St. Nicholas Parish 24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 (949) 837-1090; FAX (949) 837-9510; www.st-nicholaschurch.org School of Religious Education: (949) 837-7676 Our Parish Mission Statement St. Nicholas Parish is a Catholic community, celebrating our faith through the Sacraments, Liturgy, Prayer and Service. We strive to nurture family life and to create one body out of many in the Lord. We share the Good News with people of all ages, cultures and faith backgrounds. Adopted July, 1996 Pastor Parochial Vicar Deacon Deacon Deacon CLERGY Rev. George P. Blais Rev. Quyen Truong Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Rev. Gerald Walker Rev. Charbel Grbavac Rev. Jack Sewell Rev. Chin Dang Wayne Thompson Chau Tran Gerardo De Santos MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 4:00PM, 7:00PM in Spanish Sunday: 7:30AM, 9:00AM, 10:45AM, 12:30PM, and 5:00PM in Vietnamese. Monday through Friday: 7:00AM and 9:00AM Saturday: 9AM Filipino Mass: 5:30PM, First Saturdays, October-June. Holy Days: 4PM Vigil, 7PM Spanish Vigil, 7AM, 9AM, 12PM, 6PM, and 7:30PM in Vietnamese. RECONCILIATION (Confession) Saturday: 9:45AM to 10:15AM and 3:00PM to 3:45PM or by appointment. BAPTISM Contact the Parish Office for Baptism scheduling and information. MARRIAGE Arrangements must begin at least six months in advance with a priest of the parish. ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call Parish Office in an emergency. Special Service celebrated in fall/spring as announced. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS At the death of a family member, please call the Parish Office at your earliest convenience to plan for the Mass of Christian Burial. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION DAY 24-hour adoration begins the second Wednesday of the month at the 9:00AM Mass. DEVOTIONS & BENEDICTION Wednesday evenings at 7:00PM; Vietnamese 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8PM. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Benediction. Parish Office Hours: Sunday: 8:30 AM 1:30 PM Monday through Friday: 9 AM 12 Noon; 1 PM 7:00 PM; Saturday: 9 AM 12 Noon
The Knights of Columbus & The American Red Cross invite you to a Community Blood Drive on Thursday, September 6th 7:45am to 7:45pm at St. Nicholas Church in the Parish Center. To schedule appointments call one of the following: 949-831-0208, 949-581-5503, 949-350-3282 Walk-ins are welcome or make an appointment for faster service! Are you new to the parish? The St. Nicholas Welcoming Committee will be greeting newcomers to the parish in the parish center for coffee and donuts after the 9AM and 10:45AM Masses on Sunday, August 26. Please join us so that we can meet you and answer any questions you may have about the parish. Council of Catholic Women General Meeting Friday, September 7th Our speaker will be Jim Pacelli, who will speak on the Knights of Columbus. Social time is 9:30AM and the meeting begins at 10:10AM. Please bring your coins for Water for Life, can tabs for Ronald McDonald House, and pasta and sauce for Caterina s Club. If you have any questions, call Lynn at (949) 830-2920. Pastoral Services Appeal 2018 Thank you to all who have already participated in the PSA this year. If you did not receive information about the PSA in the mail, there are brochures and pledge envelopes available in the Church or in the Parish Office. # Participating families: 339 Amount of pledges: $142,923 Payments received: $89,341 Once we reach our diocesan goal of $111,000, all monies over that amount will be returned to St. Nicholas to help pay for the parking lot project. Dear Parishioners, This week, we conclude chapter six of John s Gospel. The disciples give their response to Jesus discourse on the Bread of Life They said; This sort of talk is hard to endure!... In light of the recent news reopening the wounds of the priest sexual abuse scandal, we too can say; This is hard to endure and my faith is shaken. Yes the priest sexual abuse scandal and any other scandal in the church is hard to accept and it does indeed affect our faith. These events are attacks on the Church from the devil who does exist and does not want anyone to be a follower of God. Jesus gives us the Eucharist to help us in our trials as we journey back to our heavenly Father. When our faith is shaken, it is easy to say; I am going to leave the church, or we may have friends or strangers ask; why are you not leaving the church? Jesus asks His disciples this same question when their faith is shaken; Do you want to leave me too? Peter s response is what we should say to others and ourselves when questions or challenges to leave the church come to us; Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Jesus gave us the Eucharist; His Body and Blood to nourish us for the journey and strengthen us so that we may endure the trials and tribulations of this life. This gift He gave to our Church; the Catholic Church and although its members are human and may make mistakes or even gravely sin, we know that He is present and the Holy Spirit is also present to guide us through whatever comes our way. I firmly believe that anyone who leaves the Church because their faith has been shaken does so because they do not have a full understanding or appreciation of the Eucharist which is only truly present in the Catholic Church. Like Peter says; We have come to believe; we must acknowledge that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Let us all pray for those victims of abuse and for the ongoing purification of our Holy Catholic Church. Fr. George Stewardship of Treasure 2018 2017 52-Weekly Required Budget August 19th 24,934.11 25,059.53 $25,856.00 (Includes the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Mass Intentions for the Week Monday: 7AM Anna-Marie Duc (d) 9AM Miriam Trudell Tuesday: 7AM Sr. Brigid Carey (d) 9AM Roger Leonardo (d) Wednesday: 7AM Carole Krawczyk 9AM Paul Brunelle (d) Thursday: 7AM Quach Hue Lai (d) 9AM Linda Chong (d) Friday: 7AM Maria Mau Pham (d) 9AM Romero Mercado (d) Saturday: 9AM Patrick Donovan (d) 4PM For the Parish 7PM Daniel Janampa (d) Sunday: 7:30AM Regoleto Gucco (d) 9:00AM All Souls in Purgatory 10:45AM Joyce Bratton (d) 12:30PM Letty Sha (d) We Remember All of our recently deceased who entered their new and eternal life in Christ. Grant to all our dearly departed, eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on them forever. TODAY S READINGS First Reading: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b The LORD, our God, protected us along our entire journey. Psalm 34 Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Second Reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 [5:2a, 25-32] Christ nourishes and cherishes the church because we are members of his body Gospel: John 6:60-69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God. Parish Calendar This Week MONDAY Hispanic Rosary, Church, 7PM TUESDAY Unity Group, Room A, 6:30PM WEDNESDAY Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Devotions and Benediction, Church, 7PM Certification Basica Curso, Room 201, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 8PM THURSDAY Faith Alive Faith Sharing, Room A, 10AM FRIDAY Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM SATURDAY First Saturday Devotions, Room B, 9:45AM SUNDAY Library CLOSED Spanish Baptism, Church, 2PM Shop til you drop with Catholic Charities Chapter 4 & 5. Help the Outlets at San Clemente raise money for Charity. Join in the fun, select Catholic Charities Chapter 4 & 5 at the Charity Shopping Extravaganza October 6th, 2018 at the Outlets at San Clemente. $25 of every ticket purchased when you select Catholic Charities 4 & 5 will go towards our mission to serving those in need. If you have any questions, call Darlene Jamroz at (949) 363-3825 or email Darlene@darlenejamroz.com Buy tickets at www.outletsatsanclemente.com/tickets/ The St. Nicholas Library The Library is closed for the summer and will re-open next Sunday, September 2nd. Any checked out books need to be returned to the Parish Office. The Library will be open the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month, from 8:45am 12:45pm when it re-opens in September. We are located in Room C, behind the Parish Office. Freebie Cart: Rosaries, prayer cards and more!
SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2018 2019 Registration for Elementary and High School Religion Classes are NOW OPEN! IF YOU HAVEN T ALREADY COME TO THE SRE OFFICE and sign up for Religious Education. Classes are beginning to fill up and we will not be able to honor your request for a specific day if you don t come in soon. Come to the SRE Office in the Parish Center Mondays through Thursdays to register from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm. YOUTH MINISTRY Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym The next Bible Study will be this Tues. August 28th, September 11th, and 25th at 6:30PM. Teen/Family Mass on September 29th at 4PM. Check out Facebook and Instagram for more activities coming up like Kidsfest, Pennies from Heaven, movie nights, etc... 1 st through 6 th grades: Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 4:15pm to 5:30pm 7 th & 8 th grades: Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 8:30pm Confirmation I and II Classes: Alternate Tuesdays, 7pm to 8:30pm IMPORTANT CONFIRMATION NEWS Confirmation preparation is a two-year program directed toward preparing high school students to deepen their faith commitment culminating in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students may join Confirmation I in their ninth, tenth or junior year of high school. Classes are held on alternate Tuesdays, beginning at 7PM and ending at 8:30PM. Students attending Catholic Schools must enroll and complete both years (Confirmation I and II) in order to be confirmed. For more information, stop by the SRE office or call (949) 837-7676. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands -Psalm 100 Teen/Family Choir Needs YOU You re invited to join the Teen/Family Choir we sing at the Saturday, 4PM Mass once a month from September to May. Our practices are held every other Thursday evening from 7:30PM to 9PM in the Choir Loft. If you re in junior high, high school, like to sing or play an instrument and want to be with a group of friendly people, and celebrate the Mass in a joyful way, the Teen/Family Choir is looking for you! Please call the SRE Office at (949) 837-7676 or come up to the choir loft on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 7:30PM.
Restoration of the Sacred Images The restoration of the Sacred Heart image on the large parking lot side of the church has been completed. We have completed cleaning and painting the two alcoves where the candles are located. There was a buildup of wax and soot on those walls after many years. Please only use candles in these areas that are provided by the church. The candles that we provide are smokeless and will not cause the soot stains on the walls; therefore, do not place other candles in these alcoves. They will be removed. Also please do not add flowers to any areas in the church or in the chapel. Our church environment people are responsible for making the church and chapel look appropriate. Too many flowers, although well intentioned can look messy. Thank you for your cooperation. ST. NICHOLAS PARISH Adult Faith Formation PRESENTS TWO CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDIES: The GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN a twelve-week study meeting on Monday evenings, in the St. Nicholas Parish Hall, to include: live class teaching, Catholic approach to the reading and interpretation of the biblical text, open class Q and A, along with the biblical history of doctrines and dogmas as taught by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Starting Monday, September 10, 2018, at 7:00 P.M. Room 201 The BOOK OF REVELATION a twelve-week study meeting on Thursday mornings, in the St. Nicholas Parish Hall, to include: live class teaching, introduction to the Catholic approach to the reading and interpretation of this Apocalyptic book (in accordance with teaching of the Magisterium Office of the Catholic Church), and open class Q and A. Starting Thursday, September 13, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Room 201 For information relative to course content, biblical source material, Bible editions, etc. Please call: AL GUEVARA at (714) 848-1624. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The Great Commissioning! Matt. 28:16-20 (Being Disciples of Christ) Go, therefore and make disciples from all Nations. At the end of Mass the Priest or Deacon dismisses us. One of the dismissals is, Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. Have you ever wondered why they do this? Through our Baptism we share in that commissioning of the first disciples, to go out after Mass, to bring the Good News we just heard to everyone we meet. We are to witness to others through our word and deed the message of Jesus. Then when someone from your living example inquires about our faith, invite them to the RCIA process to learn more about it. It s amazing how many times people tell us they have wanted to learn about the Catholic faith but have been waiting for someone to ask them! Is someone you know waiting for an invitation? Ask and tell them you would be happy to journey the faith with them by their side and pray for them. If you don t know of someone right now that s ok too; please add your prayers to ours for people to hear God s word calling them and to answer it. Sessions begin on Thursday, September 6th at 7PM in Room 201 in the parish center. Please call Betty Farrell at 949.400.6875. St. Nicholas Parish presents its 19th Annual Saturday, Oct. 13th, 2018 1:00PM-7:30PM CHURCH CLEANING More volunteers are needed to help in the cleaning of the Church. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month after the 9AM Mass. If you can contribute an hour or two of your time, it would be appreciated! Our next church cleaning is Tuesday, September 4th. Call: Phoebe at (949) 855-9263 with any questions. Opportunity drawing held at 7:30PM $2,500 grand prize (Total of $3700 in prizes) *winner does not need to be present to win* Hourly Attendance Prizes of $50 drawn from Grand Raffle tickets Dancing, singing, good food, drinks and friends. Join your parish family Invite your friends & loved ones. All proceeds from this event benefit the St. Nicholas School of Religious Education.
CHOIR RECRUITMENT MONTH NOW IS A GREAT TIME FOR YOU TO BECOME A PART OF THIS EXCITING AND REWARDING WEEKLY LITURGICAL MINISTRY, FOR THE 2018-2019 SEASON. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHES US THAT A CHOIR ISNT JUST A LUXURY, IT S A NECESSITY! PARISHES NEED CHOIRS. OUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU. ST. NICHOLAS PARISH CHOIR 9:00AM Our Parish Choir (SATB), under the direction of Emett, (our music director and accompanist), rehearses on THURSDAY evenings from 7:15 to 8:45PM. Repertoire consists of all music styles: ancient, traditional, and contemporary. Present membership stands at 46. (Some musical experience is necessary for membership in this choir.) Our goal is to recruit 7 new members. ST. NICHOLAS CHORALE 10:45AM Our Chorale (SATB), under the direction of Mary Ester, and accompanied by Emett, rehearses on TUESDAYS evenings from 7:15 to 8:45PM. Repertoire also consists of all styles of music. Present membership stands at 23. Our goal is to recruit many more voices. SIGN-UPS FOR ALL CHOIRS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AFTER ALL MASSES EVERY WEEKEND IN AUGUST. PLEASE SEE EMETT IN THE CHOIR LOFT, TAKE A TOUR OF THE LOFT, PEEK INSIDE THE PIPE ORGAN CHAMBERS, AND SIGN UP! MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ANYONE WHO IS SERIOUSLY INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING ONLY THEIR VERY BEST TO THE GLORY OF GOD. REHEARSALS BEGIN IN MID-SEPTEMBER. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. DEADLINE TO JOIN IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH. BUT, PLEASE DON T WAIT COME UP TO THE CHOIR LOFT TODAY, SPEAK WITH EMETT, AND JOIN NOW! Fr. George blessing the new Blessed Mother Statue after the 12PM Mass on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on August 15th. The Unity Group will again host our 8th annual United to Celebrate dinner on Saturday, September 15th at 5PM in the Parish Hall. If you haven t experienced this traditional festivity, we encourage you to come and enjoy the rich diversity of St. Nicholas Parish. Food, fun, and fellowship are guaranteed. There is no charge but we encourage donations for our Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which helps the needy in our area. HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT PART TIME (UP TO 16 HOURS/WEEK) Position is physically demanding and involves all aspects of property maintenance. Candidate should be able to follow instructions and work independently. Please send or drop off resumes at the Parish Office, attention Steve.