Love One Another
This beautiful Sunday, we are joyfully reminded of God's endless love for each of us—a love he encourages us to share. His command is simple and profound: "Love one another." This call invites us to embrace his love and spread this happiness to others. Let's eagerly take up this mission to share God’s message of love far and wide, uplifting our community and the world.
We're excited for next Saturday, May 11, when we'll gather for our annual SMASH Gala. This year, we're especially thrilled to honor Father Bob Dowd, the incoming President of Notre Dame. The evening promises a delightful dinner and an auction, all aimed at supporting our school, particularly through providing tuition aid. The event kicks off with a 5:30 PM Mass right here on our campus, followed by the gala. We hope you'll join us for this wonderful evening to make a lasting impact together. stmonica.net/smash
This weekend, our prayers are with the young adults at the retreat at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu. It’s a blessing to have such an energetic and faith-filled group in our parish, seeking to deepen their spiritual connections. We keep them in our prayers and hearts, wishing them a transformative experience that enriches their lives and strengthens our community.
Next Sunday, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we express our heartfelt thanks to all the amazing mothers in our lives. We look forward to honoring them with a special prayer and a flower, and we'll also begin a nine-day novena for all mothers, both here and passed. Mothers play such a crucial role in our lives, and it’s a privilege to celebrate and pray for them in this special way.
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who supports St. Monica Community. Your involvement has brought us close to completing our new hospitality room next to the rectory. This space is dedicated to those who serve and support our community every Sunday, as well as families gathering for weddings and funerals. I am continually grateful for your generosity and commitment. Let's keep moving forward together, guided by faith and mutual support, as we strive to live out the teachings of Christ in all that we do!
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
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Mass Schedule
Time
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Music Ministry
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Presider
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| Saturday, 5:30 p.m. |
Reflections Ensemble |
Fr. Park |
Sunday Masses |
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| 7:30 a.m. |
Foundations Ensemble |
Fr. Kuna |
| 9:30 a.m. ∙ Livestream |
Generations Ensemble |
Msgr. Torgerson |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Heritage Ensemble |
Fr. Park |
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Precious Blood Offered |
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| 5:30 p.m. ∙ Livestream |
Elevations Ensemble |
Fr. Nestico |
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Outdoor space is available at all Masses,
with live feed, heating, and dedicated Eucharistic & Hospitality ministers.
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 Coffee & Doughnuts
Following Sunday morning Masses.
While supplies last!
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You Won't Want to Miss the SMASH Auction!
We are one week out from SMASH, our most important fundraising event of the year on Saturday, May 11, which is especially meaningful at a time when our financial aid is helping more families than ever. The SMASH Silent Auction opens Wednesday: don't miss out on fabulous items all to support our St. Monica community!
The 2024 SMASH silent auction will launch at stmonica.net/smash! The silent auction is open to everyone; you do not need to attend SMASH to participate. The auction will close at noon on the day of the event. At the SMASH Gala, there will also be a dynamic Live Auction featuring our incomparable return emcees Dan O'Brien and Julie Shavers, plus special, one-of-a-kind Big Board experiences and a wine pull. Read on for a sneak preview of all of the fantastic items in store at this year's auction.
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Ticket sales close Monday! SMASH will honor Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., "Father Bob," the president-elect of the University of Notre Dame, credited with helping to launch our ministry with Holy Cross Parish in Africa over 20 years ago. The Gala will feature dynamic Grammy Award-winning entertainment and a culinary showcase from restaurants in our community.
Visit stmonica.net/smash to learn more.
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Why SMASH? Support our students' journeys to explore, develop their unique gifts and share them with the world. “I am truly grateful for my Saint Monica education which prepared me for life in college, and has helped further my spiritual development and form me into the person God created me to be.” Bridgette Rodgers '22
Sophomore, University of Notre Dame
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Liturgical Ministers Needed
The recent resurgence of faithful to Mass has significantly increased the need for liturgical ministers to support our worship and ensure that every Mass is a welcoming, smooth, and spiritually enriching experience. Whether through the cherished roles of ushers, greeters, or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion—especially with the return of the cup—your participation is more vital than ever. Join us in these rewarding ministries to help foster a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at every service.
Hospitality
 We invite you to join our vibrant team of hospitality ministers at Sunday Masses, where your warm smile and welcoming presence can make a profound difference. As a greeter or usher, you are not just opening doors; you are opening hearts to the beauty of our communal worship and fellowship. This role offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners, assist those in need, and enhance the sacred atmosphere of our services. Whether you are helping someone find a seat, guiding a new family, or simply sharing a greeting, your contribution helps weave the fabric of our parish community. Step into this fulfilling service and see how your simple acts of kindness can uplift others and enrich your own spiritual journey. Email: Dan Schwala.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
 We warmly invite you to embrace the meaningful role of serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, especially now as we joyfully reinstate the sharing of the cup at our Masses. This is a profound way to facilitate a deeper connection within our community through the sacred act of distributing the Body and Blood of Christ. As an Extraordinary Minister, you are entrusted with the honor of not only nurturing the spiritual well-being of your fellow parishioners but also reinforcing the bond of communion that defines our faith. Your participation in this ministry offers a unique opportunity to witness and foster the grace that flows in our communal celebrations. Join us in this vital service that enhances our worship and unites us more closely with one another and with Christ. Email: Barbara Harrison.
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Sacramental Preparation
Youth preparation for first Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation
is an annual process (September–May) through the Office of Faith Formation.
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COME HOLY SPIRIT!
Congratulations to the 41 teen and 37 adults who were Confirmed last Sunday. May this sacrament and the fullness of your initiation into the Catholic faith be a continued blessing you and our community.
FIRST COMMUNION RETREAT
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Families from our parish and school spent this past Saturday morning readying their hearts for this special sacrament taking place May 18.
Through sharing with each other, touring the church and sacristy, making family banners, and singing and praying, they enjoyed a meaningful day of preparation.
It was fun because we got a full-on real tour of the church. It was so much fun because we actually got to practice getting [communion].
- Abigail R.
WOMEN OF ST. MONICA: Save the Date!
On Saturday, June 1, St. Monica will hold a morning retreat for women. We look forward to sharing more information with you in the coming weeks, but please save the date for this special event.
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 
This annual youth event is a powerfully unique three-day experience of our young church in community. Through inspiring speakers, mass, adoration, music, conversation, prayer, and interactive exhibits, this event connects and empowers Catholic teenagers from across the country. St. Monica is excited to be taking a delegate to Long Beach next November for this powerful experience. If you are a teen interested in attending, please complete this interest form. Contact Diane Gasper with any questions. For more information, visit ncyc.us.
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🐠 REGISTRATION IS LIVE! Sign up for Vacation Bible School 2024 today to receive the special Early Bird Discount at $75. Cost goes up to $100 after April 30.
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Blessings,
Diane Gasper, Director, Faith Formation
Danielle Villalobos, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator
Suzette Sornborger, Pastoral Associate
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 Scripture Encounter 9:00–10:15 a.m. every Saturday in-person and on Zoom. Click here to register. Saturday, May 4: Who decides what we read and when? The structure of the Lectionary by Mary Sperry from USCCB. Whether you're a regular Scripture reader or the Holy Spirit is telling you it's time to start, we're happy to welcome you. |
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Faith Formation at Home for May
PRAYER: Let us know if your family might need prayer.
Our team would be honored to pray for you.
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Safeguarding Our Children: DID YOU KNOW?
May 4–5: Bullying and disabilities
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 We had a great response for volunteers with Habitat for Humanity! We have no more volunteer spots available, but watch for future builds and other ways to help. Check the website for more info.
Don’t miss our other spring highlights! Join the Film Club’s final event of the year featuring Raiders of the Lost Ark on May 16. There are lots of ways to serve those in need by donating food on our Second Sunday or by volunteering at St. Francis or St. Robert Center. We also have information on this month’s Respect Life Diaper Drive.
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 🍼 RESPECT LIFE · stmonica.net/respectlife
Join our parish Respect Life Committee at our next monthly meeting, Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in the Caruso Center's Spirit of St. Monica room. For more info, contact Margaret. Check our website for information on next month’s Diaper Drive.
GREEN TEAM · stmonica.net/greenteam
As we leave Earth Month the Green Team encourages St. Monica families to respond to the climate crisis with faith, advocacy, education, and action. We ask you to join the global movement and courageously commit to specific steps that will produce a better future for our common home. Check out our website for more information.
HOLY CROSS AFRICA MINISTRY · stmonica.net/hcam
Members of the ministry are planning to attend SMASH on May 11 this year as they are honoring our own Father Bob Dowd. If you are interested in sitting with other HCAM Ministry members or are a past traveler, contact Delis.
SERVING THE HOMELESS · stmonica.net/homeless
St. Monica volunteers can serve at St. Francis or St. Robert Center to help prepare meals for men and women who are experiencing homelessness, financial struggles, and food insecurity. You can also donate clothing every second Sunday after Mass. Sign up or learn more:
SECOND SUNDAYS · stmonica.net/loaves
Sunday, May 12, is our next Loaves & Fishes Food Drive and St. Robert Center Clothing Drive. Bring all donations to the Grand Pavilion Patio between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Click here for list of requested items. We are also collecting clothing donations for the St. Robert Center–find accepted donations here.
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Fellowship, Socials, & Clubs
🎬 FILM CLUB · stmonica.net/film
The Film Club’s Journey Series ends with a great adventure— Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Bring yourself and the family (and your inner Indy) to this fun event.
YMA · stmonica.net/yma
We invite all our young adults in their 20s and 30s to join us for fun and fellowship. Vespers continues every Tuesday with a different topic on faith and spirituality every week at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Pavilion.
PRIMETIME · stmonica.net/primetime
Get out your favorite recipe. Primetime is hosting a Spring Potluck on Friday, May 17, at 6 p.m. in Caruso A /B. Afterwards we will head to Church for Adoration at 7 p.m. Bring a main dish, side dish, or salad.
BOUTIQUE · stmonica.net/boutique
Boutique Crafts Group meets weekly to stitch, knit, crochet, quilt, and craft items while sharing coffee, tea, goodies, conversation with one another. All skill levels are welcome! At various times of the year, the Boutique sells its crafts after Mass, and the money is donated to the parish. Check their website and see what good causes this year’s donations will support.
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SPIRITUAL CARE · ENGAGEMENT
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Spiritual Care
Easter brings us into a sacred season of renewal, possibility, and exploration! We may not know exactly what will be happening next, but we do know that Christ will be walking right alongside us, just as he was with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. And here at St. Monica on Saturday, May 18, you can take a similar walk with Christ!
As part of the national Eucharistic Revival, our Health Ministry is sponsoring a Mini-Camino along with St. Anne & St. Clement here in Santa Monica—the Eucharistic Mini-Camino will include (1) opportunities to walk, bike, or drive throughout the city, (2) a reflection and prayer book and a map to guide your journey (multiple routes ranging from easy to challenging will be available), (3) worship experiences at St. Monica, St. Anne & St. Clement, and (4) lunch together at the end of the journey. To register or find out more, go to stmonica.net/camino
ALWAYS BEGINNING · stmonica.net/always
Thank you for joining our luncheon and bingo!
HEALTH MINISTRY · stmonica.net/health
Get your hiking boots (or sneakers), walking sticks, and hearts ready! On Saturday, May 18, our Health Ministry is hosting a mini-pilgrimage walk to celebrate the Eucharistic Revival. The day will include opportunities to walk (or bike or drive) and pray throughout Santa Monica (including at the St. Monica statue and at the parishes of St. Anne and St. Clement), gather back at St. Monica for a closing prayer and celebratory meal, and much more! Register now at stmonica.net/camino.
Be a hero and save three lives at once! Sign up to donate at our next Drive on Sunday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend)! stmonica.net/blood
MINISTRY TO THE SICK · stmonica.net/sick
Would you or a loved one like to receive Communion at home or in a nursing home? Would you like to become a Eucharistic Minister to the Sick? Contact Christine at christine@stmonica.net or 310-566-1531.
PHOENIX MINISTRY · stmonica.net/phoenix
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Separated and Divorced Ministry is excited to offer a Separated and Divorced Conference on May 4 at Christ Cathedral in Orange County. In a supportive & faith-filled gathering, you can hear from expert speakers on topics including emotional & spiritual healing, single parenting, friendship & dating, and the annulment process. Click here for more information or to register.
STEPHEN MINISTRY · stmonica.net/stephen
Sometimes we just need someone to listen...our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide one-to-one Christian care to help you through the challenges you may be facing. It’s free. It’s confidential.
To learn more about Stephen Ministry for you or someone you know, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: (310) 566-1575.
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Spirituality Center at St. Monica
With the new life that Easter provides, you may find yourself wanting to dive deeper into your faith life. Here at St. Monica, because of the blessings of space, resources and experienced spiritual directors & teachers, we can provide you with the opportunity to explore life-changing questions, deepen your spiritual life, or simply check-in with God.
 Monthly Spiritual Direction: If you’re looking for a new spiritual practice for the Easter season, consider Monthly Spiritual Direction – it offers us the space, time, and support to explore our where God is (or isn’t) in our lives, and is guided by a trained spiritual director once a month for ten months. More information here.
 Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life: An eight-month at-home retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Includes daily prayer, weekly spiritual direction and monthly fellowship (Zoom).
 Healing Your Soul Monthly Gatherings: An innovative approach that combines psychology & spirituality to help us connect with God & our Core Selves, and better understand & heal our broken or burdened parts.
 Retreats: Opportunities to take time off your busy schedule, breathe and see what God has in store for you! We’ve hosted retreats with a variety of themes and have more coming―there's something for everyone!
Healing Your Soul Monthly Gathering
Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m., Spirituality Center Chapel
Inspired by our Healing Your Soul retreats, we've created a monthly gathering to continue exploring how Contemplative Internal Family Systems approach can help us connect with our Core Self & God and bring relief to our burdened parts. Each evening has a standalone presentation, guided meditation, time for reflection and discussion.
Our May evening together will focus on how we Welcome Our Managers–that is, how we adapted in our lives and how those adaptations manage our lives (generally they do a pretty good job!). The evenings are open to everyone, even if you haven't made the retreat yet! RSVP at stmonica.net/spirit
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Engagement
Looking for a Way to Connect or Get Involved?
It’s Time to Find Your Place at St. Monica!
Meet with a Navigator!
St. Monica is a dynamic place, filled with wonderful people and lots of opportunities! But―whether you’re new here or have been in the parish for several years―it can also be overwhelming and hard to find out how to connect with others or volunteer. We might feel stuck and wondering what God wants us to be doing.
That’s why we’ve created our Navigators Ministry! Our Navigators are friendly St. Monica parishioners who are trained to help you navigate through the process of identifying your spiritual gifts and connecting you with ministries that could be a good fit.
Your adventure starts by signing up for a Navigator Conversation (a 25-30 minute conversation that you can do in-person or by Zoom/phone). Register by:
Once we get your request, we’ll contact you to set a time and date to talk.
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 Within a week of returning home from Nairobi, Kenya, in 2017, the core team had already selected dates for the following year, and I had already cashed in points for the flight. 2024 will be my fifth journey to our sister parish, Holy Cross Dandora.
Each time I go (even the first year)—there is so much work! Yet there are moments when I realize I haven't made time just to play and be with the people. So I will quietly slip out of lunch early and go out on the field. Mzungu (polite translation = wanderer; but really closer to 'gringo') are magnets. Within seconds, there are dozens and dozens of littles longing for high fives, hugs, and to touch my hair. It's humbling, indescribable, and you cannot quell the joy inside.
This trip puts the mission in "mission" statement. The forming and shaping into a "loving disciple" feels tangible. You may think you're going out to transform Dandora, but in fact, the transformation takes place in your own heart and mind.
 Let us share with you all of the remarkable transformations that are taking place at Holy Cross Dandora, and how that in turn is transforming lives here in Santa Monica. Fr. Bob Dowd will be with honoured at SMASH this year, to celebrate his bringing us to East Africa 23 years ago—and being the matchmaker for each of us to fall in love with our brothers and sisters in Kenya. Your generosity not only to the SMASH but its Mission—capital "M"—has a face. It has tens of thousands of faces and every time I meet someone, they tell me to offer their thanks directly to YOU. So: asante sana and may God bless you.
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Saturday, May 11, 2024:
Don't miss an opportunity to honour and celebrate Fr. Bob Dowd, President-Elect of the University of Notre Dame and dear friend to St. Monica Catholic Community, who brought us to Dandora, Nairobi, Kenya 23 years ago. Purchase tickets to the gala, or register for the online silent auction at stmonica.net/smash.
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ROCKET MAN:
A LIVE ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE
Pianist and vocalist Michael Sobie (Game of Thrones Live Concert, Wicked, Les Miserables, Grace and Frankie) premieres his concert ROCKET MAN: A Live Orchestral Experience at St. Monica. Performing his own arrangements and orchestrations of Elton John hits, Michael will be joined onstage by a live 36-piece symphony orchestra. Advanced tickets required.
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📅 Friday, May 17 · ⌚ 8:00 p.m.
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We Pray For...
SICK: Kenneth Lewis, Tina Schnell, Fr. Goyo Hidalgo, Danilo C., Andrea Pompelli, Edward Hartman, James Patrick Miller, Patricia & Harvey Geiss, Sherry Hall, Robert Dexter, Kerri Pennings, Russell Christenson, David Stepanchak, Arya Reza Nazemi, Eusevio Otalora, Vickie Keasler, Olga Ramos Martinez, Emery Kolibar, Christine Daneau
DECEASED: Alan Brant, Madison Botts, Anne Sturtewagen, Mary Jean Emory, Dolores Denecour, Jose Parra, Sr., Dora Delphina Reyes, Jesse Henricksen, Richard Boyle, Gabriel Fairfoot, Flavia Linhares, Shirley Cragin, Wonien Garcia
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St. Monica proudly serves, supports, and sustains causes and organizations who share our mission beyond the parish. Visit our Beyond the Parish page to learn more and support our community partners.
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Download and print the music worship aid: 
