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.

BAPTISM Fourth Sunday of the month at 2:00PM. Arrangements must be made a month in advance. Parents must attend two preparation sessions.

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.

CLERGY

Parish Administrator Rev. George Blais Parochial Vicar Rev. Raphael Nguyen Parochial Vicar Rev. Quyen Truong Visiting Priest Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Gibson Visiting Priest Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Visiting Priest Rev. Gerald Walker 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

Filipino Mass: 5:30PM, First Saturdays, October-June. Holy Days: 4PM 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 Monday through Friday: 9 AM—12 Noon; 1 PM — 4:30 PM; 6 PM - 8 PM

Saturday: 9 AM—12 Noon

St. Nicholas Parish

September 25, 2016 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stewardship of Treasure “Stewardship is not about our generosity; it is our response to God’s generosity.”

2016 2015 52-Weekly Required Budget

September 18th $17,830.73 $17,477.17 $22,987

The Living Rosary Join us for the Living Rosary on Monday, October 10th at 7pm in the Church.

Since 2011, the Unity Group has had a semi-annual Living Rosary to honor our Holy Mother.

The Unity Group invites all parishioners to come to this special devotion to Mary.

What better way to honor our Blessed Mother than with prayer—The Rosary.

LOOKING BEYOND OURSELVES

The message found in today’s readings is an oft-told story. Citizen Kane, Daddy Warbucks, and King Midas are only a few of the familiar fictional characters who thought enormous wealth could buy happiness and fulfillment. Daddy Warbucks admitted stepping on a few people in his climb to the top. Kane tried to buy the printed word and stardom for his young wife, while King Midas conjured immense wealth and tragedy by his very touch. We learn clearly in today’s readings that none of this is really possible. True happiness comes from caring for someone other than ourselves. It comes from the pursuit of the virtues Paul described to Timothy: faith, love, gentleness, godliness, righteousness, and endurance. The Gospel reminds us that we dare not ignore the needs of others, acting as though we don’t notice their suffering. God’s call to us is much too clear to disregard for even one more day. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

UNRECOGNIZABLE

All God’s angels come to us disguised. —James Russell Lowell

Pastoral Services Appeal—UPDATE!

Goal: $99,000 Number of Parish Families Donating: 360

Pledged Amount: $124,421 Payments Received: $108,283.80

We are grateful to the families who have made a pledge to this year’s Pastoral Services Campaign. Your support of the PSA allows the Diocese of Orange to support many ministries and outreach programs that affect thousands of people throughout the diocese. St. Nicholas has reached its diocesan goal of $99,000, and everything over that amount will be returned to St. Nicholas to continue to make improvements and pay for the upkeep of our Church and grounds. If you have not yet made a pledge, we ask that you prayerfully consider making one now—no amount is too small, and all monies will be returned to St. Nicholas. Pledge cards are available at the entries to the Church or you can pick up one from the Parish Office. Again, we thank you—God bless you for your generosity!

Council of Catholic Women General Meeting on Friday, October 7th

Our speaker will be Al Lopez, from the St. Nicholas School of Religious Education who will present on “Catholic Values in a Changing World.”

Social time starts at 9:30am and the meeting begins at 10:10am.

Please bring your donations of blankets (gently used is ok) and caps/scarves for Covenant House which supports homeless teens. Also, bring your pennies,

can tabs for Ronald McDonald House, new cosmetics, and Pasta/Sauce to feed needy children.

Join in celebrating the Jubilee Year of Mercy by reading and discussing Matthew Kelly’s book,

“Beautiful Mercy.” Meet with Mary Anderson and Beth Perak in Room 201,

Fridays at 9:45am, thru November 4th. Attend each week or when you are available.

The books are a gift from the parish and will be distributed in the class.

Join the group for prayer, discussion and refreshments!

September 25, 2016 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday: 7AM Conrad Caradang (d) 9AM R.J. (d) Tuesday: 7AM Fr. Brandon Dang 9AM Asuncion Gallardo (d) Wednesday: 7AM Josephine Antasoda Mangubat (d) 9AM Rani Perrera Thursday: 7 AM Leslie Balas 9AM Margare Gushue (d) Friday: 7 AM Arthur Barnes (d) 9AM Chet Wolski (d) Saturday: 7AM Funeral Mass for Jason Mickael Caduff 9AM Mr. & Mrs. K C Chao 4PM For the Parish 7PM Isabel & Reyes Coronado (d) Sunday: 7:30AM Alfredo Bernardo (d) 9:00AM Alfonso Arreaga (d) 10:45AM Billy Hogan (d) 12:30PM Galvani Muribeca

Parish Calendar This Week

MONDAY Sewing Group, Small Hall, 8AM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Micah’s Way, Kitchen, 6PM Spanish Rosary, Church, 6:30PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 7PM TUESDAY Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Unity Group, Room C, 6:30PM St. Nicholas Chorale, Small Hall, 7:15PM WEDNESDAY Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 9:45AM Library is OPEN, Room C, 2PM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM St. Vincent de Paul, Room A, 7PM Devotions and Benediction, Church, 7PM Hispanic Choir, Room C, 7PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 7PM THURSDAY Faith Alive, Room A, 10AM Hispanic Council Meeting, Room C, 6:30PM RCIA, Room 201-Parish Center, 7PM St. Nicholas Choir, Small Hall, 7:15PM FRIDAY “Beautiful Mercy” Book Study, Room 201, 9:45AM Little Company of Mary Associates, Small Hall, 10AM Divine Mercy, St. Faustina Study, Room C, 1:45PM Spanish Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM SATURDAY Eucharistic Ministers Gathering, Church, Mass at 9AM First Saturday Devotions, Room C, 9:45AM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 4:30PM Spanish Choir, Room C, 5PM SUNDAY Library is open!

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 Woe to the complacent. Their wanton revelry shall be done away with.

Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, my soul!

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Compete well for the faith. Keep the commandment until the appearance of the Lord Jesus.

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 The parable of Lazarus and the rich man.

We Remember

John Pavia and Jason Mickael Caduff

who entered their new and eternal life in Christ. Our Parish condolences are extended

to their families.

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

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Parish Liturgical Secretary: Cate Wolski Business Manager: Irma Contreras Receptionist/Records: Karen Falagrady Ministry to Sick & Homebound: Barbara Price Director, Youth Ministry: Gwen Wieser Director, Religious Education: Gwen Wieser SRE Secretary/Admin Assistant: Alfonso Lopez Music Ministry: Emett Loera Plant Supervisor: Steve Burton

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: (949) 837-7676 VIETNAMESE MINISTRIES: (949) 837-1090, Ext. 116 Sr. Maria Loan Tran, LHC: (949) 837-1090, Ext 137

September 25, 2016 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

School of Religious Education

Check us out on Facebook!

Teen Family Mass - 4PM, Saturday, October 29. Choir Practice in October: Thursdays, October 13 & 27.

Future activities being planned:

♦ First Bible Study on Tuesday, October 4th from 6pm to 7pm. ♦ Kidsfest on Saturday, October 15 (Help to run games/activities). ♦ Help to serve Coffee & Donuts on the second Sunday of each month after the 9am and 10:45am Masses. First one is Sunday, Oct 9th, (9:30am to 12:30pm)

PARENTS: If you did not attend one of the two parent meetings, please call the SRE Office, 837-7676, to arrange a meeting so that you can pick up the necessary SRE Information that was given out at the meetings.

ATTENTION PARENTS OF 1ST AND 2ND GRADE STUDENTS: Students must be brought to and picked up from the classroom!

Elementary: Classes meet—Sept. 26, 27, 28, at 4:15pm to 5:30pm. Junior High: Classes begin Tuesday, October 4th at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. Confirmation I and II: on Retreat THIS Saturday, September 24th, 1pm to 6pm (includes Mass/Dinner). Confirmation I: Classes begin Tuesday, October 4th at 7pm upstairs in the Parish Center. Confirmation II: Classes begin on Tuesday, October 11th at 7pm upstairs in the Parish Center.

PLEASE PRAY for our Confirmation I and II Students who were on a Retreat on Saturday, September 24th!

A SPECIAL NOTE that during the week (Monday,

Tuesday, Wednesday) from 3PM to 6PM, the driveway between the Rectory and the Parish Center will be

blocked to cars to ensure the safety of our students attending classes.

Mater Dei High School Class of 1976/1977 Combined 40 Year Reunion!

Saturday, October 8th 5:30pm—Mass in the MD Chapel

6:30pm —Reunion begins MDHS LeVecke Center

For more information, visit materdei.org and select “Alumni/Class Reunions,”

or call Joe Conway at 800-660-8141. STUDENT CONTEST... ENTER TO WIN!

The St. Nicholas Council of The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring an Essay Contest open to all eighth through

twelfth grade student parishioners of St. Nicholas Parish. The topic of this year’s Essay is:

“The Importance of Religious Freedom.”

Entry forms and rules are available at the SRE and Parish Offices. The DEADLINE for submitting student Essays

is October 31st at the SRE or Parish Offices. For more information, call the SRE Office 837-7676.

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN—October 1 & 2

The St. Nicholas Youth Ministry Members and the Confirmation Students

will be collecting “pennies” after the Masses on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 & 2

for “Pennies From Heaven.”

Your coins and dollars will support local Respect Life Shelters, Clinics and Centers that give immediate and long-term care to

Orange County residents affected by threats to the life and dignity of the human person and unborn.

We appreciate your generosity!

“I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.”

—Ronald Reagan

September 25, 2016 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Each month through November of 2016, we will feature a Corporal or Spiritual Work of Mercy

on which to concentrate our efforts.

For September

Work of Mercy: Welcome the stranger.

Ideas: 1. Sign up with the Hospitality Ministry to be greeters for weekend Masses. 2. Invite a new neighbor for coffee. 3. Offer your smile to other parishioners in Church.

Scripture Readings: Romans 12:13—Share with those in need. Hebrews 13:2—Hospitality of strangers might be entertaining angels. Deuteronomy 10:19— You were strangers in the land of Egypt.

The Library Come check out what’s new at the LIBRARY!

Please note new hours: The library will be open every Sunday, 8:45am to 12:45pm and the last Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm.

We are located in Room C—behind the Parish Office. Freebie cart with books, DVDs, Catholic items!

Diocesan Ministries Celebration at Mater Dei High School Saturday, October 15 from 7AM—4:30PM

Catechists, lay ministers, parish leaders, Catholic School Educators, and parishioners are welcome to attend the annual Diocesan Ministries Celebration at Mater Dei High School. This educational experience is open to all people interested in learning more about our faith. Workshops offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese for adults. Registration: 7AM-8AM; Mass: 8:15AM; Keynote: 9:45AM

For full workshop information: www.rcbo.org/ipm

Keynote: Fr. Richard Fragomeni, S.T.B., Ph.D., “Together We Journey, Together in Faith.” Cost: $35—Group (15 or more) until Sept 19th. $50—Individual, call 714-282-3078, until Sept 19th $60—on-site registration on October 15th

Weekly Bulletin Deadline

♦ The Bulletin deadline is Friday, 10 days prior to publication.

♦ Send bulletin items in writing to: cwolski@st-nicholaschurch.org or bring them to the Parish Office.

♦ Deadlines are earlier around holidays as required by the publisher. Watch the bulletin for those requirements.

♦ We apologize that there is limited space and not all submissions can be included. Nor can we promise to publish articles for many consecutive weeks.

♦ St. Nicholas Parish and Diocesan submittals take precedence.

♦ We reserve the right to edit any submittal. ♦ If you would like to advertise in the Bulletin, please

contact J.S. Paluch Co., Inc., 1-800-231-0805 or www.jspaluch.com

We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation as we strive to make the Bulletin enjoyable for all parishioners

and maintain it’s integrity.

St. Francis — Troubadour of God’s Peace —Drama Series Christ Cathedral/Freed Theater—Sept. 30, Oct 1 and 2

“St. Francis: Troubadour of God’s Peace” is a music-filled Christian drama based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

To prepare for this one-man play, actor Leonardo Defilippis spent two months living among the poor. With this experience

and a profound understanding of St. Francis’ spirituality, he brings joyful energy and insight to this beloved story.

Ticket info at: https://francisdrama.eventbrite.com

THANK YOU! The Unity Group expresses its gratitude to all who

donated to, worked at and attended the “United We Celebrate” dinner on September 10th. The St. Nicholas ministries and parishioners helped

generate $388.00 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

A special “thank you” to Del and Jeff Moses who kept us well–fed and organized!

Catholic Charities—Shopping Extravaganza, Saturday, October 8 at the Outlets at San Clemente.

Please join us for a day of shopping at over 50 stores and enjoy a private catered lunch, live entertainment, VIP Tastings, prizes and more! Shop 10AM to 8PM. Tickets are on sale now for $35.00—purchase your tickets

on-line at www.ShopOSC.com/tickets. Check the box for “Catholic Charities of Orange County.”

Go to the Outlets to the “check-in” table on Saturday, October 8th for directions/discounts!

Questions: Melissa Rojase Garcia, Secretary of CCA Chap. 4-5, South County at melissarojase2324@gmail.com.

3PM—The Hour of Mercy Come and join the Hour of Mercy Prayer Group

in St. Nicholas Church. Chaplets of Divine Mercy and the Holy Rosary

are recited at 3PM weekdays. Chaplets and Stations of the Cross

are prayed on Fridays. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

How Do I Form My Conscience?

Conscience does not simply “come to us”! Throughout our lives, we have to spend time forming our consciences so that we can make well-reasoned judgments about particular situations. As the Bishops note in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, we need to form our consciences in an ongoing manner. How do we do this?

1. When examining any issue or situation, we must begin by being open to the truth and what is right. 1. We must study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church. 2. We must examine the facts and background information about various choices. 3. We must prayerfully reflect to discern the will of God (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 18).

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults adds:

5. The prudent advice and good example of others support and enlighten our conscience. 6. The authoritative teaching of the Church is an essential element. 7. The gifts of the Holy Spirit help us develop our conscience. 8. Regular examination of conscience is important as well (p. 314).

USCCB website has full information: http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/index.cfm.

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH FOR OUR PARISH’S ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST

Event starts at 1pm and will end with the Grand Opportunity Drawing at 7:30pm.

Opportunity Raffle Tickets were recently mailed out to all parishioners for our annual Oktoberfest event, which is the main fundraiser for our School of Religion. Please take this opportunity to offer the tickets to your family, friends and neighbors, and return your stubs and donation for the tickets to the Parish or SRE Offices. You may also drop the envelope in the weekly collection. Plan to attend the event October 15th —it includes great food, drink, music, dancing and fellowship!

Food & Beverage Service: 1PM to 7:30PM

Entertainment: 1:15PM to 7:30PM 1st Band Set: 1:15PM—2PM 2nd Band Set: 2:15PM —3PM 3rd Band Set: 3:15PM—4PM German Folk Dancers: 4:30PM 4th Band Set: 4:30PM —5:15PM German Folk Dancers: 5:15PM—5:45PM 5th Band Set: 5:45PM—6:30PM Final Band Set: 6:45PM —7:30PM OPPORTUNITY RAFFLE DRAWING AT 7:30PM

ATTENTION PARENTS: Bring your kids to “Kidsfest” in the Small Hall from 3pm to 6pm. They’ll enjoy games, drawing, face painting and contests. While they are at Kidsfest, you can come

and enjoy the music, dancing and food at Oktoberfest! Don’t miss the FUN!