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

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. Martin Tran Visiting Priest Rev. Msgr. John Campbell Visiting Priest Rev. Gerald Walker Visiting Priest Rev. Brendan Hankins Visiting Priest Rev. Jack Sewell Visiting Priest Rev. Chin Dang Deacon Wayne Thompson Deacon Chau Tran Deacon Gerardo De Santos Deacon Carlos Pineda 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—12:30 PM; Monday through Friday: 9AM– 12Noon; 1PM– 5:15PM

ST. NICHOLAS PARISH

January 5th, 21020 The Epiphany of the Lord March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Bishop Vann has mandated that all public Masses are cancelled until further notice as of

Wednesday March 18. Please consult the parish website at: www.st-nicholaschurch.org,

for updated information. The church will remain open for personal prayer.

Dear Parishioners, On this Fourth Sunday of Lent, we hear the Gospel story of the man born blind and it gives us the opportunity to look at our lives and ask; What am I blind to in my life and relationships? The question asked in the Gospel was; “Was it his sin or that of his parents that caused him to be born blind?” Jesus responds that it was neither. Sometimes when we have crosses to carry, we think that we have done something wrong and that God is punishing us. God is loving and merciful and does not punish us for our sins, but He calls us to reflect on our lives and experience conversion so that we can share His love in the world. This season of Lent gives us the opportunity to open our eyes to God’s love and to be instruments of that love for all who we encounter. Sometimes our eyes are closed to the sin in our life and the sin that exists in the world around us. In this current environment of concern over the coronavirus, we have the opportunity to be mindful of all in the world. At this time we need to pray for the health and well being of all people and it is good to pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, the patroness of the sick, to cure all those affected by this virus and to open the eyes of all human beings to recognize our need for concern and support of all. When bad things happen in the world, God uses the goodness in us to bring peace, calm, and harmony to a fragile and troubled world. We are called to open our eyes to the reality of God’s goodness in us and His desire for us to be His vessels and instruments of peace, hope, and love. This season of Lent each year gives us time to open our eyes to the reality that we are called to be part of the solution to sharing His love in the world. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us and a cure for all affected by this virus.

Fr. George

October 27, 2019 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time November 3, 2019 Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary January 5th, 21020 The Epiphany of the Lord March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Friday Lenten Fish CANCELLED

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 the awareness of our weekly food drive at St. Nicholas Parish. The goal is for each parishioner to contribute one can of non-perishable 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 the calendar year of 2019 St. Nicholas Parish donated 14,631 pounds of non-perishable food. That is a great accomplishment but we are hoping to equal or surpass that amount this year. During the time Masses are Cancelled you may bring your donation to the Parish Office

Monday: 7AM George Yutchisen (d) 9AM Marie Peconaro (d)

Tuesday: 7AM Maria Mau Pham (d) 9AM Imelda Fallon (d)

Wednesday 7AM Phu La 9AM Frank Hernandez Family

Thursday: 7AM Maria Nguyen Thi Soi (d) 9AM Lynn May Snyder

Friday: 7AM Fr. Elford Wanke 9AM Richard Fierro (d)

Saturday: 9AM Leola Maher (d) 4PM For the Parish 7PM Mireya Sampson (d)

Sunday: 7:30 AM Maria Teresa Vidal Cervantes (d) 9:00AM Phylis & Virgil Kuta 10:45AM Terry Ann Stawart & Children 12:30PM Jerry Erb (d)

We Remember

All our recently deceased, especially Jan Vos, 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.

Parish Calendar This Week

“All Meetings and activities are postponed until further notice”

As news surrounding coronavirus continues to emerge, Catholics across Orange County are asked to take necessary precautions to stop the spread of this virus. We acknowledge the importance of washing of our hands, “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” to restrict its spread. The mission of the Church is the salvation of souls. We consider it essential that churches remain open for worship for the care of souls, just as hospitals remain open for care of the body. While other parish-related gatherings are being canceled, during this time of crisis the Church is called to provide hope and comfort. The public’s health and safety are paramount to the Diocese of Orange. We are monitoring the health situation and will make changes as needed. Catholics and all Christians are urged to join Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, in praying for those who are ill, health care professionals and caregivers. We ask for the protection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercession of our Blessed Mother. As a community of faith, let us hold one another in prayer during this challenging time.

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.

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

TODAY’S READINGS

First Reading — As the prophet Samuel anointed David with oil, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David (1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a). Psalm — The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want (Psalm 23). Second Reading — You who were once darkness are now light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-14). Gospel — The man who had been blind from birth proclaimed: The one called Jesus made clay with his saliva, anointed my eyes with it, and told me to wash (John 9:1-41 [1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38]).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Mass Intentions for the Week: These will be said privately by the Priests

October 27, 2019 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 12th, 21020 The Baptism of the Lord March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: @stnickym YOUTH MINISTRY

October 27, 2019 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time January 5th, 21020 The Epiphany of the Lord

Until further notice all events and meetings are cancelled. This includes Bible Study, Living Stations of the Cross, choir practices and Teen/Family Mass. Please watch the bulletin, Facebook and Instagram for updates. We pray that you and your family stay healthy and safe!

St. Nicholas is looking for a Coffee & Donut Coordinator!

If you have ever enjoyed having a donut & coffee after one of our Sunday Masses, please consider volunteering to be a coordinator of this special ministry so that we can keep it going. There is a “coffee & donut” handbook with information on what the responsibilities of a coordinator are. For more information about this ministry, please call Maureen Brand at

870-494-1112.

March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

All SRE classes (first though eighth and Confirmation I and II ) have been cancelled until further notice. Parents, please watch your mail because we will be sending home classroom materials for you and your child to complete during this time. As soon as we know when we will resume classes, we will contact you. Masses have been cancelled and watch the bulletin and check St. Nicholas’ website for information about other activities and news of our parish. The Sacrament of Confirmation is still scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at 10AM and the Sacrament of First Communion is scheduled for Sunday, May 3 at 12:30pm Mass. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the SRE Office 949-837-7676. We pray that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.

CRS Rice Bowl’s “Faith-in-Action” Program

During Lent, please keep the rice bowls that were sent home with your student in a prominent place in your home. Whatever sacrifice you can make will make a difference in the world. Please return the Rice Bowls to your teacher before Easter. Thank you and God

SACRAMENT DATES: Subject to change CONFIRMATION: SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 10AM

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION, SUNDAY, MAY 3 AT 12:30PM

Together we are building a movement to end global poverty. As people of faith, we are called to create a more just and peaceful world for all. Now is the time. Will you answer the call?

Migration is not a passing emergency. The Church’s concern is focused especially on those fleeing from war, violence, political or religious persecution, from natural disasters…and from extreme poverty: many of them are young. Visit: www.crs.org/leadtheway

October 27, 2019 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 5th, 21020 The Epiphany of the Lord March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DIOCESE OF ORANGE MASSES TO BE CANCELLED, BUT DOORS REMAIN OPEN FOR INDIVIDUAL VISITATION

GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., (March 17, 2020) – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Kevin Vann today announced that starting Tuesday, March 17, all daily and Sunday in-person Masses in the Diocese of Orange will be temporarily cancelled. However, churches will remain open for parishioners and others who wish to pray and seek spiritual assistance. All Catholics in the Diocese of Orange are dispensed from the obligation of attending Mass. A decision on when Masses will resume will be made in coordination with state and local public authorities.

Parishioners will be able to view Sunday Masses via livestream at Facebook.com/ChristCathedralCA in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Christ Cathedral has plans to livestream daily Mass in English at 6:30 a.m. and Vietnamese 5:30 p.m. St. Edward the Confessor will livestream its 8:15 a.m. morning Mass from Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday at http://stedward.com/stedcast/.

This prudent step Bishop Vann is taking today is in helping to stop the virus from spreading and one more step in keeping OC Catholics healthy.

“I have grown deeply troubled by the rapid spread of the COVID0-19 pandemic," said Bishop Vann. “While the doors of the church are always open and will never close for individual visits and devotions such as the Rosary and visits to the Blessed Sacrament, I encourage parishioners to follow the protocols communicated by the health professionals.”

On March 12, Bishop Vann announced steps to reduce attendance at individual services to less than 250 people and to make Mass simpler and shorter. He dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the ill and those wanting to avoid crowds.

The closure of diocesan Catholic schools was announced Friday, March 13 as students shift to online learning. Schools will remain closed until Monday, April 20. However, if there is improvement in stopping the spread of the virus, the school administration may revise the date to return to class earlier than April 20. Parents should watch for continued messaging from their school’s leadership.

PASTORAL CENTER: COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

13280 CHAPMAN AVENUE, GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840

MEDIA CONTACT: TRACEY KINCAID OFFICE: 714-282-3075

E-MAIL: MEDIA@RCBO.ORG OFFICE: 714-282-3075 FAX: 714-282-3029

January 5th, 21020 The Epiphany of the Lord March 22, 2020 Fourth Sunday of Lent

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Assistant to the Pastor: Patricia Church Parish Liturgical Secretary: Edmundo Vargas Business Manager: Len Goswitz Front Office Lead: 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. ThuHuong Nguyen, LHC (949) 837-1090, Ext. 137

Part-time maintenance assistant here at the Church. Schedule is flexible and work at times is physically demanding. Please drop off resumes at the parish office, or pick up an application in the Parish office.

VII Seminario para Lideres The VII Seminario para Lideres will take place at the Christ Cathedral Campus in the Freed Theatre at the Cultural Center on Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will begin with several conferences and a number of sharing processes. The “Seminario Para Líderes” cost is $20 before the day of the event and $25 at the door and includes lunch.

Este seminario se llevará a cabo en el Freed Theater del Centro Cultural de la Catedral de Cristo en Garden Grove, CA. El sábado 18 de abril de 2020, de 8 a.m. a 4p.m. El costo del "Seminario Para Líderes" es de $20.00 antes del 18 de abril, en taquilla (el día del evento) $25.00 e incluye hospitalidad y comida

As Catholics we affirm the inherent, divinely given dignity of every person. In answering the Census and encouraging our neighbors to do so too, we declare that “everyone counts” - que “todos contamos” – and that no one should be excluded from critical funding and political representation that everyone deserves.

An Important Message

Dear Parishioners and Parents, We want to inform you that Michael Medeiros, a musician, who worked at several of our parishes and one school (listed below) was arrested on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 on child molestation charges. As part of the requirements to work or volunteer anywhere within our Diocese, Mr. Medeiros had cleared all Diocesan Safe Environment screenings, training and fingerprinting. Once we were informed by a church employee of the accusation, Child Protective Services was immediately called, the police were notified and an internal investigation was conducted. Mr. Medeiros is no longer cleared to work at any Diocesan entity. We want to assure that there have been no other reports brought to our attention regarding Mr. Medeiros. If you have any information about this case, we ask that you contact Orange County Law Enforcement at (714) 647-7419. Our assistance ministry coordinator is available to assist anyone who has a complaint or report of sexual abuse at the Diocesan Reporting Line at (800) 364-3064. We ask for your prayerful support of all victims of childhood abuse and in particular for this victim and their family who are members of our Diocesan faith community. Mr. Medeiros was known to have worked at the locations below: Sta. Margarita Catholic High School Holy Trinity Parish Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano Parish Sta. Clara de Asis Parish St. Edward the Confessor Parish St. Juliana Falconieri Parish St. Joseph Parish (Placentia) St. Martin de Porres Parish St. Norbert Parish Yours in Christ, Very Rev. Daniel Reader Chancellor, Diocese of Orange