Thu May 22, 7p: Notre Dame Folk Choir
The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir comprises 65 undergraduate students passionate about sharing their faith through vibrant and inspiring music. Their latest creation, Drawn Back to the Table, is a powerful musical adaptation inspired by the Road to Emmaus scripture. Developed collaboratively by the students themselves,this performance invites both participants and audiences into a profound reflection on the Paschal Mystery—thePassion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus—while exploring the challenging and meaningful questions faced by young people in today’s Church.
Event Details:
- What: Passion/Resurrection Performance + Live Album Recording
- When: Thursday, May 22
- Runtime: Approx 2 hours with intermission
- Start Time: All performances begin at 7:00 PM
Experience Drawn Back to the Table, an original and captivating retelling of key Gospel narratives surrounding Jesus' ministry and the cornerstone moments of Christian faith. Each performance is crafted to breathe new life into sacred stories, encouraging audiences to reconnect deeply with God, reflect
thoughtfully on their personal journeys, and renew meaningful relationships with others.
A freewill offering will be collected at each performance to help fund the choir's upcoming album and their anticipated East Asia tour in May 2026, further spreading their mission of faith and love worldwide.
For More Information:
Visit folkchoir.com to learn more about the Notre Dame Folk Choir and listen to their latest album, recorded live in Jerusalem.
Monsignor Welcomes Pope LEO XIV
Let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit and the cardinals for the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV—Robert Prevost. He is the first American pope and a brother of St. Augustine.
We pray as he begins this ministry, confident he will continue the spirit of Pope Francis: a listening church, walking with the poor, going out to the margins, and that believes God is always moving forward.
In his first words to the world, Pope Leo spoke of building bridges—between people, cultures, and the church itself. That hope resonates deeply with St. Monica as we strive to be a community where all are welcome. Here at St. Monica, we share a special connection as Pope Leo served as cardinal-deacon of the Church of St. Monica in Rome. This is a quiet chapel just steps from the Vatican. Just like our patroness St. Monica, the spirit of persistence in prayer and strength in love resonates in the life of the church today.
Pope Leo brings a humble and missionary heart, formed by years serving the people of Peru and beyond. He comprehends the world not just on the surface, but through the lives of those he has walked with—accompanying, listening, and learning.
May we be filled with hope that with his vision, the church will continue to grow in synodality—committed to discernment, conversations in the spirit, and the shared journey of faith. May we be a church that listens more than it speaks, one that offers not judgment, but the joy of the Gospel.
Holy Father Leo, we pray with you and for you. May your service be marked by love, courage, and the quiet strength of the Shepherd. Let us thank God for the gift of your “yes.”
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
Tomorrow, May 9, at 7 a.m., all priests will celebrate a Mass praying for our new pope.
Mother's Day Novena 2025
It is our custom to celebrate a Novena (nine days) of Masses on behalf of our Mothers, Grandmothers, and those who have been a mother to us. It is proper to remember those who have died and to honor our mothers and grandmothers who are still living. To do so, please inscribe the names you wish to be remembered below, and you can also make an offering should you choose. The Novena will begin on Mother’s Day.
Happy 60th Anniversary, Monsignor!
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O Lord, you have given me so much, please give me one thing more, a grateful heart - George Herbert
This year, we joyfully celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson’s ordination to the priesthood (St. John’s Seminary Class of 1965).
For six remarkable decades, Monsignor Torgerson has shared his faith, leadership, and heart with the people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles—and for more than 35 years, with the beloved community of St. Monica. His impact as pastor has left an indelible mark on generations of parishioners, families, and friends.
We give thanks for Monsignor’s unwavering devotion and loving service. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues to shepherd our parish!
We invite you to share a message of congratulations or a favorite memory with Monsignor Torgerson—photos, videos, and reflections are welcome as we honor this milestone in thanksgiving for his priesthood and presence.
| Erin O'Connor | Monsignor, thank you for 60 years of continued devotion and service to your church through all of life’s ups and downs! The openness with which you say “I love you all very much” is a truly a gift that keeps on giving- imagine how many people you inspire to do the same… I love you very much, Monsignor! |
| Echo Tsai | Happy Anniversary Msgr. We are forever grateful to you! Chui and Echo |
| Johanna Jara And Zee Figueroa with Esther Martinez |
Happy 60th ordination anniversary Monsignor. I feel blessed that you have been our family’s pastor since 1990. We are so lucky as a community to have someone that acknowledges that the Eucharist is not a price for the perfect but we acknowledge you that you are the perfect pastor for us. Thank you for your dedication, your strength, your courage, and above all your love to lead your sheep during 60 years, as a disciple of Christ. We are #STILLSTMONICA because of you. We love you! |
| Rev. Ian-Vincent Hagan | Happy Anniversary Blessings Boss! |
| Sylvia Pituch | Dearest Monsignor …. Sending much love to you on your special day! Thank you for providing for those of us who cannot be there in person, to still participate - from every corner of the world! Praying for our dear Heavenly Father to keep you in His care, body, mind, and spirit. We are so very blessed to have you in our lives. Congratulations! We love you - Sylvia & Victor |
| Ann Fath | Happy anniversary Monsignor! We love you! Ann & Tom Fath |
| Robyn Ridgley | What a gift and lighted leader ✨you have been to all of us blessed enough to have met you! You have been an inspiration to me so many, many times when I lived in Santa Monica. I know there will be many of us heaping praise and appreciation upon you now , and I know you to be truly humble, so you must be uncomfortable by all of this, but please, accept our appreciation and our love, and may God continue to Bless your path ahead. |
| Diana Gonzalez |
Congratulations Msgr. Torgerson on the 60th anniversary of your priesthood!! As the leader of St. Monica Catholic Community, you have revived and enriched my faith life. While I mostly see you on livestream and our monthly diaspora Zoom meetings, I cherish my in-person visits to St. Monica, my spiritual home. Sending you much love and special prayers from Miami, Florida. |
| Matthew Howard |
Monsignor, We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You were there at our wedding in Rhode Island, at the baptism of our kids, and at school every morning when we drop off at SM Prep. You have had an impact on so many lives and you do so much in this world and our community. We wish you all the best as you celebrate 60 years! Matt Howard and Erin Ogilvie Howard |
| Cindy Salomon |
Monsignor! Congratulations on your 60th year!! I want to say THANK YOU. It’s because of you that I continue to wake up every Sunday morning, rain or shine, to say thank you to our Lord. Unknowingly, you have helped me on my spiritual path to know our God in a deeper, richer capacity. God bless you always! |
| Lizzie Agra | Happy ordination anniversary, Msgr! I left the LA area over ten years ago but I stream mass with you regularly. Thank you for your continued guidance even though I’m no longer a registered parishioner. My favorite memory of you is from just a couple of summers ago. My cousin, Erica, got married to her husband Tim at St. Monica’s. Before the guest shuttles left to take us to the reception venue in Malibu, I snuck into the sacristy to say hello and ask you to join my prayers for my boyfriend Zachary to get baptized. You graciously agreed to recording yourself saying, “Zachary, I’m praying for you!” He’s not baptized yet, but that video made him cry and I know that it opened up a big portion of his heart to Jesus. Thank you for saying yes to your calling and to being our todos, todos, todos. I pray for many more years of you moving hearts and minds. I’ll be visiting in a couple of weeks and really look forward to joining mass at St. Monica in person. Happy anniversary again and will always press bing when I can :) |
| Wacu NDIRANGU |
There is a lot I would like to say, but it'd take me a pretty long while to. Monsignor, you are a blessing to many especially my people of Dandora where I was born and myself. How I ended up in St Monica's can only be equated to divine intervention. You and the St Monica's family have helped save many lives through Brother Andre's Our Lady of Visitation Hospital in Dandora. Jobs have been created and so is the community of Dandora returning to church/God. Veronica's place will forever remain a refuge to Dandora's HIV/AIDS patients and families. St Andres Bassetti Dandora Church continues to bless,nourish and bring more souls to Christ. Many many many blessings Monsignor Togerson! |
| Hartman Family | Monsignor - what an amazing achievement! We are so proud of you for this incredible milestone!! You have been the most extraordinary influence on our lives from the first week we lived in LA. We cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for our family. In the words of Saint Ignatius, you are truly a man for others!!! We love you, The Hartmans (Grace, Edward, Haywood, Oscar, Milling, Alexandra) |
| Paul, Erin and Gia Aglione |
Congratulations Msgr. Torgerson! We love you! Thank you for marrying us, Baptizing our daughter and renewing my baptism in the holy land. Thank you for the wonderful memories to Kenya and for giving my dad his final blessing. You are in our hearts and prayers and always on our TV via livestream every Sunday morning. |
| Denise Lillo & Ron Geltz |
Happy 60th Anniversary Msgr. Lloyd! We are grateful to have been a part of St. Monica’s parish…From the worship, working at the HS and participating in YMA Core teams for many years!! Thanks for our unforgettable wedding ceremony in 1997 and our first child’s baptism in 2000! You continue to draw in the people and really care for them! May God continue to bless and guide you! We love you!⯑ |
| Vincent Gamache |
Congratulations Monsignor⯑ 25 years ago you married me to the love of my life. May God continue to bless your journey! We are Lucky and blessed to have you in our Santa Monica community! Thank you! God bless you ⯑⯑ |
| Rena Heinrich |
Dearest Monsignor, Happy Anniversary! We feel so very lucky to have you in our lives. I have been lectoring at St. Monica's since 1996. You married Roger and I with the Today Show present in 2002! You baptized our Paige (Class of 2022) and confirmed our Lily (Class of 2025). We are so grateful for your inspirational, compassionate, and loving leadership as our pastor, and we love you so! Many happy congratulations on 60 years! With love, The Heinrich Butchers Family Rena, Roger, Paige, and Lily |
| Rick Cicetti | Msgr, my Pastor, my friend, You mean more to me than you know. As I was of those who just happened in on an Easter Morning Mass about 9 years ago. Your opening welcome (what I call the LP version) spoke straight to a vacant space inside of me. I walked up to you on the patio and asked if you might have some time during week to help me with some questions. You were most gracious with your time and insights. A couple of years later having attended regularly I asked you "Inquiry" I went that first night and it was Tom Noonen and myself and it was that series of Monday nights I felt the call to convert from my Presbyterian upbringing to Catholicism. You have continued share your time and insights with me. I have grown in my faith in large part to you, your homilies and inspirations. Thank you for being the authentic you that you are, may God's Blessings fill you. (this pic is from our Easter Vigil in July due to COVID that year) |
| Arleen and David Montes |
Congratulations, Msgr. Torgerson!! You were a light for me when I moved out of my parents’ home and into my first apartment as a very young adult—almost 20 years ago. I found St. Monica, and you spoke straight to my heart. Thank you for providing more than just a parish, but a true home. Thank you for marrying my husband and me. And thank you for being unapologetically, you. - Arleen (Lopez) Montes |
| Jenny Gularte | Monsignor, I'm filled with gratitude to be part of your flock. I moved from San Diego to S.M.in 2015. I had been estranged from the Catholic Church for several years, due to a relationship I had with a catholic man. We lived together but never married. Even though I had been a Eucharistic Minister at my previous parish, I knew all to well the rules of our catholic religion & for that reason I did not attend mass. As a single mom, I put my 3 children in catholic school. When I arrived to Santa Monica, my youngest daughter drove me to several areas within walking distance, like Walgreens, restaurants and here to St. Monica. She said Mama you need to come here to church. Well I took her advice. and after listening to your words at the very first mass I attended, I said self you've come home! I did Womwn's Cornerstone in 2016 and helped with organizing the 2017 retreat. I have made wonderful friends of support, caring & welcoming here at St. Monica, both women and men friends. All this thanks to you, because you welcomed me a sinner with OPEN HANDS, no judgement, just pure Love and acceptance. Gracias Monsignor, JENNY GULARTE |
| Jill Roberts | Dear Monsignor, After so many amazing Pastors, Priests, Professors, and Bible Study teachers, I can say, without equivocation, you are the spiritual mentor of my life. Like Pope Francis, you have brought love to the forefront of everything, mirroring Jesus. Thank you from my heart. Jill Roberts |
| Tom Zanic | Celebrate. Celebrate. May God’s blessings continue to shower you and the people of St. Monica. You are a true gift to so many, in ways that you will probably never fully know. But do know that you have our love, care and support all your days. |
| Lori Hoeft |
Dear Monsignor, It has been such a grounding experience to meet someone so rooted in spreading the Light of God in the special way that you do, to me you feel like Pope Francis little brother, keep on going strong ! GRATEFUL to you...Thanks to your love and huge heart we have always had food clothing and a spiritual home . God Bless you every day. Lori and Macy |
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Pope Francis (1936–2025): Remembered by Msgr. Torgerson
We’ve lost our Holy Father, and I’ve lost a partner.
Though many of us woke to the news already shared around the world, our hearts are heavy as we remember Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Dec. 17, 1936—who died this morning, April 21, 2025, after more than 12 years as our beloved shepherd.
Pope Francis loved being a parish priest more than anything else—and in so many ways, that’s how he led the world. He reminded us that the Church must go out to the peripheries, not just to serve but to be transformed. From the poor and the marginalized to the imprisoned and the sick, he brought the nearness of God to the places the world most often forgets.
He surprised us from the very beginning—returning from the conclave on the bus with the cardinals, asking the world to pray for him before he gave his blessing, stopping to pay his hotel bill. But the greatest surprise of all may have been how much he loved. Quietly and courageously, he led us through a pandemic. He cried out for peace again and again. He reached across religious and political boundaries. He helped us rediscover the Gospel’s call to care for creation and to listen—really listen—to one another. He reminded us of who we are and who we are called to be.
His last public visit was to a prison. His last public words were Easter morning. Even to the end, he was tending to the wounds of a hurting world like a field hospital, just as he once described the Church should be.
When I had the privilege being at an audience, I said, “St. Monica loves you, Holy Father.” He smiled.
He gave me the courage to tell you how much I love you. And so I do.
Let us pray for the eternal rest of his soul—and let us carry his spirit forward with tenderness, justice, and joy.
Your pastor,
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
As we join Catholics around the world in mourning, we also enter into a sacred tradition: the nine days following the death of a pope are observed as official days of mourning throughout the Church. Each community may mark these days in its own way—through Masses, prayer, acts of charity, and reflection on his legacy. In the coming days, our parish will share more about how we will honor and remember Pope Francis. Return to stmonica.net/francis for updates and ways to participate.
⛪ Parish Mission Retreat: 3/10-3/12
Parish Mission Retreat: Fr. Kevin O'Brien, S.J.
Monday, Mar. 10 · 7p 
Tuesday, Mar. 11 · 7p
Wednesday, Mar. 12 · 7p
Livestream Available
Fr. Kevin O'Brien, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and educator. He currently serves as executive director of Fairfield Bellarmine, an innovative two-year associates’ degree program in Bridgeport, Connecticut on a new campus of Fairfield University. This initiative seeks to expand access and affordability in Jesuit higher education.
Fr. O'Brien is the author of the award-winning book, The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life, now in its second edition. His follow-up book, Seeing with the Heart: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Adventures, has recently won first prizes in spirituality by two Catholic media associations.
Fr. O’Brien has taught and served in the administrations of St. Joseph's University, Georgetown University, and Santa Clara University. He has served on the boards of Marquette University, Seattle University, and Fordham University. He presently serves on the board of directors of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.
Born in Canada and raised in South Florida, Fr. O’Brien practiced law and taught high school before joining the Jesuits in 1996. As a Jesuit, he has taught business law, philosophy, ethics and theology on a variety of campuses. Fr. O’Brien also has a long association with the Jesuit Refugee Service, which assists and advocates for migrants and refugees across the world.
Don't miss this inspiring retreat with a leader dedicated to faith, education, and service!
? Second Annual Ethical Leadership Lunch
On Wednesday, January 29, the Ethical Leadership Lunch brought together leaders from various industries to explore the intersection of faith, values, and leadership. The panel featured Joe Davis, Renata Simril, Alessandro DiSanto, and St. Monica parishioner Anne Sweeney, who shared personal insights on how spirituality informs their decision-making and leadership styles.
The discussion touched on the importance of integrity, service, and resilience in leadership, with each panelist offering reflections on navigating challenges in their respective fields.
? Catholic Schools Week: Jan. 26–Feb. 1
Catholic Schools Week celebrates the dedication to faith, knowledge, and service that defines Catholic education. It’s a time to honor the students, teachers, and families who contribute to our vibrant and values-driven school communities.
Together with SMPREP, we reflect on the mission to inspire academic excellence and nurture spiritual growth in the light of Christ.
Hear from students and parents at our Masses Jan. 25–26 below!
Announcements
Mass
Mon–Fri, 7:00 am - Church
Mon–Fri, 12:10 pm - Church & Livestream
Sat, 8:00 am - Church & Livestream
Sat, 5:30 pm - Church
Sun, 7:30 am - Church
Sun, 9:30 am - Church & Livestream
Sun, 11:30 am - Church
Sun, 5:30 pm - Church & Livestream
Outdoor seating is available at all weekend Masses.
Confession
Mon–Fri. 5:30–6 pm
Sat, 4:30–5:00 pm
There are no confessions on secular holidays or other observances when the parish is closed.
Holy Days & Holidays
Holy Days: additional Vigil and evening Masses, 6:30 p.m.
Holidays: single Mass, 9:30 am with no confessions
Eucharistic Adoration
First & Third Fridays: 7:30–8:30 a.m. & 7–8 p.m. · Church
Second & Fourth Sundays: Noon–3 p.m. · Chapel
contact us
St. Monica Catholic Community
725 California Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-566-1500 Contact Us
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