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 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
Book Study/Discussion All parishioners are invited to join a Book Study/Discussion Group focusing on the Holy Spirit in Scripture. This eight-week class, hosted by parishioners Beth Perak, Mary Anderson and Don Di Maggio, began on Friday, September 28th at 9:45AM. Please join as we read, discuss, and learn more about the Holy Spirit and the role of the Spirit in our lives. ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION WILLS AND TRUSTS WEEK ST. NICHOLAS OCTOBER 17TH AT 9:30AM FREE INFORMATIVE SESSIONS ALL PARISHIONERS WELCOME! TO MAKE RESERVATIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (714) 282-3021 OR VISIT ORANGECATHOLICFOUNDATION.ORG South County Outreach We thank the Parishioners of St. Nicholas Church for your donations of food items to South County Outreach. In August, you donated 1,000 lbs of non-perishable goods. Your non-perishable food items are most appreciated. THANK YOU! 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, This week Mark continues in Chapter 9 the teaching of our need to follow Jesus even to the cross. It is not easy to be a committed follower of Jesus because there are so many earthly distractions to us being true disciples and apostles. We get caught up in petty jealousy and envy that we are not able to see the good works of others in the name of the Lord. In the first reading and in today s Gospel we hear of such jealousy and envy. The people were saying; These people are speaking without proper authority. Moses and Jesus both confirm that any individual doing good things or proclaiming good things in the name of God are doing His will. Jesus in the Gospel goes on to express the seriousness of doing good and not evil. He uses examples of maiming one s body parts by cutting them off if they cause us to sin. He does not want us to physically harm our self or maim our self but He uses these examples to show how important it is to do good in and for the world. He uses these examples to emphasize that we should not condemn or eliminate someone just because they are not in our own camp. He is telling us how bad sin is and what we must do to avoid it. If any part of our physical body or other people causes us to sin, then we are to separate our lives from those who cause us to sin. By doing this, we can concentrate on following the Lord more closely and leading others to Him. Fr. George Stewardship of Treasure 2018 2017 52-Weekly Required Budget September 23rd 16,386.00 $19,895. 54 $25,856.00 (Excluding Electonics)
Mass Intentions for the Week Monday: 7AM Kathleen Brady (d) 9AM Phoebe Dayon (d) Tuesday: 7AM William L. Brown (d) 9AM Joseph Mai (d) Wednesday: 7AM Peter Thuy Vu (d) 9AM Ray and Reine Scofield Thursday: 7AM All Souls 9AM Nhung Nancy La Friday: 7AM Bill Richards (d) 9AM Ruben Castro and Joyce Bratton (d) Saturday: 9AM Aurea Samson (d) 4PM Steve Werner (d) 7PM Sarita Chacon (d) Sunday: 7:30AM For the Parish 9:00AM Danny and Patrick 10:45AM Bill Kirland (d) 12:30PM Emeterio Larrazabal (d) We Remember Robert W. Hahn and Teresa Vu 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: Numbers 11:25-29 Moses said, Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Psalm 19: The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Second Reading: Jason 5:1-6 Come now, you rich. The wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud. Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Whoever is not against us is for us. Parish Calendar This Week MONDAY Sewing Group, Small Hall, 8AM Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 7PM Hispanic Rosary, Church, 7PM Filipino Rosary, Small Hall, 7PM TUESDAY St. Nicholas Chorale, Small Hall, 7:15PM WEDNESDAY Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Knights of Columbus, Room 104/105, 6PM Devotions and Benediction, Church, 7PM Certification Basica Curso, Room 201, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 8PM THURSDAY Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 10AM 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 St. Nicholas Choir, Small Hall, 7:15PM FRIDAY Book Study Discussion, Room 201, 9:45AM CCW Meeting, Parish Center-1st Floor, 10AM Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM SATURDAY First Saturday Devotions, Room B, 9:45AM Pastoral Council, Room A, 10AM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 3PM Hispanic Choir, Room C, 4PM Filipino Rosary, Parish Center-1st Floor, 6:30PM SUNDAY Library CLOSED The St. Nicholas Library The Library will be closed on Oct. 7th and will re-open on Oct. 21st. 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! IMPORTANT MEETING (at least one parent or guardian should attend) This meeting is required! The meeting on Monday, October 1st at 7PM, will be held in Rooms 101 and 106. Elementary Classes will begin on Monday through Wednesday, October 8th-10th from 4:15-5:30PM. Junior High Classes will begin on Tuesday, October 9th from 7-8:30PM Confirmation I Classes will begin on Tuesday, October 9th at 7PM (every other Tuesday) Confirmation II Classes will begin on Tuesday, October 16th at 7PM (every other Tuesday) Pennies from Heaven In conjunction with the Diocese of Orange Respect Life Month in October, Bishop Kevin Vann has designated Sunday, October 7th as our Diocese s 24th Annual Pennies From Heaven Campaign. Since 1994, the Diocese of Orange has been colleting funds to support local Respect Life Shelters, and long-term care to women and families in crisis. Members of St. Nicholas Youth Ministry and Confirmation will be outside after all the Masses on the weekend of October 7-8th to collect your donations. Thank you for your generosity! WHAT TO DO WITH THE BABY BOTTLES FOR PENNIES FROM HEAVEN 1. Take the bottle home and fill with coins or dollars checks accepted too! 2. Be sure to bring the bottle to Church on Saturday, Oct. 6th or Sunday, Oct. 7th (members of the Youth Ministry will be collecting the bottles). 3. If you forget to bring the bottle with you on the weekend, you may drop it off at the Parish or SRE Offices. 4. Please do NOT use the bottles for feeding! Thank you for your generosity! CHURCH CLEANING YOUTH MINISTRY Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, October 16th at 6PM (before Confirmation II Classes start at 7PM). We hope to see you all there this is a chance for you to discover how the Word of God still affects your life after 2000 years. The next Teen/Family Mass is on October 27th at 4PM. Pennies from Heaven We will be handing out Baby Bottles after all Masses this weekend, September 29-30th and we will be collecting the bottles and donations after all Masses on the weekend of October 6-7th. To volunteer, please call the SRE Office or let the God Squad know. This will count as service hours. The Kidsfest will be on Saturday, October 13th from 3-6PM in the Small Hall. This event is sponsored by Youth Ministry and Confirmation Students. To volunteer, call the SRE Office or let the God Squad know. Check out Facebook and Instagram for more activities coming up like movie nights, etc... 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! Our next practice is Thursday, Oct. 11th at 7:30PM Please call the SRE Office at (949) 837-7676. Sacred Heart Sisters Retreat Wonderfully Made! Psalm 139:14 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 will be on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd Call Phoebe at (949) 855-9263 or just show up. Sunday, Oct. 21st from 10AM-3PM Mass and Lunch are included. Cost $30 Please RSVP by October 15th (space is limited) Call (714) 5574538 or visit RetreatCenter@sacredheartsisters.com 2927 S Greenville St. Santa Ana, CA 92704
ST. NICHOLAS PARISH Adult Faith Formation PRESENTS TWO CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDIES: The GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN Mondays at 7:00 P.M. Room 201 The BOOK OF REVELATION Thursdays 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. Council of Catholic Women General Meeting Friday, October 5th Social time is 9:30AM and the meeting begins at 10:10AM, when we will have a memorial celebration for Sister Brigid. 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. Living Rosary Our Living Rosary is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15th in the Church at 7PM. Honor Mary and experience the rich diversity of St. Nicholas Parish. Light refreshments will follow. Holiday Boutique Weekend of October 20th and 21st. St. Nicholas Parish presents its 19th Annual Saturday, Oct. 13th, 2018 1:00PM-7:30PM 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. Opportunity Drawing and Raffle The Opportunity Drawing and Raffle will be held at 7:30PM. $2,500 grand prize (Total of $3,700 in prizes) *winner does not need to be present to win* Hourly Attendance Prizes of $50 which are drawn from the Grand Raffle Tickets. Be sure to return your Oktoberfest Raffle Tickets! Raffle for Bicycle $5 per coupon or 5 for $20. You may purchase the ticket(s) from the SRE Office during our regular office hours or at the Oktoberfest on Oct. 13 from 1:30-7PM. The bike will be raffled off at the Oktoberfest at 7:30PM The St. Nicholas Sewing Group is having a Holiday Boutique as a major fundraiser for the Council of Catholic Women Charities on: Saturday, October 20th after the 4pm Mass and on Sunday, October 21 after the 7:30am, 9am, and 10:45am Masses in the Parish Center at St. Nicholas Church. We ll have Christmas decorations, children s clothes, baby items, quilts, lapghans, household items, crochet & knitted caps/scarves/ponchos, and much more! Come start your Christmas shopping early! PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY CRUSADE The world is at a historical crossroad and God is more offended than ever as people ignore Our Lady s maternal request to stop offending God. Yes, we must listen to Our Lady s request and stop sinning if we hope to enjoy God s blessings as we pray through the intercession of His Blessed Mother. That is why we are doing the 2018 Public Square Rosary Crusade. Join the 2018 Public Square Rosary Crusade What: The Holy Rosary Where: 24681 Kim Circle, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 When: Saturday, October 13th at 12PM For more information, contact Regina Cruz at (949) 859-1089 or Mary Ann Puzon at (949) 294-5625. DEKRA 21 SPEED SHIMANO KIDSFEST Saturday, October 13th, 2018 3PM-6PM in the Small Hall Sponsored by Youth Ministry and Confirmation Students. Call the SRE Office at (949) 837-7676 to volunteer. Featuring games and activities for kids. Parents, drop your children off and then head over to the Oktoberfest for a few hours and the food, drink, and dancing!
SECOND COLLECTION The Society of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank you for your generosity which enables us to assist the needy and suffering in our area, both the homeless who are struggling to find an affordable place to live, and those experiencing financial crisis who are in danger of becoming homeless. Together we have prevented evictions and utility cut offs. During home visits, we share information about food pantries and helpful agencies, and we discover other needs. This weekend, September 29-30th, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will again have a second collection at all Masses. We appreciate any contribution you are able to make. Thank you for your generosity. Any parishioner interested in learning more about the Society, may call Joan Grampp at (549) 633-6302 or attend a meeting held the third Wednesday of the month at 6PM. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Sessions have started, but it s not too late to join. We would love to meet you and walk with you on your faith journey. Sessions start at 7PM, Room 201, every Thursday in the Parish Center. Please call Betty Farrell at (949) 400-6875. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY THAT IS ONE OF THE HOLIEST MINISTRIES YOU CAN BECOME INVOLVED WITH HERE AT ST. NICHOLAS? PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY St. Nicholas is looking for a part time Parish Bookkeeper/Accountant approximately 20 25 hours per week. If interested please submit a resume to the parish office, attention: Fr. George Blais. Thank you! Filipino Novena and Rosary Devotion The First Saturday Rosary and Novena devotion will start on October 6th, which will follow right after the 4:00PM Regular Mass. The devotion is sponsored by the South Orange County Chapter, Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups. Fellowship will follow after devotion at the Large Hall. The Holy Rosary Philippine Chamber Chorale will be singing during all the First Saturday Masses. Pancake and Sausage Breakfast The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a pancake and sausage breakfast after the 7:30AM, 9:00AM, and 10:45AM Masses next Sunday, October 7th. This is the major fundraising event for the Knights of Columbus and your patronage would be most appreciated. Please plan to attend with your family and friends. Many of our working parishioners already help in this the Knights of Columbus, St. Nicholas Youth Ministry, our Vietnamese Community, and the Hispanic Community, with occasional help from our Welcoming Committee and Micah s Way. After 9 years, however, our Coffee and Donuts Coordinators are retiring in NOVEMBER to another community in another Parish. It is urgent we find a new coordinator for this ministry. If your heart is calling you to the sweetness of this ministry opportunity, please call Marjorie at (949) 295-0915. PLEASE NOTE: ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE BULLETIN NEED TO BE SENT 2 THURSDAYS BEFORE THE WEEKEND YOU WISH TO HAVE THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN. PLEASE SEND BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS TO KDEBOLT@ST-NICHOLASCHURCH.ORG As part of our campaign, Keep Christ in Christmas, the Knights of Columbus will be selling beautiful boxed sets of religious Christmas Cards at their Pancake Breakfast. These cards will go on sale after the 7:30AM Mass and will be marked down 50% to 75% from the box price. Join us in Keeping Christ in Christmas. BECOME A VOLUNTEER WITH ST. JOSEPH HOSPICE 200 W CENTER ST. PROMENADE SUITE 200B ANAHEIM, CA 92805 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TERRI PRESTON, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR AT (714) 712-7209 OR TERRI.PRESTON@STJOE.ORG