Stations of the Cross & Soup Supper
Each Friday in Lent, we'll observe the devotion of Stations of the Cross in the church, followed by soup supper in the Grand Pavilion. Each week is led and sponsored by different ministries in our community—listed here:
- March 8 – Peace & Justice
- March 15 – Confirmation & High School Youth
- March 22 – Cornerstone Ministry
- March 29 - YMA (Young Ministering Adults)
- April 5 – 5:30 Sunday Worship Committee
- April 12 – Worship/Liturgy Ministry Council (tentative)
- April 19, 3:00 p.m. – Good Friday: Taizé Prayer at the Cross
Laurel and Hardy took top billing
Thursday was the Film Club’s annual "Go to the Movies Night," and the audience gave a big thumb’s up to the charming biopic, Stan & Ollie, now in theaters. One takeaway from the Laurel and Hardy-focused evening was that, despite the decades since the comic duo actually performed, their work is part of our personal and common memory banks. We like them. They were originals.
Fr. David Guffey, CSC, moderated the evening and shared classic Oliver and Hardy footage to the audience’s delight. At one point the discussion turned to Stan Laurel’s days as a Santa Monica resident, first on Franklin Street and later at the Oceana Apartments. Unbeknownst to us, we were in the presence of a man who had served as Laurel’s paperboy (although he never caught sight of the icon) and Laurel’s favorite barbershop is still very much in business.
The evening—whether discussing the new film or the real lives of Oliver and Hardy—had several prominent themes. One was friendship, its value and its importance in life. Another was life transitions and how we as individuals choose to deal with them.
Next for the Film Club and film lovers is Feb. 14—Valentine’s Day. That’s when the Film Club will hold its annual Oscar Night. Always festive…always fun, the night includes refreshments, film clips, lots of discussions and a chance to vote for YOUR best picture of the year. See you on the red carpet (if we can find one).
The Evening Was Merry and Bright
You just never know what’s going to happen at St. Monica. Take Thursday night. The temperature was hovering in the mid-60s, and the sky was dotted with stars—yet snow was falling in the Grand Pavilion. That’s when the Film Club presented the holiday classic, White Christmas. The movie was released over 60 years ago, but its timeless score never seems out-of-date. In fact, Bing Crosby wasn’t the only one singing the melody on Thursday—the evening ended with everyone joining in with Father David Guffey, CSC, to pay homage to Irving Berlin’s nostalgic masterpiece.
2019 will soon be here as will the Film Club’s special January event called “Go to the Movies Night.” That’s the evening when the Film Club discusses a movie that’s then in local theaters. Those planning to attend the Film Club in January are asked to see Stan & Ollie, a biopic about the famous comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. The film hits theaters December 28 about three weeks before the Film Club’s Jan. 17 event.
Holy Cross Africa Ministry (HCAM) Education Fund
In Dandora, a blighted neighborhood adjacent to the municipal dump of Nairobi, Kenya, providing an education for a child can create stability for the entire family. With 40 percent unemployment and 80 percent of the population living in extreme poverty, education provides hope for improving lives in this community.
St. Monica’s Sister Parish, Holy Cross Dandora, is home to St. James Primary School, and for the last 12 years St. Monica’s Holy Cross Africa Ministry (HCAM) has provided scholarships for students in need. Once we sponsor a student at St. James, HCAM Education Fund is committed to sponsoring each student through high school. This year, four more of our sponsored students graduated from high school!
Many poor parents must choose between putting food on the table for the family and sending a child to school. Sometimes they must choose which one of their children will go to school, while a sibling stays home because they cannot pay the fees. When the HCAM Education Fund provides school fees for a child living in poverty, it means increased investment in families and the entire community.
Holy Cross Dandora also provides adult education in the community with a professional tailoring school. We currently sponsor six women in the 3-year program to become professional tailors. We have also provided funds for specialized sewing equipment so the students can train for better jobs in the textile and garment industry.
This year HCAM Education Fund is sponsoring 40 students in primary, high school, adult tailoring school, and one young woman who is studying medicine at Kenyatta University. We have also funded musical instruments for the nursery school, new sports equipment, teaching materials, and field trips for every class at St. James.
With your help, we can change one life, one family, and one community through the gift of education for one child.
We are so grateful for the generosity of the St. Monica community. HCAM has made a huge impact in the lives of families in Dandora through our direct involvement in any successful programs. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Kenya as they pray for all of us at St. Monica daily.
If you’d like to contribute and help send a child to school or help a young become a tailor,
Click HERE to donate the the HCAM Education Fund
Every contribution will make a difference!
Christmas Mass Schedule 2018
“In every age, O God, you have been our refuge.“
For 132 years, St. Monica Catholic Community
has gathered the faithful to celebrate
the birth of our newborn king, Emmanuel—God with us.
Whether this parish is your second home
or you’re visiting for the first time,
we welcome you with open hearts.
Come as you are to St. Monica
to worship, grow, serve, give and connect.
We may be weary because we are human,
but we rejoice in hope because we are Christian.
Prepare Him room and gather around the altar of hope.
CHRISTMAS EVE: Monday, Dec. 24
4:00 p.m. · Church · Msgr. Torgerson
Jeffrey Bonilla: 5:30 Sunday Choir
4:00 p.m. · Gym · Fr. Ian (Children's)
Arielle Phan: Children's Choir
4:00 p.m. · Grand Pavilion · Fr. Vince
Michelle Crenshaw
6:00 p.m. · Church · Fr. David
Jeffrey Bonilla: 7:30 p.m. Ensemble
8:00 p.m. · Church · Fr. Ian
Cesar Marquez & Ensemble
10:00 p.m. · Church · David
Cesar Marquez & Ensemble
Midnight · Church · Msgr. Torgerson
Merrick Siebenaler & Combined Choirs
CHRISTMAS DAY: Tuesday, Dec. 25
7:30 a.m. Fr. Mark
Gary Denk
9:30 a.m. Fr. David
Eric Becker & Choir
11:30 a.m. Msgr. Torgerson
Merrick Siebenaler & Choir
1:15 p.m. Fr. Ian
Jeffrey Bonilla & Monica’s Joy
There will be NO 5:30 or 7:30 p.m. Masses on Christmas Day.
New Year's Day - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
- VIGIL: Monday, Dec. 31: 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019: 10 a.m.
Confession is available throughout Advent on weekdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:30 to 5 p.m. with these additional times:
- Tuesday, Dec. 18: Communal Reconciliation Liturgy 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 19: 5–6 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 20: 5–6 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 21: 5–7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 22: 3–5 p.m.
There will be no Confession on Dec. 24–25, Dec. 31, or Jan. 1.
Annointing of the Sick
Several of our priests will be present to offer this healing sacrament at this Holy Time of the Year. There will be opportunity for anointing for all who are ill, or have fallen weak under the burden of years.
- Sunday, Dec. 23: 11:30 a.m.
We rely on your generosity at Christmas to continue serving and praying as one community and one body in Christ—here at St. Monica and around the world.
Thank you for your love and generosity this sacred season and throughout the year.
SoCal Wildfires Response & Resources
We are humbled at the response of hospitality and support by the parishioners at St. Monica Catholic Community. Thank you!
Currently, the following organizations are providing the best direct assistance for wildfire victims and evacuees:
- The American Red Cross is providing both shelter and emotional support for evacuees. You can visit RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation.
- The United Way of Greater Los Angeles is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by the Southern California fires. They're partnering with United Way of Ventura County.
- The Salvation Army Ventura Corps wildfire relief fund is also accepting donations to go toward California wildfire relief.
- The California Fire Foundation is a nonprofit that is distributing emergency funds to fire victims through its SAVE program. That includes firefighters distributing prepaid credit cards to help victims in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
- The Entertainment Industry Foundation is raising money through its Fire Relief Fund to help those affected. The organizations that will benefit, but last year they gave to the L.A. Fire Department, L.A. Kitchen, and the Humane Society of Ventura County.
- Facebook also has a Crisis Response page for the Woolsey Fire, which includes fundraising through GlobalGiving to help those affected by the fire.
How to Donate to Help Animals
- The Humane Society of Ventura County is accepting animals evacuating from the Hill and Woolsey fires, and they're also looking for support. You can donate to the organization here or purchase needed items through their Amazon Wish List here.
- The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is providing animals shelter from the Woolsey and Hill fires. They're accepting donations through the Noah's Legacy Fund.
Other Actions You Can Take
- Adopt a pet. The L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control is asking people to go to their nearest animal care center and adopt during this emergency. They note that their Agoura Animal Care Center was evacuated Friday morning, but their other centers remain open.
- Apply to volunteer with the Humane Society of Ventura County, though they are currently only accepting trained volunteers to help with evacuated animals.
- Apply to become a Red Cross volunteer.
St. Monica Community Response
- We continue to welcome those needing an assembly point and temporary refuge site whilst they make further plans. We can offer water, snacks and sandwiches, charging stations and fellowship.
- At present, the parish is in communication with officials from the City of Santa Monica, the local American Red Cross and Catholic Charities—the situation has not escalated to a point where our facilities are needed to provide overnight shelter.
- We are collecting contact information for parishioners and neighbours with available shelter. You can email details to be added to this list:
- At present, donations designated to fire relief will be re-directed to appropriate agencies (e.g. American Red Cross, Catholic Charities). You can make that specific donation HERE.
Hospitality for Woolsey Fire Evacuees
This evening until 10:30 p.m., St. Monica can welcome evacuees and those fleeing the effects of the Woolsey Fire. We can offer water, snacks and a place to re-group. Unfortunately, we are not prepared to provide overnight services at this time, but can assist in connecting people to services as needed.
725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403
Enter via driveway on California Ave. between 7th St & Lincoln Blvd.
(310) 566-1500
Underground parking available. Report to reception for direction.
To the sky and back...
And the winners are (left to right): Phyllis Arnold, Bernadette Futo, Elizabeth Anker and Carol Newlove.
Each won an “inspirational” door prize following the screening of Hidden Figures at the Film Club.
November 8. The Film Club enjoyed the delightful Hidden Figures. The film is based on the true story of three African-American women, who quietly carved a path to success at NASA in the 1960s. In doing so, they helped change people’s attitudes, their own lives and the lives of future generations and, if that weren’t enough, helped launch the U.S. space program as well.
Some 70 parishioners attended the screening. Many commented on the version of America depicted in the film—a period of change and challenge that saw our electing the first Catholic (and young) president to our nemesis, Russia, leading America in the space race. We were a nation reaching for the stars while, at the same time, living with the burden of ingrained discrimination.
Fr. David Guffey, CSC, led the discussion following the film. He remarked how these women transformed the attitudes of those around them not only through their intelligence and hard work but also through their character, values, and faith.
Dec. 13 is the next Film Club event, and EVERYONE is invited to share the holiday cheer as we screen the classic White Christmas. The snow watch begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Pavilion. You never know, it could snow…the most amazing things happen at St. Monica.
In Gratitude
Last month we heard about the importance of stewardship, how lives have been transformed by your generosity, and that our parish remains a beacon of love and compassion for the community and the world.
This video demonstrates how your gifts to St. Monica literally change lives!
We ask every household to make a pledge of gratitude. A pledge is simply a promise to give consistently - weekly or monthly - for the coming year. Pledging to give regularly to St. Monica shows our gratitude for what God is doing in our own lives.
Answer the call.
Make your pledge of gratitude today.
Living in Gratitude: Stories from our parish family
Here are personal stories from parishioners whose lives have been changed by the programs and ministries at St. Monica. Their stories of gratitude are a testament to the power of generosity.
JOE TORRENUEVA
“Two years ago, my 50-year old son died. How does a parent go on or want to go on? My wife and I found St. Monica and the Bereavement Group community to help us with our loss. There we experienced an incredible support system; it was safe, and we didn’t feel so alone. Halfway through the program, I thought, ‘I could do this,’ meaning become a Facilitator. You see, maybe I couldn’t help my son, but I could help someone else. That was his gift to me to give back.”
LISA & JAMES PENA
“We met at St. Monica in 1997 through the YMA, and got involved in social activities, met many wonderful friends, and got engaged surrounded by our amazing, loving and supportive St. Monica family. Msgr. Torgerson married us in 2001, our daughter was baptized a few years later, followed by kindergarten at SMCES, First Holy Communion and she’s now in eighth grade! Our dearest friends are those we met doing service and through countless other opportunities over the years. Our lives are truly blessed and enriched this incredible parish community!”
KEITH BAKER
“June marked 10 years as a Southern California transplant; a journey of self-discovery and soul-searching. The demands of work only compounded feelings of loneliness that begged the question, “Is it time to head home?” Little did I know that St. Monica would become my home away from home; a much-needed sanctuary to reset and prioritize the values my family instilled in me. With all St. Monica has gifted me, I can only begin to return the favor through volunteering and giving back my time.”
SCAM ALERT: Email Posing as Msgr. Torgerson
Our parish and parishioners have once again become a target for an email scam:
- Thieves are using email addresses listed in our bulletin and website to write emails posing as Msgr. Torgerson, asking for help.
- If the recipient replies, the thieves ask that person to purchase gift cards, scratch off the panels revealing the gift card number and email that information to them.
- This began in May and staff have experienced two waves since that time. This is the first time that parishioners are being targeted.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Our website and our email servers HAVE NOT been compromised. These are not bots, but actual people who understand Msgr’s public position as a leader in our community. Our network and affiliated servers have strong layers of protection in place.
- Msgr. Torgerson rarely corresponds with parishioners via email. When he does, the only email address he possesses is part of our official domain: <@stmonica.net>. His executive assistant, Patricia Garcia is his primary point of contact and handles all but the most sensitive of matters.
- Since the thieves are opening brand new email accounts with third-party email providers, there is little we can do to prevent/block their actions.
- Msgr. Torgerson is fully aware of the situation.
What you should do:
- Although the ‘FROM:’ field may say “Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson” or similar—always check the actual email address.
Msgr. DOES NOT possess an email from gmail, yahoo, outlook or other third-party providers. - The best thing to do is NEVER reply and mark the email as ‘Junk.’ Similar to in-person stalking and trolling situations, the best response is neglect and the cold shoulder. Even negative replies offer positive reinforcement that their messages are reaching actual people and will encourage them to continue with further attempts.
- All email providers have ways to report email addresses that are abusive:
- Google (gmail): https://support.google.com/mail/contact/abuse
- Yahoo (ymail): https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN26401.html
- Apple (icloud, me.com): https://www.apple.com/ca/legal/more-resources/phishing
- Microsoft (outlook.com): https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Deal-with-abuse-phishing-or-spoofing-in-Outlook-com-0d882ea5-eedc-4bed-aebc-079ffa1105a3 [scroll down to ‘Reporting Abuse’]
If you have any questions or further concerns—or if you are contacted with questions or concerns—re-direct everyone to me. I realize these messages can be unnerving—yet it is important that all of us not inflame the situation with speculation, rumor, or panic.
Thank so much,
~merrick
==
Merrick Siebenaler
Director of Marketing Communications
St. Monica Catholic Community
725 California Ave ∙ Santa Monica, CA 90403
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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