September 9th, 2018 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 CLERGY Pastor Parochial Vicar Deacon Deacon Deacon 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 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. Filipino 1st Saturday of the month Novena and Rosary Devotion from October-June after the 4PM Mass. 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
ENCOUNTERING ANGELS COME ATTEND A HEALING MASS FOLLOWED BY A TALK ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS; ANGELS IN SCRIPTURE AND CHURCH TRADITION, THE WAR OF THE ANGELS, THE MINISTRY OF THE ANGELS, AND PRAYERS FOR ANGELIC ASSISTANCE. SPEAKERS: FR. BEN TRAN, PAROCHIAL VICAR, ST. ANNE AND DOMINIC BERARDINO, SCRC PRESIDENT, CATHOLIC LAY-LEADER, AUTHOR, AND TEACHER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 10AM-4PM ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR PARISH HALL 33926 CALLE LA PRIMAVERA, DANA POINT REGISTRATION (INCLUDES LUNCH): BEFORE SEPTEMBER 17TH: $20 / AFTER SEPTEMBER 18TH OR AT THE DOOR: $25 TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SCRC.ORG OR CALL (818) 771-1361 SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time; Grandparents Day; Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) 5779 begins at sunset Tuesday: Patriot Day Wednesday: The Most Holy Name of Mary Thursday: St. John Chrysostom Friday: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Saturday: Our Lady of Sorrows 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: 368 Amount of pledges: $154,173 Payments received: $128,414.05 We have reached our diocesan goal of $111,000 for this year, all monies over that amount will be returned to St. Nicholas to help pay for the parking lot project. Dear Parishioners, Today we hear in the first reading from the prophet Isaiah about the opening of the eyes of the blind man and the ears of the deaf man. In the Gospel, Jesus approaches the deaf man and touches his ears and tongue with spit and says; Ephphatha, which means be opened. In the Baptism rite, we have this same action. Our ears and tongue are touched with the words proclaimed; The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May He soon touch your ears to receive His word, and your mouth to proclaim His faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father. Jesus comes to us in the Ephphatha Rite at the time of our Baptism so that we may soon become His followers; {disciples} by listening to His Word and then His leaders; {apostles} as we proclaim His Word by our voice and our actions. He desires that we spend quality time listening to His Word so that we are then fully prepared to go into the world to proclaim this same Word. We become the voice of the Lord for our world by allowing Him to speak through us as we are His earthly vessels. It is not our word, but His that we live and proclaim. Jesus then told the crowd not to tell anyone what they had observed. I believe that He was using reverse psychology here because the more He instructed them not to tell anyone, the more they went out and proclaimed what they had observed. Sometimes we tend to do what we are not supposed to do, but as Catholic Christian people by our Baptism, we are called to be like Jesus in, and for, the world. Fr. George Stewardship of Treasure 2018 2017 52-Weekly Required Budget September 2nd $27,812.99 $22,578.00 $25,856.00
Mass Intentions for the Week Monday: 7AM Elisa Reyes 9AM Ruben Castro (d) Tuesday: 7AM Miguel and Dora Bravo (d) 9AM Jozef Braksator (d) Wednesday: 7AM Joan Hays Schaffer (d) 9AM John Tran Thursday: 7AM Maria Mau Pham (d) 9AM Ruben Castro (d) Friday: 7AM All Souls in Purgatory 9AM All Souls Saturday: 9AM Eleanor Ruth Nelson (d) 4PM John Mangold (d) 7PM Jajaira Osegueda Espinoza (d) Sunday: 7:30AM For the Parish 9:00AM Georgina Tauler (d) 10:45AM Jason M. Caduff (d) 12:30PM Joyce Camera (d) We Remember Margaret Murphy who entered her 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: Isaiah 35:4-7a Be strong, fear not! Here is your God. Psalm 146 Praise the Lord, my soul! Second Reading: James 2:1-5 Show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel: Mark 7:31-37 Jesus makes the deaf hear and the mute speak. Parish Calendar This Week MONDAY Sewing Group, Small Hall, 8AM Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 6PM Hispanic Rosary, Church, 7PM TUESDAY St. Nicholas Chorale, Small Hall, 7:15PM WEDNESDAY Eucharistic Adoration, Church, 9:30AM Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Bereavement Meeting, Room B, 10AM Devotions and Benediction, Church, 7PM Certification Basica Curso, Room 201, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 8PM THURSDAY Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 9AM Faith Alive Faith Sharing, Room A, 10AM Hispanic RCIA, Room B, 6PM Alpha, Parish Center-1st Floor, 6:30PM RCIA Class, Room 201, 7PM Hispanic Council, Room C, 7PM Parish Choir, Small Hall, 7:15PM Teen Choir, Choir Loft, 7:30PM FRIDAY Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM Vietnamese Baptism Preparation, Room C, 7PM SATURDAY Hispanic Choir, Room C, 4PM Unity Dinner, Parish Center 1st Floor, 5PM SUNDAY Library CLOSED The St. Nicholas Library The Library is open the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month, from 8:45am 12:45pm. 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. 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. YOUTH MINISTRY Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym The next Bible Studies will be this Tuesday, 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... What is Alpha? Alpha is: A practical introduction to the Christian faith that gives guests an opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Fun, relaxed and totally non-pressured (that s probably why over 19 million people around the world have already done it!). Where you listen, learn, discuss, and discover. Ask anything. A place where no question is off limits. How does it work? Each Alpha session begins with food, followed by a short talk looking at a different aspect of the Christian faith. After that, there is a time or discussion in a friendly small group. What is the cost? There is no charge for the Alpha course. We re all searching for more: What is the point of life?/ Why is there suffering in the world?/ What happens when we die?/ Is forgiveness possible? Sign up for the first Alpha Session which starts on Thursday, Sept. 13th at 6:30pm either in the Parish or SRE Offices.
St. Nicholas Parish presents its 19th Annual Saturday, Oct. 13th, 2018 1:00PM-7:30PM 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. ST. NICHOLAS PARISH Adult Faith Formation PRESENTS TWO CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDIES: The GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN a twelveweek 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. Oktoberfest Opportunity Raffle Tickets The Oktoberfest Opportunity Raffle tickets have been mailed out this last week. The Oktoberfest is our main fundraiser for the School of Religious Education. Your support of our SRE Program by making a donation for the tickets is much appreciated. The winners of the raffle will be announced at the end of the Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 13th at 7:30PM (The winner does not need to be present). Please see the related post above for additional information regarding the Oktoberfest. Thank you for your prayers and support of our kids. READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Cor 5:1-8; Ps 5:5-7, 12; Lk 6:6-11 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 45:11-12, 14-17; Lk 6:20-26 Thursday: 1 Cor 8:1b-7, 11-13; Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24; Lk 6:27-38 Friday: Nm 21:4b-9; Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-38; Phil 2:6-11; Jn 3:13-17 Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13, 17-18; Jn 19:25-27 or Lk 2:33-35 Sunday: Is 50:5-9a; Ps 116:1-6, 8-9; Jas 2:14-18; Mk 8:27-35 Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom? James 2:5
Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men. We live by principles informed by faith. We are sons, fathers, husbands, and grandfathers. Become a member on the weekend of September 22nd and 23rd and begin life s greatest adventure to discover the man God calls you to be. Join the Knights of Columbus, visit KofC.org. 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. Our Monthly Day of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins this Wednesday, September 12, at the 9AM Mass and continues until just prior to the 9AM Mass on Thursday, September 13. We invite and encourage you to spend some time with Our Lord in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament - praying especially for the strengthening and unity of Christian family life and for vocations to religious life and the priesthood. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Marcus Aurelius 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 THIS 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!