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

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.

CLERGY

Pastor Rev. George P. Blais Parochial Vicar Rev. Quyen Truong Visiting Priest Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Visiting Priest Rev. Gerald Walker Visiting Priest Rev. Charbel Grbavac Visiting Priest Rev. Jack Sewell Visiting Priest Rev. Chin Dang Deacon Wayne Thompson Deacon Chau Tran Deacon 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.

Parish Office Hours: Sunday: 8:30 AM—1:30 PM Mon/Tues: 9 AM—12 Noon; 1 PM — 7:00 PM; Wed/Thurs/Fri: 9AM– 12Noon; 1PM– 5:15PM

Saturday: 9 AM—12 Noon

St. Nicholas Parish

October 28th, 2018 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stewardship of Treasure

2018 2017 52-Weekly Required Budget

October 18th $16,720.00 $19,106.19 $25,856.00 (Excluding Electronic Giving ) Hurricane Relief $5,569.00 —-———-

Dear Parishioners,

This week we conclude Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel. We have heard from this chapter Jesus’ teaching on divorce, the dangers of riches and greed, and the call to humility as we are called to be humble servants of the Lord and not to be served. Today we hear about the healing of the blind man Bartimaeus. All of these teachings are interwoven between Jesus’ teaching about His upcoming Passion and Dying. With the healing of the blind man, we are reminded of Jesus’ compassion and mercy. Like the blind man, we often stand in the presence of God and Jesus calling out “Have pity on me.” Jesus the Son and God the Father hear our pleas and are inviting us to come into their presence. God wants to heal us and treat us with this same mercy and compassion as we hear the words of Jesus: “Be on your way, your faith has healed you.” The blind man is healed of his physical blindness. We may not be seeking a healing of physical blindness; however, we could be asking for a healing of spiritual blindness or the blindness that prevents us from recognizing God in our every day life and in the people that we encounter. How often have we failed to see God working in the world we live in? Jesus is inviting us to have faith and open our eyes to His love, compassion, and mercy. I pray that we may all have the faith of Bartimaeus and that our eyes may be opened to God’s presence in our midst.

Fr. George

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.

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.

All Saints Day, Thursday, November 1st, is a Holy Day of Obligation

Mass Times: Wednesday October 31st - 4PM Vigil

Thursday, November 1st - 7am, 9am, 12pm (English) 6pm (Bi-lingual English/Spanish) 7:30pm Vietnamese.

October 28th, 2018 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

This weekend, October 27-28th, we will be having a second collection for World Mission Sunday. The theme

this year is, “Through Youth to the World: Voices for Mission”. Pope Francis invites the entire Church to

support the young mission diocese in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe,

where priests, religious and lay leaders serve some of the poorest of the poor. Please keep the Mission in your

prayers and be generous in this week’s collection for the Society of Propagation of the Faith.

Special Envelopes are provided in the Church Pews.

Thank you for your contribution… To those who contributed to the Hurricane Relief Collection

last weekend, October 20-21. Your donation will support various relief charities and services to provide aid to those

affected by Hurricane Florence and any other natural disasters that occur this year. The amount allotted to $5,569.

Your generosity is appreciated.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9 I will lead the people to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble Psalm 126 The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6 It was not Christ who glorified himself, but rather the one who said to him: “You are my son: this day I have begotten you”. Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 Immediately the blind man received his sight and followed Jesus on the way

Monday: 7AM Thanksgiving and Peace for Family 9AM Sara Chacon (d) Tuesday: 7AM Margaret Corcoran (d) 9AM Joyce Camera (d) Wednesday: 7AM All Souls in Purgatory 9AM Thomas Hood (d) 4PM Florita Mortlock (d) Thursday: 7AM Anh Hong Chau (d) 9AM Lap Nguyen (d) 12PM Marta Maria Lara Febles (d) 6PM Anna Perez (d) Friday: 7AM All Souls Novena 9AM Deceased Members of the La Family Saturday: 9AM Parish Memorial Mass 4PM Guadalupe Gandara (d) 7PM All Souls Novena Sunday: 7:30AM All Souls Novena 9:00AM Gerard Joseph Boyle (d) 10:45AM For the Parish 12:30PM All Souls in Purgatory

We Remember

Claudio Fiumani who entered his new and eternal life in Christ.

Grant to all our dearly departed, eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on them forever.

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!

Parish Calendar This Week

MONDAY

Sewing Group, Small Hall, 8AM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 6PM Hispanic Rosary, Church, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 7PM

TUESDAY

Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM SRE Confirmation II, Parish Center—upstairs, 7PM 7 & 8 Grade SRE, Parish Center—downstairs, 7PM St. Nicholas Chorale, Small Hall, 7:15PM

WEDNESDAY

Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Certification Basica, Room 201, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 8PM

THURSDAY

Adult Bible Study, Room 201/202, 10AM RCIA Class, Room 201, 7PM St. Nicholas Choir, Small Hall, 7:15PM

FRIDAY

Book Study Discussion, Room 201, 9:45AM CCW, Parish Center, 10AM Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM

SATURDAY

First Saturday Devotions, Room B, 9:45AM CCW, Room A, 2PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 3PM Hispanic Choir, Room C, 4PM Filipino Rosary Group, Church, 5:30PM

SUNDAY

Library OPEN

Mass Intentions for the Week

October 28th, 2018 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

It’s that time of year when we “fall back” one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends

NEXT WEEKEND. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed

on Saturday night, November 3rd.

Registrations for SRE Classes will close on Wednesday, Oct. 31st. After this date, students will have to wait until next year to register for classes. Only students transferring in from another parish at which they have been attending classes will be accepted.

If you have questions, please call the SRE Office, at (949) 837-7676.

Elementary Classes are this Monday through Wednesday,

October 29nd-31st from 4:15-5:30PM.

Junior High Class is on Tuesday, October 30th from 7-8:30PM.

Confirmation II Class is on Tuesday, October 30th at 7PM.

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Bible Study will be this Tuesday, October 30th at 6PM. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

\The next Teen/Family Mass is on Nov. 24th at 4PM.

Teen/Family Choir Rehearsal is on Thursdays, Nov. 8th and 22nd at 7:30PM in Choir Loft. Please join us!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Check out Facebook and Instagram for more activities

coming up like movie nights, etc…

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym

YOUTH MINISTRY

The Knights of Columbus wish to honor and recognize all Military Veterans of St. Nicholas by inviting them and their families to attend, as our guests, our Past Grand Knights Testimonial Dinner.

This event will be held after the 4pm Mass on Saturday, November 11th.

Reception and Social begins at 5:00pm, with dinner at 6pm.

If you are a Veteran and would like to attend, please call Bill Petkewicz at (937) 241-0076 or email

billpetkewicz@gmail.com.

Confused Catholic? Inactive Catholic? Alienated Catholic? An Advent Invitation

If you’ve been away from the Church—drifting away from the Church—if you’ve been hurt by the Church—if you’re

confused or angry because of your Catholic experience, please consider this invitation to come and talk with us.

Perhaps this Christmas can be a time of renewal of hope in your faith journey. We’ll meet starting on Tuesday,

November 6th at 7PM in Room C. If you are interested, call Gloria at (949) 768-7228.

JOIN US

Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be held next weekend, Sunday, November 4th at 2pm, in the Church.

Who may receive the Sacrament? Those who are… ...suffering from chronic or acute illnesses. ...preparing for hospitalization or surgery. ...preparing for a medical procedure or treatment. ...experiencing mental or emotional stress with physical symptoms. ...living with recurring illnesses or disabilities. ...living with a terminal illness or in hospice care. ...those of mature age or in frail health.

Why should you receive the Sacrament?

The Anointing of the Sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude. These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for “this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.’” (Matt. 8:17)

JOIN US

October 28th, 2018 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

P U M P K I N P R A Y E R

Let your kids enjoy Halloween but make attending Mass on November 1st a part of your family

tradition. Talk about the Saints and what the day means. If you are carving your pumpkin this week,

here’s a little prayer as you complete it:

Dear God, Open my mind so I can learn about you. (Cut off the top

of the pumpkin) Take away all my sins and forgive me for the wrong

things I do. (Clean out the inside) Open my eyes so your love I can see. (Cut out the eyes)

I’m so sorry for turning up my nose to all you’ve given me. (Cut out a nose)

Open my ears so your words I will hear. (Cut out the ears)

Open my mouth so I can tell others You’re near. (Cut out the mouth)

Let your light shine in all I say and do! Amen. (Place a candle inside and light it)

Enjoy and safe trick or treating!

ALL SOULS NOVENA

We will begin our nine-day novena for All Souls starting on November 2nd and ending on November 10th. Envelopes are now available in the Church for you to list the names of

those you wish to have remembered. You can put your offering in the envelopes. Mass will be offered once a day

from Nov. 2-10th. Spiritual Bouquet Envelopes will be placed in the Sanctuary during these Masses.

Bring the All Souls envelopes to the Parish Office or place them in the weekend collection basket.

Thanksgiving Dinner Sign-up

The Thanksgiving Committee will be outside the Church this weekend, after the Saturday, Oct. 27th, 4PM Mass, and on Sunday, Oct. 28th after the 7:30AM, 9AM, 10:45AM, and 12:30PM Masses, to take reservations for the Thanksgiving Dinner to be held in the Parish Center on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22nd. Dinner will be served at 1PM.

This free dinner is made possible thanks to: The St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus, the Hispanic

Prayer Group, and many of our Parishioner’s donations.

October 28th, 2018 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Priesthood Sunday October 28th

Priesthood Sunday, celebrated nationwide on the last Sunday of October each year, is a special day to honor Priesthood in the United States. Please join millions of Catholics on this special day, in praying for our priests, in praising God for their courage and their generosity. You can make your appreciation for your Parish Priests known by writing a simple note.

Pastor: Rev. George P. Blais Parochial Vicar: Rev. Quyen Truong Visiting Priest: Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Visiting Priest: Rev. Gerald Walker Visiting Priest: Rev. Chin Dang Visiting Priest: Rev. Charbel Grbavac Visiting Priest: Rev. Jack Sewell Hospital Priest: Rev. Michael Dwight

You can bring your cards/notes to the Parish Office or put them in the Collection Basket.

Keep Christ in Christmas

As part of our campaign to “Keep Christ in Christmas”, the Knights of Columbus will be selling beautiful, boxed sets of religious Christmas Cards as we host Coffee and Donuts on Sunday, November 4th. These cards will be marked down 50% to 75% from the box price. Join us in Keeping Christ in Christmas.

RCIA—We Need Your Help

“Christian initiation during the catechumenate is not the concern of catechists or priests alone, but of the whole community of believers and especially of godparents, so that from the outset the catechumens will have a sense of being part of the people of God.” (Ad gentes, no. 14)

It is an ancient custom of the Church that those who seek to join the Catholic Church be accompanied on their journey by a member or members of the Church.

Sponsors are Catholic Christian men and women who attend church regularly, who exemplify a life of Faith, Hope and Love, and who are eager to share the teachings of the Church and their experiences with God. They take the Gospel seriously in their lives and are willing to be present all along the candidate’s journey toward the sacraments of initiation, and to continue to pray for the candidate for the rest of their lives.

If you are interested in being a godparent and/or a sponsor, please contact Betty Farrell (949) 400-6875.

— 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, November 6th.

Call: Phoebe at (949) 855-9263 with any questions.

FIRST SATURDAY NOVENA/ROSARY MEMORIAL MASS

ST. NICHOLAS PARISH

The first Saturday for November will be a special celebration in memory of our loved ones and members

of the FFRGOC who have gone before us.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 TIME: 5:15 PM Novena/Rosary 5:30 PM Special Memorial Mass

Officiating Priest: Fr. Juan Caboboy Sponsored by Federation of Filipino Rosary Group,

Orange County. A fellowship will follow after the mass at the Large Hall.

Council of Catholic Women General Meeting

Friday, November 2nd

Social time is 9:30AM and the meeting begins at 10:10AM. Our speaker, Megan Julienne will talk about

“What you don’t know about Hospice Care”. 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.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Saturday, November 3, 2018 — Mass at 9AM

We Remember

Our Beloved Parishioners who died this past year

October 19, 2017 to October 13, 2018

Phoebe Dayon, Nancy Palazzolo, Marie Peratoner, Russell Oey, Teresa Huynh, Travis Pham,

Barry Waclawski, Frank Saporito, Frank Mc Quirk, Cesar Tabas, Karin Mueller,

Most Rev. Dominic M. Luong, D.D., Pastor Nelson, Rufina Pizarro, Catherine Semple,

Peter Mc Graith, Marcella O’Donnell, John Lombardo, Hildegard Tietjen, Julie Cuellar,

Andrew Mazor, John Mangold, Michael Ellingen, Cleova Weinert, Leonardo LaBarbera,

Stephen Murphy, Helen Simons, Margaret Marquez, Jonas Matulaitis, Murphy Hudson, Mike

Fedorsin, Fred Scherz, Maria Espinosa, Anita Delguidice, Joseph De Grace,

John Beckman, Philip Michael Meller, James Ricard, Duc Hoang, Rita Gloria Mangione,

Erlinda Chong, Benjamin Espiritu, William Exner, Emilia French, Joe Kelly, Leanne White,

Rita Keller, Leonard Czarnowski, Ludwig Erzen, Catherine Pospisil, Elvia Castillo,

William Downes, Joan Richards, Elvira Straub, Carmela Convertino, Rosanna Maboloc,

Margaret Murphy, Huyson Le, Lily Truong, John McDaid, Robert W. Hahn, Teresa Vu,

Hoai Sam Tran, Kim Fuller, Helen Maskell, Grace Browne, Joan Beaumont.

Rev. Msgr. Otto Sporrer, Sajeski, Nowicki and Lempelius Families,

And all our Deceased Loved Ones and Benefactors.

If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. —Romans 6:8