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 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stewardship of Treasure

2018 2017 52-Weekly Required Budget

September 30th $17,387.00 $22,831.86 $25,856.00 Electronic Giving 9/17-9/30 $1,425.63 ————

Dear Parishioners,

This weeks readings speak to us about marriage and divorce. In the first reading from Genesis we hear that out of the man was formed the woman. The final verse of this reading states; “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” God calls men and women to be united into one through the sacrament of marriage. In this sacrament, husband and wife vow to a permanent marriage, to be faithful to each other for the rest of their lives, and promise to bring children into their union and raise them according to the faith. This sacrament is a permanent bond between husband, wife, and God and in this sacrament, the husband and wife are the ordinary ministers of the sacrament and are called to be an earthly example of God’s love for all people. In the Gospel, Jesus is once again challenged by the Pharisees. This time, they are asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus responds by saying that Moses only permitted divorce because of human stubbornness. He goes on to say; “Therefore let no man separate what God has joined.” These words are spoken by the priest or deacon to the couple after they have exchanged their vows. This marriage sacrament is a sacred bond. People sometimes get confused about Catholic annulments and ask isn’t this an example of a Catholic decree of divorce? The simple answer to this is no because a Catholic annulment or dissolution of marriage is not stating that there was no marriage. It is stating and must be proven that this marriage was not a sacred bond or sacrament mainly because one or both members were incapable or unwilling to live the sacred marriage commitment. If anyone finds themselves in this situation, please inquire with a priest or deacon about the process of dissolving a marriage that can be proven to be non sacramental. This can be a healing process for one who seeks to be free to be married in the church in the future.

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.

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

Senior Grocery Program for those 60+.

Fruit—Vegetables—Meat—Dairy—Bread

PHOTO ID REQUIRED. No income requirement.

Please bring your own grocery bags.

Sponsored by area churches, this program provides fresh produce, dairy, etc., for seniors at the

Lutheran Church of the Cross (back parking lot) 24231 El Toro Rd., Laguna Woods.

Distribution of food will be on Friday, October 12th from 10am to 11am in the Social Hall.

October 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday: 7AM Marian Barlow (d) 9AM Myriam Solari (d) Tuesday: 7AM Joan Hays Schaffer (d) 9AM Alexander Oei (d) Wednesday: 7AM Linda Chong (d) 9AM Purita Johnson (d) Thursday: 7AM Thanksgiving and Peace for Family 9AM 66th Wedding Anniversary of Arlene and Dick Krizman Friday: 7AM All Souls 9AM Richard Granich (d) Saturday: 9AM Healing for a friend 4PM For the Parish 7PM Rafael Gonzalez (d) Sunday: 7:30AM Jaime Cruz Sr. 9:00AM Diana Nguyen 10:45AM Baby Munoz-Lopez (d) 12:30PM Georgina Tauler (d)

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 The man said, “This one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman’ ”

Psalm: 128 May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.

Gospel: Mark 10:2-16 [2-12] Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

We Remember

Hoai Sam Tran 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.

The St. Nicholas Library

The Library will be closed this weekend 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!

Parish Calendar This Week

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

Eucharistic Adoration, Church, 9:30AM Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Devotions and Benediction, Church, 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 Teen Choir, Choir Loft, 7:30PM

FRIDAY

Book Study Discussion, Room 201, 9:45AM Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM English Baptism Preparation Classes, Room C, 7:00PM

SATURDAY

Oktoberfest, Parish Hall, 1PM Hispanic Choir, Room C, 4PM

SUNDAY

Library CLOSED

Mass Intentions for the Week

October 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prayer for a New School Year

Gracious God, as the summer begins to fade, new possibilities lie on the horizon.

Bless all of those who are beginning or returning to their roles as teachers and catechists as well as those who lead

and support them in their efforts. May this school year be a time of grace and potential as

they teach, share, and challenge others to grow in faith, knowledge, and wisdom.

Bless children and youth, along with their parents, as they begin a new school year. May their minds be open to

learning and to wonder of discovery and insight. Be with us all as we embark on this new year.

Amen. Sadlier Religion

Registrations for SRE Classes will be accepted until the fourth week of classes, after which the students will

have to wait until the following year to register. After that, only students who are transferring from

another parish at which they have been attending will be accepted.

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . Elementary Classes begin this 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).

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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.

Teen/Family Choir Rehearsal is on Thursdays, Oct. 11th and 25th at 7:30PM in Choir Loft. Please join us!

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pennies from Heaven We will be collecting Baby Bottles after all Masses

this weekend, October 6-7th. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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...

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym

YOUTH MINISTRY

Sacred Heart Sisters Retreat “Wonderfully Made!” Psalm 139:14

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

This week, SRE staff and catechists will be welcoming our students with open

arms and great excitement for the start of the new year.

October 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Friends of the Poor 5K Walk

St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Nicholas wishes to thank those parishioners who supported or participated in the 5K “Friends of the Poor” Walk on Sept. 22nd. St. Vincent

de Paul raised over $1300 and we have been able to help so many because of your generosity.

Parishioner, Barbara Benun, proudly wears the list of her

sponsors during the 5K.

JSerra Catholic High School Admissions Events

JSerra Catholic High School invites you to join us this fall our Visitation Day on Oct. 9th and Open House on Oct.15th. Shadow days are offered in the fall—call the Admissions Office at (949) 493-9307 to schedule your shadow day. Tours are also included as part of the shadow day experience.

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

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!

Holiday Boutique Weekend of October 20th and 21st.

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!

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.

DEKRA 21 SPEED SHIMANO

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: 24682 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.

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.

October 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. Nicholas Senior Singles

We will gather for lunch on Friday, Oct. 19th at 12:30PM at BJ’s—24032 El Toro Rd. Laguna Hills. Reservations are required—call Joan Petrine at (949) 855-8755 to RSVP. New members are invited and welcomed to join! Good food, new friends, and good company.

Friendship with the love of God in our hearts

Filipino Novena and Rosary Devotion

The First Saturday Rosary and Novena devotion will start this weekend, Oct. 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.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY THAT IS ONE OF THE ‘HOLIEST’ MINISTRIES YOU CAN

BECOME INVOLVED WITH HERE AT ST. NICHOLAS?

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.

Parish Pastoral Council

The following members of the Parish Pastoral Council completed their terms this summer: Marjorie Barragan, Del Moses, John Sivilla and Carol Wethington. In addition, Miriam Trudelle resigned her seat for personal reasons. Their dedication, involvement in Parish activities and input to the Pastor have helped the Pastor achieve his goals and have contributed greatly to the parish community. On behalf of the PPC, the Pastor and the St. Nicholas parish community, we offer our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for their unselfish service to the Pastor and their fellow parishioners and thank them for their service. The following new PPC members were interviewed and appointed by the Pastor to the PPC: Donna Boyle, Henry “Bud” Merlin, Paul Mathias, Phuc Nguyen and Marialice Olivo. We welcome them and look forward to serving together and benefiting from the knowledge and experience they bring to our parish community. We also thank the additional applicants who submitted their names for consideration.

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!

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 this 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.

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.

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

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

October 7th, 2018 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

New Office Hours

Please note that the weekly Parish Office hours have changed. The Parish Office will be open on Monday and Tuesday until 7PM

as usual. However, we will be closing at 5:15PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

If you need to pick up room keys, please plan accordingly.