Novena in Spiritual Preparation for 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees

 

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles invites you to celebrate a Novena, from September 18-26, in spiritual preparation for the 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sep. 27. 

 

There are Novena petitions for each of the nine days leading up to the World Day of Migrants. Also included is information and resources provided by the Vatican during the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, and by the USCCB from the 2020 National Migration Week. You can also read the pamphlet at right: Accompaniment and the Catholic Faith, a resource that aims at highlighting the importance of accompaniment in Catholic Teaching on migration, demonstrates ways in which you can accompany migrants, and provides a model that can help facilitate this process.

 

On Sunday, Sep. 20, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will host the “Day in Recognition of All Immigrants” with two virtual Masses to raise awareness on immigration and to support the immigrant community. A Mass in Spanish will be held at 7:00 a.m. and a Mass in English will start at 10:00 a.m. Both will be livestreamed via https://www.facebook.com/olacathedral and https://lacatholics.org/mass-for-the-homebound.

 

You may also participate virtually in this year’s Novena leading up to the 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which begins on September 18, by visiting, https://www.facebook.com/lacatholics/. 

 

For more information, please call (213) 637-7820 or visit https://thenextamerica.org/.

 

 

---

Novena Petitions: Sep. 18 – Sep. 26, 2020

Day 1: Migrant Families/Familias Migrantes

Prayers in English

That migrant families stay united in the power of Jesus Christ, who is the source of our strength, we pray to the Lord,

 

That family members who stay behind in their home countries find consolation in Jesus, who is the source of peace, wisdom and understanding, we pray to the Lord,

 

That migrant families find the courage and strength should they encounter deportation or incarceration of one or more of their members, we pray to the Lord,

 

For families on the move, that God will always provide them protection, we pray to the Lord.

 

For migrant families who have lost their sources of income and are being evicted from their houses due to Covid-19.

For migrant families who have lost family members due to Coronavirus.

 

Oraciones en español

Que las familias migrantes permanezcan unidas en el poder de Jesucristo, quien es la fuente de nuestra fuerza, te rogamos Señor,

 

Que los familiares que se queden en los países de origen encuentren consuelo en Jesús, quien es la fuente de paz, sabiduría y entendimiento, te rogamos Señor,

 

Que las familias migrantes encuentren el valor y la fuerza en caso de que uno o más de sus miembros sean deportados o encarcelados, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por las familias que se desplazan de un lugar a otro, para que Dios siempre les conceda su protección, te rogamos Señor.

 

Para las familias migrantes que han perdido sus fuentes de ingresos y están siendo desalojadas de sus casas debido al Covid-19.

 

Por las familias migrantes que han perdido familiares debido al Coronavirus.

Day 2: Human Trafficking/Slavery/Tráfico humano/Esclavitud

Prayers in English

For Pope Francis, that our Heavenly Father may gift him with deep wisdom as he calls the Church to confront the evil of human trafficking, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all bishops in the Church, that they continue to be leaders in the struggle against modern day slavery, both domestically and abroad, we pray to the Lord,

 

For our priests and deacons, that they act courageously in affirming human dignity and denouncing human trafficking, we pray to the Lord,

 

For our religious brothers and sisters and all the lay faithful, that God will sustain them in the fight to end human trafficking, we pray to the Lord,

 

For everyone who is or has been trafficked, that God will help to liberate them from this mental and physical bondage, we pray to the Lord,

 

For perpetrators of human slavery, that they repent of their evil ways and turn to God for forgiveness, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por el Papa Francisco, para que nuestro Padre Celestial lo favorezca con una profunda sabiduría mientras él llama a la Iglesia a confrontar la maldad y las consecuencias del tráfico humano, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los obispos de la Iglesia, para que sigan siendo líderes en la lucha contra la esclavitud moderna, tanto en el país como en el extranjero, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por nuestros sacerdotes y diáconos, para que ellos actúen con valor al afirmar la dignidad humana y al denunciar el tráfico humano, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por nuestros hermanos y hermanas religiosos y por todos los fieles laicos, para que Dios los fortalezca en la lucha por terminar con el tráfico humano, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los que están siendo o han sido víctimas del tráfico humano, para que Dios les ayude a liberarse de este abuso mental y físico, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los causantes y perpetradores de la esclavitud humana, para que se arrepientan y busquen el perdón de Dios, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 3: Migrants/ Migrantes

Prayers in English

For all bishops in our Church, that they lead God’s people in building a culture that respects the human dignity of all migrants, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all Catholics, that God inspire us to take action in our local communities to support and protect migrants and to advocate on their behalf, we pray to the Lord,

 

For unaccompanied migrant children, that God put in their path trusted adults to assist them on their journey to reunification with their families, we pray to the Lord,

 

For our neighbors, coworkers, friends, fellow Christians, and all people, that they may grow in their awareness of the issue of migration and become a voice in the public square calling for greater protections for at risk populations, we pray to the Lord,

 

For migrant workers, that they may labor in safe and just conditions, and that we who benefit from their labor may express gratitude for what they provide, we pray to the Lord,

 

For migrants, refugees, and all other strangers in our midst, that they may be strengthened by our concern for justice and feel the warmth of our love, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por todos los obispos de nuestra Iglesia, para que ellos dirijan al pueblo de Dios hacia la construcción de una cultura que respete la dignidad humana de todos los migrantes, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los católicos, para que Dios les inspire a tomar acción en nuestras comunidades y puedan apoyar, proteger y defender a los migrantes, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los niños migrantes que viajan solos, para que Dios les ponga en su camino a adultos confiables que les ayuden en su jornada de reunificación familiar, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por nuestros vecinos, compañeros de trabajo, amigos, hermanos y hermanas cristianos, y por todas las personas, para que tengan mayor conciencia sobre los asuntos migratorios y y pidan públicamente por una mejor protección de las poblaciones en riesgo, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los trabajadores migrantes, para que ellos puedan trabajar bajo condiciones seguras y justas, y para que quienes nos beneficiamos de su trabajo, podamos expresar nuestra gratitud por lo que ellos nos proveen, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los migrantes, los refugiados, y todos los demás extranjeros que están a nuestro alrededor, para que ellos se fortalezcan con nuestra preocupación por la justicia y sientan el calor de nuestro amor, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 4: Refugees/Refugiados

Prayers in English

For the bishops, that they will continue in their commitment to refugee resettlement and provide a place of welcome in their communities, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all refugees, who are forced to flee from their homes, that they find safe haven and God bring peace and justice to their countries of origin, we pray to the Lord,

 

For refugees in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere, who are experiencing great suffering, that God might bring them to a place of safe refuge, we pray to the Lord,

 

For refugee children who have been orphaned by death or disappearance of their loved ones, that God will protect them as they adjust to their loss, we pray to the Lord,

 

For an end to all persecution and war, that refugees may once again enjoy peace, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por los obispos, para que ellos cumplan con su compromiso para buscar el reasentamiento de los refugiados y para que puedan proveer un lugar de acogida en sus comunidades, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los refugiados que son forzados a huir de sus hogares, para que puedan encontrar un refugio seguro y para que Dios les traiga paz y justicia en sus países de origen, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los refugiados de África, del Medio Este, y de otros lugares donde están sufriendo, para que Dios los lleve a un refugio seguro, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los niños refugiados que han quedado huérfanos debido a la muerte o desaparición de sus seres queridos, para que Dios los proteja mientras se ajustan a su pérdida, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por el fin de la persecución y las guerras, para que los refugiados vuelvan a tener paz, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 5: DACA Students and Professionals/Estudiantes y profesionales de DACA

Prayers in English

For all immigrants who arrived in this country at a young age,  that they trust God to keep their families together, we pray to the Lord,

 

For DACA students and professionals, that they do not lose faith in our democratic system, that law makers will craft a comprehensive immigration bill that will include a path to legalization for them and their families, we pray to the Lord,

 

For DACA students and professionals separated from their father or mother due to deportation or incarceration, may they grow in trust that they will one day be united as a family, we pray to the Lord,

 

For DACA students and their families, that through the wisdom and knowledge they have gained they will support other immigrant families experiencing similar struggles, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por los inmigrantes que llegaron a este país cuando eran niños o jóvenes, para que ellos confíen en que Dios mantendrá a sus familias unidas, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los estudiantes y profesionales de DACA, para que ellos no pierdan la fe en nuestro sistema democrático y para que los congresistas elaboren un proyecto de ley de inmigración integral que incluya un camino hacia su legalización y la de sus familiares, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los estudiantes y profesionales de DACA separados de su padre o madre debido a deportación o encarcelamiento, para que puedan crecer en la confianza de que un día ellos estarán unidos como familia, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los estudiantes de DACA y sus familias, para que a través de la sabiduría y conocimiento que han adquirido, puedan apoyar a otras familias inmigrantes que experimentan problemas similares, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 6: Professionals who work and serve immigrants and refugees/Profesionales que trabajan y sirven a inmigrantes y refugiados

Prayers in English

For immigration lawyers, social workers, and those who take care of immigrants in detention centers, that they treat all their clients with dignity and respect, we pray to the Lord,

 

For school faculty members and staff who serve immigrant students and families, may they find the wisdom and knowledge to meet the academic and personal needs of those whom they serve, we pray to the Lord,

 

For members of law enforcement that they may treat immigrants with the dignity and kindness that every human being deserves, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all those involved in the health care of the immigrant community – especially the uninsured and those affected by Covid-19 directly or indirectly– that they trust God, who is the ultimate source of spiritual and physical healing, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all who advocate for migrants, that God may inspire them and give them strength to persevere in their service and support of those impacted by our broken immigration system, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por los abogados de inmigración, trabajadores sociales, y por quienes cuidan de los inmigrantes en centros de detención, para que ellos traten a sus clientes con dignidad y respeto, te rogamos Señor,

 

Para los profesores y personal de las escuelas que sirven a estudiantes y familias inmigrantes, para que encuentren la sabiduría y el conocimiento que les permita cubrir las necesidades académicas y personales de aquellos a quienes sirven, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por las agencias responsables de velar por el cumplimiento de las leyes, para que ellos puedan tratar a los inmigrantes con la dignidad y amabilidad que todo ser humano se merece, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todo aquellos involucrados en el cuidado de la salud de los inmigrantes, sobre todo los inmigrantes que carecen de seguro de salud y quienes han sido afectados directa o indirectamente por el Covid-19, que confíen en Dios, quien es la mayor fuente de sanación espiritual y física, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por quienes defienden a los migrantes, para que Dios les inspire y les fortalezca para perseverar en su servicio y apoyo a quienes han sido afectados por el sistema de inmigración actual, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 7: Government Officials/Funcionarios del gobierno

Prayers in English

For the President of the United States and all government leaders: that they work tirelessly to end the bane of slavery that exists in our communities, we pray to the Lord,

 

For the President of the United States and all government leaders: that Jesus Christ, who became human, will help them understand the dignity of human persons, and support legislation that will protect the vulnerable populations in our midst, we pray to the Lord,

 

For policy makers in our nation, that God grant them the wisdom to enact laws that provide greater protection for all migrant populations, we pray to the Lord,

 

For policy makers in our nation, that they provide the support to migrant populations who yearn for a new beginning, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por el presidente de los Estados Unidos y todos los líderes gubernamentales: para que ellos trabajen sin descanso para eliminar la pesadilla de la esclavitud que existe en nuestras comunidades, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por el Presidente de Estados Unidos y todos los líderes gubernamentales: para que Jesucristo, quien se hizo hombre, les ayude a entender la dignidad humana y apoyen leyes que protejan a las poblaciones vulnerables que están entre nosotros, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los congresistas, que Dios les conceda la sabiduría para promulgar leyes que provean mayor protección a las poblaciones migrantes, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los congresistas de nuestra nación, para que apoyen a las poblaciones migrantes que anhelan un nuevo comienzo, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 8: Business and Community Leaders/Líderes empresariales y comunitarios

Prayers in English

For business owners, may they find prosperity in serving the immigrant community with love, dignity and respect, we pray to the Lord,

 

For business owners, may they seek God as the source of charity and support immigrants with a giving heart, we pray to the Lord,

 

For community leaders, mainly those serving immigrants and refugees, may they rely on God with wisdom, honesty, patience and love to lead their organizations, we pray to the Lord,

 

For business owners who have treated vulnerable populations with cruelty and disrespect, that they turn to God for forgiveness, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por los dueños de empresas, para que ellos encuentren la prosperidad al servir a la comunidad inmigrante con amor, dignidad y respeto, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los dueños de negocios, para que ellos busquen a Dios como la fuente de caridad y puedan apoyar a los inmigrantes con un corazón generoso, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los líderes comunitarios, especialmente quienes sirven a los inmigrantes y a los refugiados, para que confíen en la sabiduría de Dios y dirijan sus organizaciones con honestidad, paciencia y amor, te rogamos Señor.

 

Por los empresarios que han sido crueles e irrespetuosos con las poblaciones vulnerables, para que ellos busquen el perdón de Dios, te rogamos Señor.

 

Day 9: Our Nation/Nuestra nación

            Prayers in English

For all the United States Catholic Bishops, that they always seek God, provider of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to guide their flocks, immigrants or not, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all government leaders, that Jesus, who became human, may they understand the great dignity of human persons, and that they support legislation to protect vulnerable populations in our midst, including undocumented adults and children, and refugee families, we pray to the Lord,

 

For U.S. citizens and residents, that we may see the face of God in every human being regardless of their legal status, we pray to the Lord,

 

For U.S. citizens and residents, may we continue to welcome the stranger in this nation founded by immigrants, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters who contribute to this country with their hard work and labor, may they find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters, that they trust God to provide for all their needs, including a comprehensive immigration law, we pray to the Lord,

 

For U.S. citizens and residents, that we may we unite in prayer for peace with our brothers and sisters in Venezuela and Syria, and in other parts of the world living in war and crisis, in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, we pray to the Lord,

 

For all people of good will, that we may always make sure that we live what we pledge as the builders and contributors to a nation united under God, we pray to the Lord.

 

Oraciones en español

Por todos los obispos católicos de Estados Unidos, para que ellos siempre busquen a Dios, el dador de sabiduría, conocimiento y discernimiento, para guiar a todos los feligreses, tanto locales como inmigrantes, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los líderes gubernamentales, para que por medio de Jesús, quien se hizo hombre, puedan entender la dignidad humana y apoyar leyes que protejan a las poblaciones vulnerables que están entre nosotros, incluidos los adultos y niños indocumentados y las familias refugiadas, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los ciudadanos y los residentes de Estados Unidos, para que podamos ver el rostro de Dios en cada ser humano sin importar su estatus legal, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los ciudadanos y los residentes de Estados Unidos, para que continuemos dando la bienvenida a los extranjeros en esta nación fundada por inmigrantes, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todas las hermanas y hermanos inmigrantes y refugiados que contribuyen a este país con su arduo trabajo, para que puedan encontrar la paz de Dios que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todos los hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes y refugiados, que ellos confíen en que Dios les proveerá para sus necesidades, incluyendo una ley de inmigración integral, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por los ciudadanos y residentes de Estados Unidos, para que nos unamos en oración por la paz con nuestros hermanos y hermanas de Venezuela y Siria, y de otras partes del mundo que están viviendo en guerra y crisis, como África, Asia y el Medio Este, te rogamos Señor,

 

Por todas las personas de buena voluntad, para que siempre nos aseguremos de vivir de acuerdo con lo que prometemos, como constructores y contribuyentes de esta nación unida por Dios, te rogamos Señor.

 

---

USCCB Immigration Resources

https://www.usccb.org/committees/migration/migration-and-refugee-services

 

https://justiceforimmigrants.org/

 

Message from His Holiness Pope Francis For The 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

 

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/papa-francesco_20200513_world-migrants-day-2020.html

 

Pastoral Orientations on Internally Displaced People

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d9TCqUu9OuPf7S20Gq_OF1vNmfVchKPP/view?usp=sharing

 

Respondiendo a Refugiados y Migrantes: Veinte Puntos a Seguir:

https://justiceforimmigrants.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/20-points-_simplified-Spanish-2.pdf

 

Vatican’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees

 

https://migrants-refugees.va/resource-center/world-day-of-migrants-refugees-2020/

 

Resources in English: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rA-c3ghJUYAlzRqc3weLywpPY-1xr3-m?usp=sharing

 

 

Recursos en español: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13X97BaifYxQobnRgp4PxJfXt7v1dr_SZ?usp=sharing

 

 

Today, August 27, is the Feast Day of Saint Monica, and our community continues to uphold Saint Monica as our model of steadfast faith and love #StillStMonica #NeverGiveUp

 

We invite you to join us in celebration all weekend long. Today, we will offer our 12:10 p.m. Daily Livestream Mass in a special way, remembering Saint Monica and her dedication to an active prayer life, that we should all model her resilience in the face of uncertainty and doubt.

 

Our parish-wide celebration will culminate in a weekend feast: our Litugries will feature a special rendition of Gathered Today, original composed by Greg Hayakawa, former Director of Music. We will also debut a special multifaceted media tribute honoring Saint Monica, which will premiere during the prelude to our Livestream Masses, including a special song prepared by our St. Monica virtual choir. Make sure to tune in 10 minutes earlier to both the 9:30 a.m. and the 5:30 p.m. Livestream Masses to view our community honor Saint Monica and the many Monicas throughout our community, that inspire us to never give up.

 

Starting on Sunday, you can also see our homage to Saint Monica, our dear patroness, including a visual album of sights and sounds to mark the occasion of her Feast Day. Learn more about Saint Monica, as a historical figure, as well as the mother, early African Christian, and Saint. 

 

The Feast Day of Saint Monica deserves a great party: a chance to gather and share with our community. This weekend we will debut Sunday Nite Live, a virtual Wine and Cheese gathering at 6:30 p.m., as well as our Coffee and Donuts Event on Sunday morning after the 9:30 a.m. Livestream Mass. We are here for each other in spirit and love, as our beloved Saint Monica was for her son.

 

We do not want to forget, in the midst of our celebrations, the fact that we have much sorrow and uncertainty in our world. We will host a Novena for Racial Justice starting on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. We will be asking for the intercession of Saint Monica, our beloved Mother from Tagaste (Modern day: Souk Ahras, Algeria), for an end to all injustices and abuses in this world, along with many saints that represent the beauty and diversity of our worldwide Church.

 

Prayer of St. Monica

 

 

Monica, 

Devoted daughter, wife

mother and friend... you saw in all people

the goodness and light of God.

 

Monica,

Universal model of Christian life,

you created within your heart and home 

a sanctuary for God and a welcome for all.

We ask that you intercede with God for us

that we also may be people of faith

and continue to grow each day

in our love for God and for each other.

 

AMEN.

 

Saint Monica,

pray for us.

 

Winter 2017-2018: Plans progressed for the renovation of the church building. The primary focus of the projects included updating the lighting system, painting and a thorough cleaning, necessary as a 21 years of dust, grime, soot, with no significantly upgraded since the reconstruction of the Church after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Our community moved to the Grand Pavilion and a tent on the Grand Patio for 2 months during the renovation.

 

In the course of preparing for the renovation, we were referred to several design professionals. We were so grateful that Bridget Williams, a talented lighting designer with a solid reputation in the Southern California region for working with houses of worship, decided to aid is in the project. We were not disappointed. In fact, St. Monica and Bridget Williams Lighting Design were recently recognitzed for achievements in lighting and design.

 

On Bridget's first visit to St. Monica, within 5 minutes of our meeting and walking into the building, she noted the beautiful frescos in the apse, and said to me: "I’m going to light the Holy Spirit." To remind you, above the head of Jesus, in the apse, is a tremendous image of a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at his baptism.

 

Bridget has a design philosophy for lighting a building in a way that will highlight the story of the architecture. Working primarily with religious architecture, and a thorough knowledge of the Church’s Liturgy, she has let our gem of a church building shine. Under her careful eye, her design has enhanced focal points of the Litrugy itself: altar, chair, font, ambo, assembly. Each element and locus has been thoroughly treated with care and attention. She treated our building with so much care, the same way that it was built and consecrated in 1926, patterned after the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill in Rome. The video at left depicts the Basilica and it's beautiful configuration: "The architect was particularly aware of the light effects in an interior space like this. The glass tiles of the mosaics would create a shimmering effect and the walls would appear to float. Light would have been understood as a symbol of divinity. Light was a symbol for Christ. The emphasis in this architecture is on the spiritual effect and not the physical. The opulent effect of the interior of the original Constantinian basilicas is brought out in a Spanish pilgrim’s description of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem." (Dr. Allen Farber, "Basilica of Santa Sabina, Rome," in Smarthistory, August 8, 2015, accessed August 14, 2020, https://smarthistory.org/santa-sabina/.)

 

Dale Sieverding, our Director of Worship, recently spoke with Bridget to ask where she gained this understanding and how she developed her philosophy of lighting design. She immediately spoke of the way she was raised with love and care in her family, and the influence of her godmother, who helped her with catechism and taught her about faith, church, worship. Raised in a variety of churches, she was baptized as a child at the San Gabriel Mission, and which she is now on the project team for it's reconstruction after a recent devastating fire. She said that Catholicism, planted in her as an infant, keeps drawing her back, even though her growing up, that deep connection has stayed with her throughout her life.

 

Dale was compelled to ask Bridget why she had said that, upon first seeing the space: "I’m going to light the Holy Spirit." She responded that, when visiting St. Peter’s basilica in Rome, designed in the renaissance, she came upon the stained glass window of the Holy Spirit in the apse – beyond Bernini’s baldachino over the confessio, to which she was immediately drawn. “I had to light the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit is responsible for everything." It is the Spirit that hovered over the waters of creation, brought about life, descended on Christ at his baptism, was sent as counselor, guide and advocate to give birth to the church after the resurrection.

  

Bridget's work has reached critical acclaim: Bridget Williams Lighting Design recently won an award from the Illumination Engineering Society for their work on the St. Monica Lighting Renovation project. The project included a very talented team of architectural, electrical and general contractor groups that seamlessly integrate lights and supportive equipment. The lighting controls were designed to run on time-schedules, and can be adjusted to transform the interiors when required. Many of our regular visitors will note that the lighting often reflects the liturgical season; at our highest attendance Masses, such as during the Christmas and Easter seasons, the interior of the Church is enhanced by the innovative lighting design, making it a prayerful and beautiful space for worship and represents the heart of our community.

 

We congratulate Bridget and her team - thank you for the great work for the benefit of our community. To learn more about Bridget, and see other projects she has worked on, visit: www.Bridgetwilliams.com.

 

The awards ceremony can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-8-OSUdt3w - with Bridget's award for her work at St. Monica at the 17:35 minute mark.

 

Below are images of the completed project:

 

Scripture Encounter is coming back to St. Monica on August 24 with a seasoned facilitator team, including Glenda Ong. Reflecting on previous years of the bible study, Glenda finds: "every time the participants tell me that our fellowship inspires them and touches their lives, [it’s a] pay off.” Reading the Bible can be difficult, and many of the individuals coming to the Catholic faith through RCIA share that reading the bible, and increasing their knowledge of scripture, is an important goal on their faith journey. "Studying scripture has put [me] on God's pathway for cultivating my spiritual growth,” Glenda shared, as her initial motivation for beginning bible studies in her own life.

 

The Gospel of St. Matthew, our current lectionary reading this year, is particularly interesting. Pope Francis once shared that: “I am a sinner,” but more concretely, he explained that he was thinking of his own story as the calling of St. Matthew. “That’s me. If feel like him … Here, this is me, a sinner whom the Lord has turned his gaze.” 

 

From tax collector to evangelist, St. Matthew provides a rich narrative driven by the question of sin, of what it means to be Christian and Jewish, and to encounter the risen Lord. This Fall in Scripture Encounter, we are journeying together through the first half of Matthew’s Gospel; reading, praying and discussing the Word of God. Breaking the word open together will facilitate our encounter with Christ, as we grow as his disciples and in community. This will enable us to become, as Msgr. Torgerson often says: People of the Word. 

 

Studying the Bible in a group, hearing about the background and interpretations, praying together, and discussing questions, will enrich our own understand, not just in our heads, but also in our hearts. Our Scripture Encounter experience will be strengthened with the addition of Steve Picard, who joins the team from the Catholic Bible Institute. Scripture Ecounter will provide a high-quality Bible Study with a resource from Catholic Publisher Little Rock Scripture Study. Click the image below for more information on how to participate with us!

 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola

July 31. 8:20 am - 9:20 am - Outdoors on the Duval Patio (pre-reservation required).

 

12:35 pm -1:15 pm - Livestream Mass - www.stmonica.net/mass, Fr. Dave Ayotte will be offering a time of prayer online.

 

We will offer outdoor and online options, in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, for a Holy Hour, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

This Friday, after the Outdoor 8:00 am Daily Mass on the Duval Patio, there will be a Holy Hour of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

If you would like to participate in the Mass and the Holy Hour, please reserve a spot at www.stmonica.eventbrite.com or call the parish office (310) 566-1500. We have a limited number of spots available. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

 

Prayer: Take, Lord, Receive

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,

my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

-Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556

 

 

It’s that time of year again—where your story is front-and-center: Volunteer Appreciation! Aug. 9, we will introduce the recipients of this year’s David Hines Volunteer Awards. We also want to share your story, since you are the heartbeat of the parish. The pandemic brings struggle, so let’s uncover a silver lining. We pray and reflect on how we have been united together in many new ways and continue to live our mission: to form loving disciples who will transform the world. Volunteers have never been more vital—whether virtually or in-person—helping to make a tangible impact in our parish and civic communities.

 

This year Volunteer Appreciation is going digital as we celebrate the “Volunteer Tales of St. Monica.” We want to feature the diversity of all those who serve, whether in ministry, outreach, liturgy, or fellowship. We are inviting stories from every volunteer at St. Monica—whether once a year or every week. You have a great memory of a volunteer moment that needs to be shared!

 

Need help with an example? Take a look at our Volunteer Appreciation Portal to see some examples of our volunteers and their video testimonial of their favorite St. Monica Volunteer Moment.

 

Your videos will debut Aug. 9, along with the announcement of this year’s David Hines Volunteer Awards recipients.

Established in memory of a dearly beloved volunteer who tragically died in the late 90s, we honor the life of David Hines by recognizing amazing hands and hearts of service. As his brother put it best, “David lived for a celebration.” Come celebrate the many blessings of our parish: you!

 

Read more about David Hines, his legacy, past recipients, and watch videos of our featured volunteers. Check out our Volunteer Appreciation portal by clicking below!

 

Thank you so much to our staff and clergy for working diligently to provide for outdoor opportunities to celebrate the sacraments with our community. To our parishioners, we appreciate your patience and prayers while our Church discerns the best options for our community.  

 

We continue to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary for intercession for all those affected by COVID-19, our community and our world.

 

If you or someone you know is in need during this time, contact our COVID-10 Response Ministry, established to help our community during this unqiue time of Pandemic.

 

The following options will be available beginning on Sunday, July 19:

 

Outdoor Communion Procession 

Sundays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Outdoor Mass on Hilton Schoolyard Lawn

Saturday Vigil at 5:30 p.m.

Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

Pre-reservation through eventbrite will be required.

Click HERE to Reserve a Spot for Outdoor Mass

 

Daily Mass Outdoors on Duval Patio

Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays at 8:00 a.m.

Pre-reservation through eventbrite will be required.

Click HERE to Reserve a Spot for Outdoor Mass

 

Livestream will continue:

Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Monday–Saturday, 12:10 p.m.

 

Click HERE to view Livestream

July 13, 2020

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced new statewide restrictions and the re-closure of indoor church services, which is effective Monday, July 13, 2020.

 

St. Monica is still awaiting additional developments, guidelines, and announcements from the LA County Dept of Health, City of Santa Monica, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

 

In the meantime, however, we have suspended in-person daily Mass and Sunday Masses through this weekend (7/18).

Livestream will continue as it always has during this pandemic:
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Monday–Saturday, 12:10 p.m.

 

Click HERE to view Livestream

 

We continue to pray for the repose of the soul for all those who have perished due to COVID-19, we lift up those struggling with infection, and we remain ready to serve and support all those parishioners who may need our care and support.

 

If you or someone you know needs assistance, support, or pastoral care due to COVID-19 crisis, St. Monica has established a COVID Response Ministry. Please continue to let us know how we can serve you.

Fr. Dave Ayotte began his journey with St. Monica on July 1, moving from a position as Associate Pastor at St. John Eudes in Chatsworth. He is an energetic and engaging presence; Fr. Dave knows what it is like to grow up Catholic in Los Angeles. While his family emigrated to the United States from Canada when he was 4, Fr. Dave received his formative education at Bishop Amat Memorial High School and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. After hearing a first knock on his heart toward a vocation to the priesthood, and ever a discerning personality, Fr. Dave initially struggled with the idea of giving all facets of his life to the priesthood. It took a second try at the seminary, after teaching at his alma mater for a few years, to truly envision himself as a priest. The experience of teaching high school religion and informing young minds towards Christ led him to be drawn into spirituality in new ways, leading to a second and successful attempt to complete his seminary studies at St. john's Seminary in Camarillo in 1992.

 

While Fr. Dave’s particular charism and mission at St. Monica is still unfolding, he brings to the table a unique perspective of both a global and a regional understanding of what it means to be Catholic in our modern society. Having worked extensively in Nairobi with the Jesuits to raise funds for some of the poorest communities, Fr. Dave found great insight in living and breathing Ignatian Spirituality. Whenever he was burned out, or needed a break from his stressful roles, such as simultaneously serving as Director of Development for the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar and as an undergraduate professor at the Jesuit School of Theology at Hekima College in Nairobi, he states: “I would go into the slums to get reenergized. I feel strongly that staying connected to the poor brings us clarity.” It is that connection and clarity that Fr. Dave credits with keeping him spiritually balanced in times of stress and loneliness.

 

Fr. Dave, states that while he “is not a Jesuit,” his time with the Jesuits formed him in very particular ways; he hopes that he can utilize those Jesuit methods to help St. Monica “work as a team in listening to the Word of God.” It is this connection with Christ and seeing God in your own personal story that Fr. Dave hopes to engender to our community, as he has a particular interest in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. He was also in Kenya during the formative years of our parishes’ many developments for our Sister Parish in Dandora. Fr. Dave saw first-hand what the St. Monica community has sown and tended over many years; he hopes to provide, in his own way, a sense of the global mission and vision of St. Monica, which starts with staying connected to areas of need, both locally and globally. Reaching out to the marginalized, drawing them in and welcoming them fully is engrained in our community, and Fr. Dave is especially looking forward to doing his part to welcome all in this place.

 

Let us all welcome Fr. Dave to our St. Monica community!

 

Use your skills, talents, and passion to...spread the good news!

Communication is vital to all our ministries, liturgies, outreach, and evangelization. Jesus’ used the power of stories — parables — to connect with everyone he encountered.

 

There are so many unique and compelling stories at St. Monica longing to be heard, but we need a team of curators and narrators — we need your eyes and your voice — to share these accounts in the most creative ways we can imagine.

Gather for either info session and help us conceptualize the launch of this new ministry of storytelling:

 

Wed, July 1 • 6:30 p.m.

 

We're looking for:

• Photographers: Literally everyday, there is a story to be told through the lens. Be there to capture it.
• Videographers: Sound and motion bringan extra dimension to allow people to be seen and heard.
• Writers: There’s more than just who, what, where, and how. Share the “why” in everything we do.
• Designers: Layout and typography are the unsung heroes of communication on the page.
• Illustrators: Let’s move beyond the expected clip art and provide a visual explanation that inspires.
• Digital Producers: Stories, posts, likes, shares ― we have to reach people on the platform they choose and use.

 

Questions? Contact:

Merrick Siebenaler, Dir. Strategic Communications
(310) 566-1514 • 

 

 Click HERE to Register