St. Monica Order of Malta: Lourdes Pilgrimage 2023
This May, the Order of Malta led the International Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France to commemorate its 65th Anniversary. This past week, five of our St. Monica’s Catholic Community parishioners took part in this wonderful celebration of faith, love, and almsgiving. Our five parishioners are members of the Order of Malta - Western Association: Jackie Connor & Zee Figueroa (Dames), Mark Kelsey & Martin Bohan (Knights), and Johanna Jara (Auxiliary).
The Order of Malta is a historic religious and charitable Catholic organization founded in 1048 AD by Blessed Gerard, from whom it derives its name. It is rooted in the Catholic Faith and focused on providing assistance to the poor, sick, and suffering. The Order's mission today is to extend perpetual help and support to individuals facing poverty, sickness or abandonment and to uphold the dignity of people by responding to their need for physical and spiritual assistance.
This year the number of participants has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels: there were over 6,000 participants, including sick people, knights, dames, and volunteers that represented over 41 different countries, a clear sign of faith and hope.
Of the 6,000 participants, there were 1,077 sick people, of whom 201 were children under the age of 12; 191 priests, 14 deacons, 878 pilgrims, 228 doctors, and 135 nurses.
If you would like to learn more about the Order of Malta, please contact Dennis Hardwick at .
Team "Race 4 Veronika’s Place" crosses the finish line!
Team Race 4 Veronika’s Place crosses the finish line at the 2023 LA Marathon and LA 5K raising $55,000.00 to feed those in need.
Congratulations to the 34 Race for Veronika’s Place Team athletes for making their running and walking have more meaning than just another race. These 34 people reached out to family, friends, and the Community of St. Monica to dedicate their miles to fundraising for Veronika’s Place at our sister parish Holy Cross in Dandora, Kenya.
Veronika’s Place, supported by St. Monica Holy Cross Africa Ministry [HCAM], is a food distribution program that supports HIV/AIDS patients in the Dandora Holy Cross Community. The Funds we raise feed over 500 people each month with basic provisions. The men, women, and children we help cannot survive their battle with HIV/AIDS, even with antiviral medications, if they do not have nourishing food.
In a proud partnership with the Los Angeles Marathon, Team Race 4 Veronika’s Place has participated in the full LA Marathon over the last 11 years, the Charity Half Marathon, and the LA 5K.
This year’s team dedicated each mile in prayer to the Veronika’s Place beneficiaries, Fr. David Ayotte and David Henwood.
- Full Marathon: Tyler Kavanaugh, Patrick Keeley, and John Williams
- Charity Half Marathon: Keith Baker, Tina Farales, Gabe Gomez, Jakub Halvka, Dennis, Hardwick, Kristin Hogan, Mary Mariano, Maria Medina, Ventura Medina, Rachelle Nesgoda, Anna Rodrigues, Trevor Rodrigues, Stephanie Viganego, Cesar Vargas
- 5K: Lynn Chan, Colin Chan, Teresa Corderio, Rami Delos Reyes, Kai Delos Reyes, Lamont Dubois, Larry Hardnett, Joshua Jones, Lisa Labana, Roland Labana, Terry Leary, Lupe Martinez, Phil Martinez, Wacu Ndirangu, Barbara Swaczy, Patti Walker, John Williams, Sharon Arnett
Fr. Ron Rolheiser: "The Passion and the Cross"
Parish Mission Retreat: Fr. Ron Rolheiser
March 18–20
Saturday, 9 a.m. | Sunday & Monday, 7 p.m.
Click HERE to Download the Handout
The Passion and the Cross – Revealing Secrets Hidden Since the Beginning of Time
At the heart of our faith lies the mystery of Jesus’ Passion and death on a cross. It is not so much that we misunderstand this mystery but rather that we do not probe deeply enough into its richness. What are the deep “secrets” and “truths” revealed in the passion and death of Jesus? How are we saved through this mystery? How does the “Lamb of God” take away the sins of the world and wash us clean with his blood? Parsing the paschal mystery.
Featuring:
Rev. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is a theologian, professor, and award-winning author, and serves as president of the Oblate School of Theology. He holds Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Ottawa and Newman Theological College Edmonton and Master’s degrees from the University of San Francisco and the University of Louvain, Belgium along with a Ph.D./STD from the University of Louvain. Apart from his academic knowledge in systematic theology and philosophy, he has become a popular speaker in contemporary spirituality and religion, and the secular world. He writes a weekly column that is carried in over 70 newspapers around the world.
Donate to Fr. Ron Rolheiser
CRS Rice Bowl
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl…Fight Hunger Globally and Here at Home!
This Lent, our community will participate in CRS Rice Bowl, a program that invites us to reflect on the challenges of global hunger—and our Gospel call to care for our global human family. The program invites Catholics to live in solidarity with our poorest and most vulnerable brothers and sisters through the three Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Participants pray over what sacrifice they would like to make this Lent and use the CRS Rice Bowl to collect their Lenten alms. At the end of Lent, alms are sent to CRS to support global projects.
By joining our prayers, fasts, and alms this Lent with those of other parishes and Catholic schools in the United States, we will help millions of women, men, and children worldwide.
Together as a Church, through CRS Rice Bowl, we can contribute to the efforts of those who seek to build a better world for themselves and their communities. 75% of gifts support CRS International humanitarian programs; the other 25% remain in each U.S. diocese.
Where Can You Find a CRS Rice Bowl?
- March 2 and March 9 after morning liturgies in Grand Pavilion patio
- Bowls will also be available at the Caruso Center Reception Desk and Holy Grounds
What If I Don’t Have a Rice Bowl?
- If you don’t have a CRS Rice Bowl, print the DIY Rice Bowl label and adhere it to a container.
How to Make Your Donation to CRS Rice Bowl:
- Return your Rice Bowl to St. Monica between April 13 – April 27 to Caruso Center Reception. Your donations will be added to others in the parish and sent to Catholic Relief Services.
- You can leave a check at Caruso Center Reception Office between April 13 – April 27 made payable to St. Monica Catholic Church. We will deposit the check and send accumulated funds to Catholic Relief Services.
- You can also donate directly to Catholic Relief Services at https://www.crsricebowl.org/donate-to-crs-rice-bowl?ms=orbric0225rbl00dnb00
CRS Rice Bowl Resources
CRS Rice Bowl provides many resources for daily reflection and action throughout the Lenten season.
- Read the Stories of Hope and daily reflections to inspire your Lenten journey. https://www.crsricebowl.org/stories-of-hope/intro
- Pray the Stations of the Cross using our booklet.
- Use the CRS Rice Bowl recipes to prepare simple, meatless meals on the Fridays of Lent to eat in solidarity with our sisters and brothers worldwide. https://www.crsricebowl.org/recipe
Action Alert
Like many global agencies that serve the poor and needy USAAID funds have supported Catholic Relief Services programs. As you have heard in the news the Administration has issued immediate stop work orders on almost all foreign aid as they review State Department and USAID programs. New administrations usually review ongoing programs against their policy goals. While an exception for lifesaving humanitarian assistance has been issued, it has still not allowed any assistance or funding to move so lifesaving work can continue. Halting funding for lifesaving international humanitarian and development programs is impacting millions of our sisters and brothers around the world who need access to lifesaving humanitarian, health, and development assistance. This includes CRS Rice Bowl Programs. Here is a link to a CRS document with more background information. https://www.crs.org/sites/default/files/crs_backgrounder_foreign_aid_march3_eng.pdf
If you feel called to do so we encourage you to contact your legislators with the message to resume humanitarian assistance programs while under review. Millions of children and families are at risk. For next steps visit //bit.ly/alert-congress
Your sacrifices and action during this holy season have the power to change lives by providing enough nutritious food for families to thrive. Thank you for joining our faith community—and nearly 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with CRS Rice Bowl.
If you have any questions, get in touch with Delis Alejandro, Pastoral Associate, at (310) 566-1530 or
Who is Santa Claus…for real?
by Dominik Gnirs
Who, who, who ... is that jolly old man that brings us presents and does so many magical things? What is the real story and legends, old and new? Let’s take a dive into Santa Claus, aka Saint Nicholas.
Historic St. Nicholas
Nicholas of Myra was a real historic person and a church bishop! He lived from around 270–343 AD in Asia Minor, which today is in Turkey. Very little is known about his life, and with many early legends, it is hard to tell facts from fiction. An early account about him says he rescued three girls from prostitution by dropping gold from his inheritance through the window for the father to pay off the dowry. Certainly, he was a bishop, was probably persecuted under Diocletian, and released under Constantin. He likely attended the council of Nicea, from which we get the creed.
Patron Saint of Many
Due to the many stories around St. Nicholas, he became the patron saint to many: Sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and unmarried people. Many of these are founded by stories like St. Nicholas saving three sailors by calming a storm. Another legend has him loading wheat from a ship during a famine, and the sailors go on with the wheat supernaturally replenished.
Debunking a Myth
The red and white dress for St. Nicholas seems like a marketing trick by Coca-Cola, and this story lives on as a modern legend. Yet, depictions of Santa Claus in red and white date back to the 1870s, before Coca-Cola existed.
How Nicholas Became Santa Claus
Merging legends around St. Nicholas, the British legend of Father Christmas, and the Dutch/Belgian Sinterklaas turned the legendary saint into a mystical figure and moved the celebration day from the Saint’s Day on December 6 to December 25. Putting out our shoes comes from Sinterklaas, where children would also leave hay and a carrot out for Santa’s reindeer. Much of the American folklore about Santa Claus originated from the publication “The Night Before Christmas” from 1823.
Learn more in this online biography of narration of the legends around Santa Claus:
Each was a hard act to follow
The Sept. 8 Film Club started the season with The Art of Acting. After a most interesting presentation on the evolution of acting in film, Fr. David Guffey, CSC, National Director, Family Theater Productions, moderated a panel of three working actors who are also parishioners. Each shared tidbits about their roads to the big and little screen, lessons learned, and favorite projects.
After meeting Josef Cannon, the audience is looking forward to seeing him in the new release, Paul’s Promise, in theaters on Oct. 21. The movie recounts an inspiring true story of a bigoted firefighter-turned pastor, who started one of the first integrated churches in the American South in the 1960s. As a youth, Josef was inspired to an acting career by LaVar Burton, who became a household name after appearing in Roots. Josef recently won best supporting actor for Paul’s Promise at the CFF Awards and the International Christian Film Festival. Josef is also known for roles in films such as Hell Hath No Fury, White Elephant, and Debt Collector 2.
Eileen O’Connell’s “reel” was chock full of examples of how her engaging personality captures an audience. Eileen is known for roles in The Gunfighter, Blunt Talk, Sigmund, and the Sea Monsters, The Odd Couple, New Girl, Hot in Cleveland, and About a Boy. She recounted a memorable career experience shooting a Super Bowl commercial with “an unnamed” celebrity. Arriving on set, she was awed to find it was Brian Cranston. Her initial jitters soon gave way to a delightful experience working with this man who turned out to be as genuine a person as he was a supportive colleague.
Peggy Miley’s acting career started as a “hobby” when she was a teacher in New York. Before long, she had a dual career—in the classroom all day and on the stage at night. Peggy’s storied career includes major films (Alice, Suburbicon), TV shows (Stranger Things, Curb Your Enthusiasm), and commercials. A fan favorite is her 1999 Christmas Cheerios commercial where she chats about family with her baby granddaughter over a highchair tray of Cheerios. Fans of the commercial were treated to a 2020 update with both actors reprising their roles while chatting on Zoom about Christmas, family, and Cheerios.
For more information about the new Film Club season visit our website.
Saint Monica Preparatory
Letter from School President
This is an exciting time for St. Monica’s largest ministry: the former St. Monica Elementary School (founded in 1930) and St. Monica High School (founded in 1937) are consolidating into Saint Monica Preparatory, a TK-12 school. This change is the outcome of a strategic planning process that began in the fall of 2020. It represents more than a simple renaming and rebranding (new name, new logo, new signage, new website), but a rethinking of what the St. Monica Catholic-parish-based educational experience can and should be.
We are changing how we are organized to better serve the students in our care and their families. Several new positions have been added or expanded: Suzette Sornborger has been hired to oversee the spiritual and faith development of everyone in our community – students, staff, and families; Rob Greene has been hired to develop a comprehensive experiential education program; AJ Webster is our new director of the Maker Space, and Daniel Knowles has been hired to direct the advancement and admission department. All of these positions serve TK–12.
Our staff returned to campus on August 8; upper school students started returning to campus by grade level this past week; lower school students start returning by grade level this coming week. On Friday, August 26, we will kick off the new school year with Mass, a celebration of the feast of St. Monica, and a celebration of our new identity.
Please keep our school community—your school community—in your prayers as we embark on this grand adventure in Catholic education.
Peace,
Kevin
My Calling
In Disney’s 2007 animated movie “Ratatouille”, a little mouse wanted to be a big chef and create the best food Paris could offer. The movie's central question was whether “Anybody can cook” is true. It’s a classic tale of following a dream, overcoming obstacles, and finding our true selves through what we can do best.
Too often, we are tempted to think that we are not particularly gifted in anything, seeing others sometimes outdo us at work, home, or the community. Yet, the Faith tells us that everyone has gifts, and charisms, given by God, to bear fruits and transform the world. How can we find our true self before God, our own charisms, and what God calls us to do for others? How can we avoid burnout and focus our energy on what is energizing and fulfilling?
Called and Gifted is a limited workshop and discernment process to help us find or clarify our charisms. Infused with the tradition and experience of the saints and the church, Called and Gifted tells us about common charisms and how to recognize them. It sends us on a journey of self-exploration, drawing from our experience and experimentation to discern our own charisms and calling from God. If you want to learn more about yourself, manage a life transition or find ways to serve others better, this program can help you to find your way. On September 10, Called and Gifted is offered as one day workshop for the first time at St. Monica’s. 15 leaders from our community have already gone through the process and are ready to answer any questions you may have. Learn more on stmonica.net/called.
May God help you to find your way,
Msgr. Torgerson and HCAM return to Africa!
Msgr. Torgerson and Holy Cross Africa Ministry Chair return to Kenya to rekindle relationships
Planning has been underway for Msgr. Torgerson and our Holy Cross Africa Ministry [HCAM] team to return to our sister parish, Holy Cross Church in Dandora, Kenya. After a three-year pandemic hiatus, a small group will travel to Kenya, July 10-17 and will include Merrick Siebenaler and Kathleen Gallanar, the new Holy Cross Africa Ministry (HCAM) Chair. Although we have stayed in touch and continued our work remotely over the past 3 years, we look forward to rekindling and renewing our friendships with the people of Dandora.
Upcoming Trip
Msgr. Torgerson will leave for Africa on July 9, starting a 24-hour journey to Nairobi, where he will meet with the parish priests, school, and hospital leadership, as well as the Catholic community of the Holy Cross Parish in Dandora. Over the course of seven days, they will participate in conversations and meetings with young adults, teachers, students, nurses, doctors, parishioners, and lay leaders to identify the most pressing needs and see how our assistance has helped the community since our last trip in 2019. As part of the trip, Msgr. Torgerson will also discuss ways to remember and honor Fr. Dave Ayotte, who was especially passionate about helping the people of Africa.
To learn more about the trip and ways to support the ministry, join us in welcoming Fr. Bob Dowd and our ministry leaders at the Mission Co-op weekend, July 23-24, 2022.
Celebrating 20 Years and Looking Ahead
This year, we are about to celebrate our 20 year anniversary of our sister-parish relationship. We will celebrate some of the highlights over the coming months: the building of two schools, scholarships for hundreds of children, a new freshwater borehole, and the construction of a maternity hospital and a new church.
Now, we are busier than ever as the HCAM has grown to include several programs. We invite you to learn more about them and how you can help the people of Dandora!
Education and Youth Outreach
We are currently looking for 1-2 volunteers to join our Committee (Monica Fernandez, Mary McLoughlin and Jakub Hlávka) that serves the children and youth of Dandora. To learn more, contact us at .
Our primary mission is to support scholarship students and their families in their efforts to break the cycle of poverty. Our parishioners have provided funding for books, education supplies, projectors, sewing machines, and beyond! We also support the local youth through music and sports programs, notably the Calvary Warriors Basketball Club. Over the past twenty years, we have been able to help hundreds of students and community members.
Veronika’s Place: Food Distribution
We are currently looking for 1-2 volunteers to join our Committee (Sharon Arnett, Rami Reyes) that serves those most vulnerable in the Dandora community. To learn more, please contact .
Veronika’s Place is a food distribution program that supports HIV/AIDS patients in the Holy Cross Community. In partnership with the Los Angeles Marathon, we raise funds to feed over 500 people each month.
Medical Support: Brother André Hospital
We are currently looking for 1-2 volunteers to join our Committee (Mary McLoughlin, Jill Tabit) that supports medical outreach serving hundreds of mothers and newborns in Dandora each year. To learn more, contact .
The Medical Committee supports initiatives that help bring sustainable, compassionate, quality healthcare to the Dandora area. Formerly Brother André Dispensary and Visitation Maternity, Brother André Hospital provides services for Maternity, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Orthopedic, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Cancer screening, and many other outpatient health care services. More than 500 children are born in the hospital every year.
Click Here to Learn More about HCAM!
-Jakub Hlávka, Member
Education and Youth Outreach Committee
Happy 57th Anniversary of Ordination, Msgr. Torgerson!
"To Him the Glory!"
We celebrate the 57th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson, May 1. Of his own journey toward his vocation as a priest, Msgr. Torgerson has said: "When I was young, I loved the priesthood at St. Alphonsus and came to appreciate the life of a priest. I looked up to them and I wanted to be like them." While Msrgr. Torgerson has held many jobs as a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, being our pastor is "the best of them all." When speaking directly to those discerning the priesthood, Msgr. Torgerson urges: "It's a great life - do it! There is no greater life than to live the glory of God. To Him the Glory!"
Celebrate Msgr. Torgerson's 57th Anniversary of Ordination this weekend after the 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses in the Grand Pavilion Patio, coffee and doughnuts sponsored by St. Monica staff. You can take a photo with a Msgr. Torgerson backdrop, write a note, prayer, or well-wish for him, and view photos from his ordination ceremony and first Mass circa 1965.
For our diaspora, we have created an online board for you to post pictures of your favorite moments with Msgr. Torgerson, notes, and well-wishes.
CLICK HERE to add or view to the Board!
Msgr. Torgerson requests no gifts be offered, but instead offer a prayer, note, or a well-wish as he continues his journey as our Pastor.
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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