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. CLERGY Pastor: Senior Priest: In Residence Visiting Priest Visiting Priest Visiting Priest Visiting Priest Deacon Spanish Deacon Pastoral Intern Rev. Richard Delahunty Rev. Michael Mai Khai Hoan Rev. Timothy MacCarthy, Retired Rev. Msgr. Colm Conlon Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Gibson Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Rev. Gerald Walker Wayne Thompson Luis Gallardo Phuong Nguyen MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 4:00 P.M., 7:00 P.M. in Spanish Sunday: 7:30 A.M., 9:00 A.M., 10:45 A.M., 12:30 P.M., and 5:00 pm in Vietnamese. Monday through Friday: 7:00 A.M., and 9:00 A.M. Saturday at 9:00 A.M. Filipino Mass: 5:30 P.M. First Saturdays, October-June. Holy Days: 4PM Vigil; 7AM, 9AM, 12PM, 6PM, and 7:30PM (Vietnamese) RECONCILIATION [Confession] Saturday 9:45-10:15 A.M., and 3:00-3:45 P.M., or by appointment. BAPTISM Fourth Sunday of the month at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements must be made a month in advance. Parents must attend two preparation sessions. MARRIAGE Arrangements must begin at least three 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 9:00 A.M. Mass. DEVOTIONS & BENEDICTION Wednesday evenings at 7:30 P.M. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Benediction. Parish Office Hours: Sunday: 8:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Monday through Friday: 9A.M. -12 Noon; 1P.M. - 4:30P.M.; 6P.M. - 8P.M. Saturday: 9A.M. - 12 Noon February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent THE MEANING OF OUR BAPTISM Lent is the time of year that we devote to scrutinizing our lives in the light of our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Today’s readings are a nice shorthand catechism of what our baptized lives mean. As Noah passed through the waters of the flood to a covenant with God, so did we enter into a covenant, a promised relationship with God through our baptism. The psalm reminds us that if we truly keep the covenant, the way of life God expects us to follow will not be a burden, but a source of love and truth. Peter’s letter gives one explanation of what our baptism means: it is an appeal that we make to God for a clear conscience. How do we obtain this clear conscience? The words that Jesus proclaims immediately following his temptation show us the way: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” It might be a good spiritual exercise to keep these readings before us throughout the entire season of Lent, a means to help us return to a life lived in our baptismal promises. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. A Condensed Overview of Pancake Breakfast “The Letters of John” Next Sunday, March 1, the Knights of Columbus are having a pancake and sausage breakfast after the 7:30AM, 9AM and 10:45AM Masses. Please plan to attend this parish event with your family and friends. Proud to be Catholic—Living Our Faith PSA Appeal As an extension of our parish membership, we are also a member of the Diocese of Orange. This dual Catholic citizenship makes us an integral part of all diocesan activities as we come together in support of Catholic Education, charitable services for the needy and the sacramental life of our Church through clergy formation and support and so much more. Every household is encouraged to show that they are Proud to be Catholic by supporting the work of our Church and participating in this appeal. No gift is too great or too small! Once we have met the goal of $97,000 for our parish’s share for diocesan services, your donations will be returned to our parish for our own use. We thank you in advance for your generosity! Fr. Dave Gruver, Senior Pastor at St. Edwards, (and previous Pastor for 12 years at Santiago de Compostela), will be our featured speaker on Monday, February 23 & Tuesday, February 24, from 7PM to 9PM in the Parish Center, Rooms 201-204. Fr. Dave will cover why the Letters were written, and for whom they were written and provide other interesting facts. Although Fr. Dave describes himself as “not a Bible Scholar, but a Bible Dabbler,” he is a renowned speaker and presenter! Please come join us for this wonderful opportunity to learn about the letters from John, as we continue to celebrate 50-years of service and ministry at St. Nicholas Parish. Invite your friends and neighbors! THE PARISH LIBRARY We are CLOSED February 22; OPEN on March 1 We are open the first & third Sunday of the month. Lent is not about self-denial—it is a time of love and peace by helping the needy and volunteering! FREE book cart, pamphlets, rosaries, prayer cards! The Library Hours: Sunday 10AM to 12:30PM & Wednesday, 2PM to 4PM. W e need volunteers! The Library is located behind the Parish Office in Room C. Stewardship of Treasure “Stewardship is not about our generosity; it is our response to God’s generosity.” February 8th 2015 2014 $19,208.55 $17,650.16 52-Weekly Required Budget $22,987.00 February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent Parish Calendar This Week Monday: 7AM Anne Duffy (d) 9AM Rev. Howard Lincoln Tuesday: 7AM Les Johnson (d) 9AM Agatha Trinh Luu Wednesday: 7AM Fortino Jimenez (d) 9AM Special Intentions Thursday: 7AM Friar Alphonsos Mary Timossi 9AM Eleanor Winkleman (d) Friday: 7AM Denise Munoz 9AM Helen Sweeny (d) Saturday: 9AM Betty Meier (d) 4PM For the Parish 7PM Maria Luisa Galvez Sunday: 7:30AM Warren Benjamin (d) 9:00AM Thesla Drew and Family (d) 10:45AM Deceased Members of the Di Domenico Family 12:30PM Nelly Amezcua (d) We Remember All our parishioners who entered their new and eternal life in Christ. Our parish condolences are extended to their families. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: Genesis 9:8-15 I will set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Psalm 25: Your ways, O Lor d, ar e love and tr uth to those who keep your covenant. Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22 The water of the flood prefigured baptism, which saves you now. Gospel: Mark 1:12-15 Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels ministered to him. MONDAY Sewing Group, Small Hall, 8AM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Micah’s Way, Kitchen, 6PM Opera Rehearsal, Small Hall, 6:30PM Faith Alive, Room C, 7PM Fr. Dave Gruver—Letters of John, Parish Center-2nd Floor, 7PM Spanish Rosary Group, Church, 7:30PM TUESDAY Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Unity Group, Room C, 6:30PM Spanish Tallers Oracion, Room B, 7PM 7th & 8th SRE Classes, Parish Center downstairs, 7PM Confirmation II, Parish Center upstairs- Room 204, 7PM Fr. Dave Gruver—Letters of John, Parish Center-201-203, 7PM St. Nicholas Chorale, Small Hall, 7:15PM WEDNESDAY ESL Classes, Rooms B & C, 9AM Charismatic Prayer Group, Room A, 10AM Library Ministry, Room C, 2PM Religious Education for Elementary, Parish Center, 4:15PM Devotions & Benediction, Church, 7:30PM Filipino Choir, Small Hall, 8PM THURSDAY St. Vincent de Paul, Room C, 7:30AM Faith Alive, Room A, 10AM Hispanic RCIA, Room B, 6:30PM Hispanic Council Meeting, Room C, 6:30PM RCIA, Rooms 201-204, 7PM Teen Choir, Church Choir Loft, 7:30PM St. Nicholas Choir, Small Hall, 7:15PM FRIDAY Fr. Dick, Bible Study, Room 201, 9:45AM Little Company of Mary, Small Hall, 10AM Divine Mercy, Room C, 1:45PM Hispanic Bible Study, Small Hall, 7PM SATURDAY RCIA Retreat, Small Hall, 8:30AM Eucharistic Ministry Training, Rooms A&B, 8:30AM Hispanic Choir, Room C, 4PM Teen Dinner, Parish Center, following the 4PM Mass SUNDAY Regular Sunday Mass Schedule Hungering for a better Life… CRS Rice Bowl Our journey with CRS Rice Bowl begins in Tanzania, where a simple soybean is changing lives. What actions can you take this Lent to change lives — at home and around the world? February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent School of Religious Education Check us out on Facebook! ATTENTION: Teen/Family Choir: THIS WEEK… Rehearsal on Thursday, February 26th at 7:30PM and Mass is on Saturday, February 28 at 4PM. Teen dinner in the Parish Center immediately following Mass. Please join us and bring a friend! SRE Elementary Classes will meet on February 23, 24, 25, in the Parish Center at 4:15 PM. Coming Events/Important Dates: 7th & 8th Grades will meet on Tuesday, February 24 in the Parish Center, downstairs, at 7PM. Confirmation II classes will meet on Tuesday, February 24, in the Parish Center, upstairs, at 7PM. Coming Soon… St. Patrick’s Day Celebration— Saturday, March 14th from 2PM to 7PM in the Parish Center Music, dancing, sing-alongs, great food and drink. Plan to join your parish family for a great day in the continuing celebration of St. Nicholas’ 50th Anniversary! Schedule of Events: 2:00PM 2:30-3:15PM 3:15-3:45PM 3:45-4:30PM 4:30-5PM 5:00-5:45PM 5:45-6:15PM 6:16-7PM 7PM Food Service starts “The Whooligans” Band entertains Anair Academy of Irish Dance “The Whooligans” Band entertains Anair Academy of Irish Dance “The Whooligans” Band entertains Guest Participation (Fr. Dick & others) “The Whooligans” Band entertains Coffee & Donuts: Sunday, Mar ch 8—9:30AM to 12:30PM, Check-in with Betty in the Parish Center. Parish Mission: Monday, Mar ch 16 at 7PM. All teens ar e invited to attend this first night of the Mission—a great opportunity for all of us to continue to prepare for Easter! Youth Day: Mar ch 12—Registration forms are available at the SRE Office; call Gwen, 837-7676, if you want to attend. Living Stations of the Cross: Fr iday, Mar ch 27 at 7PM. We need volunteers for this. Dates of rehearsals to be announced. Did you know…. Biography of Rev. Monsignor Otto E. Sporrer ♦ Born in Buffalo, NY on January 6, 1912. His father was a ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ “Pot o’Gold Drawing” ♦ ♦ Collection for The Church in Latin America/Eastern Europe ♦ NEXT WEEKEND—February 28 & March 1 This collection supports Catholic organizations that provide food, shelter, medical care, catechesis, marriage and family life programs and companionship for the lonely in a region that is still struggling . Your donations help to restore the strength of the Churches in those regions. Please give generously to the collection. Visit www.usccb.org/nationalcollections to learn more. ♦ ♦ ♦ German immigrant. He had two sisters, Katharine and Elisabeth. He developed an interest in vehicles: planes, model trains, automobiles, boats and bikes when, around the age of 3, due to curiosity, burned his hand on a motorcycle exhaust pipe. Family moved to Alhambra, CA, when he was 9 years old. Graduated from high school in Alhambra. Although he had already enrolled at Loyola for college, he decided at the last minute that he wanted to become a priest. He was accepted to a junior seminary, St. Joseph’s College in Mountain View, CA, for four years of study. Spent six years at the “major seminary” in Menlo Park, CA. Became interested in photography. Was ordained in 1938 at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Los Angeles, his home diocese. Appointed to St. Agnes Parish in LA as his 1st assignment. Transferred to St. Monica’s “at the beach” where he taught school and did parish work. Was the victim of an armed robbery at the parish rectory. The perpetrators ultimately were tried and sentenced to life in prison with the help of his testimony. Joined the Armed Forces as a Navy Chaplain during WWII and later assigned to the Marines during the Korean War. He spent nearly 23 years in the military. As a Chaplain he organized and ran the library on the ships where he served. Retired from the Navy and assigned the job of creating St. Nicholas Parish by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (1965). Shepherded St. Nicholas for 22 years, retiring as Pastor in 1987. In 1981 he had been invested as “Monsignor” by the Diocese of Orange. April 10, 1988, celebrated 50th Anniversary of Ordination. Resided at St. Nicholas until his death, Sept. 5, 1993 at age 81 when he departed to his heavenly home. February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent For Adults The Sacrament of Confirmation, in which we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit into our lives, will be offered to adults who have not been confirmed on Saturday, April 25th, within the 4:00PM Mass. The Knights of Columbus are again sponsoring a “40 Cans for Lent” Food Drive during the 40 days of Lent. This is an effort to increase awareness of our weekly food drive at St. Nicholas Parish. The goal is for each parishioner to contribute one can of nonperishable food each day during Lent, or 40 cans sometime during the Lenten season. Your contributions can be made weekly when you come to Mass. Barrels will be placed outside the entrances to the Church. Please join the Knights of Columbus in this worthwhile effort. Monetary donations are always welcome! This food Drive was very successful last year and we are hoping for a similar response this Lent. During 2014, St. Nicholas Parish donated 13,672 pounds of non-perishable food. It was a wonderful accomplishment and we hope to equal or surpass that amount this year! LENT IS HERE: Time for Spiritual Spring Cleaning! The Council of Catholic Women invite you to join us as we rediscover the purposes of Lent and its many benefits. If you are 18 years of age or older, baptized and regularly attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, we invite you to come to five Saturday sessions in preparation for the Sacrament. They will be held from 10AM to 11:30AM, beginning Saturday, March 14, in Room A [the building behind the Parish Office]. Registration forms are available in the Parish Office. RESERVE THESE DATES FOR THE ANNUAL PARISH MISSION! Our annual Parish Mission will be in the evenings starting Monday, March 16th through Wednesday, March 18th On March 15th, Fr. McCarthy will be at all the Masses to personally invite all Parishioners to attend! Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., an experienced teacher, administrator, retreat director and parish mission preacher, will be with us to discuss The Sacraments: The Treasures of Our Faith. Program conducted by: Louise Allard & Ruth DeVoge Social time begins at 9:30AM; the meeting starts at 10:10AM. Please remember to bring pennies for Water for Life, can tabs for Ronald McDonald House and cosmetics for the prison ministry. Questions? Call Louise at 916-4138 PLEASE NOTE and PLAN AHEAD… ARTICLES FOR THE BULLETIN For Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the Bulletin publishing company has REQUIRED that our bulletin information be submitted earlier than normal. If you have any articles that you need in the bulletin during the months of March/April, please note the FINAL SUBMITTAL DATES below: Bulletin Date March 29 April 5 Article Due Date to Parish Office Tuesday, March 17th by 10AM Monday, March 23rd by 12 PM The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be held Sunday, March 8th, at 2PM in the Church Who may receive the Sacrament? Those suffering from chronic/acute illnesses. Those preparing for hospitalization or surgery. Those preparing for a medical procedure or treatment. Those experiencing mental or emotional stress. Those living with recurring illnesses or disabilities. Those living with a terminal illness or on hospice care. Those of a 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 our infirmities and bore our diseases.’” (Matt. 8:17) February 22, 2015 First Sunday of Lent Did you know...Religious Education at St. Nicholas — Currently… Today the School of Religious Education (SRE) has a brand new building, Msgr. Otto Sporrer Hall, completed in 2009. There are a total of 250 elementary students and 145 junior/high schoolers in the current SRE program. There are 45 students in Confirmation I and 49 in Confirmation II including Vietnamese students. Confirmation is scheduled for April 25, 2015, at the 4PM Mass. There are 34 second-graders preparing for their First Communion. The Special Sacraments class (3rd through 10th grade) has an enrollment of 28 students. There are currently 3 students in RCIC. The elementary pupils are taught by 27 teachers and aides and the junior and senior high students by 16 teachers. For the last 4-5 years, the SRE program has also included summer Vacation Bible School for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Junior High students and older are encouraged to help. Our Lenten Journey LENT is a journey, at once “sacred” and “immense.” During these forty days, we are invited to cooperate with God’s graces and to confront, not shy away from, the big questions of meaning and commitment. The key principle to hang onto is that God is with us every step of the way, beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in the agony and joy of Holy Week. How sacred and immense (and intense) is this pilgrimage. (Bishop Robert F. Morneau “Not by Bread A lone.”) To assist you on your Lenten Journey we offer: PRAYER Daily Mass: Monday through Friday at 7AM & 9AM; Saturdays at 9AM. Morning Prayer: Monday through Saturday at 8:45AM. Monthly Day of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Second Wednesday of the Month beginning at the 9AM Mass and concluding prior to the 9AM Mass on the Second Thursday. Stations of the Cross: on Fridays during Lent at 9:45AM, 7:30PM and 8:30PM in Vietnamese. Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): Saturdays 9:45AM to 10:15AM and 3PM to 3:45PM. Parish Lenten Penance Service: Thursday, March 26 at 7:30PM. Parish Mission: March 16-18 in the evenings at 7PM with Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ALMSGIVING St. Vincent de Paul: helping those in need in our community Knights of Columbus: 40-Cans for Lent Operation Rice Bowl: Benefitting Catholic Relief Services (bowls available in the Church) 40 Days for Life: Sponsored by the St. Nicholas Right to Life group. Note: All Catholics, 14 years or older, are expected to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means having only one full-size meal. Two smaller meals are permitted, if necessary, to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid food between meals is not. By the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, the Church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday. All the faithful and catechumens should undertake serious practice of these three traditions. 40 Days For Life—February 18th to March 29th This Lent we invite you to participate in the 40 Days for Life worldwide Campaign. We will pray the Rosary outside of the Planned Parenthood facility located at La Paz Road, at the corner of La Paz and Chrisanta, Mission Viejo. Our parish will host this weekly prayer each Thursday at 12 noon from February 19 through March 26. Please join us!
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