March 25, 2022

Dear sisters and brothers,

I wanted to share with you directly: last night, our church suffered a burglary and much of our camera and audio equipment was stolen, along with our candle boxes.

All of that can be replaced, so we must be thankful that no one was in harm's way.

They attempted to breach the tabernacle and it was damaged, but it held strong and protected the Blessed Sacrament. What an inspiring demonstration of the power of the Eucharist!

We celebrated morning Mass in the chapel, and the elementary school Mass was relocated outside. The 12:10 p.m. Mass will resume in our church and Stations of the Cross this evening; but neither will be on livestream.

Our livestream and audio teams were on-site in minutes to assess the loss and began early this morning to repair and rebuild so we will be ready for weekend Masses. I am incredibly grateful to them and the Santa Monica Police Department for their extraordinary care for this community.

Our parish has faced so much, and yet we are #StillStMonica. The drive and desperation of those who would violate a place of worship for material gain is confounding but not surprising. We must pray and forgive those who trespass against us—and continue to work to serve the needs of others to bring contentedness and peace for all humankind.

St. Monica, pray for us. I pray for each of you every day and humbly ask for yours. I love you.

Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson

Pastor, St. Monica Catholic Community