Up for the Bulletin: Honestly, the digital bulletin is the only way to catch the random "parking lot maintenance" alerts that pop up in the summer.
Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or just curious about the architecture, Christ the King is one of those places that feels like a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Just remember that the 11:00 AM Mass is the "peak" time—plan your commute through Preston Hollow accordingly.
To get the most accurate updates for specific feast days or seasonal changes, keep the parish office number (214-365-1200) handy. They are pretty responsive during normal business hours, which are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Next Steps:
Go ahead and check the current month's liturgical calendar on the Christ the King website to see if any special devotions or parish meetings overlap with your planned visit. If you're looking for a specific ministry, their "I'm New" page is the best place to find the registration forms for the OCIA process or youth groups.