Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
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Our community is blessed to work with community partners to honor the life and memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We welcome the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization (AACCFE), in continuting their tradition of commemorating the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr civil rights movement on his National Holiday.
Below is an excerpt from Anderson Shaw, Director, 
AACCFE, and husband of our beloved Audrey Shaw, long-time employee. (Both pictured at right on the 2016 Holy Land Trip with St. Monica). Their family has been dedicated to the cause of advancing the aims of AACCFE in Los Angeles and beyond; as Audrey put it best of their work with the AACFE: "It is (our) joy and passion to serve the Archdiocese Black Catholic Community."
Although we have seen some improvements in racial equality since Dr. King lead the Civil Rights Movement, there are still much work left to be done.
There are today injustices embedded in the way our society is structured. The Black Lives protest movement of 2020 brought to our attention the structural injustices black people face everyday. The AACCFE Prayer Breakfast to be hosted on Saturday, Jan. 16, will have an outstanding panel to explore the Black Lives Movement and the Catholic Church. We will hear from such outstanding voices in the Black Catholic Church, including: Bishop Fernand J. Cheri, O.F.M. Auxiliary Bishop Archdiocese of New Orleans, Sr. Eva Lumas, S.S.S. D.Min Associate Director Continuing Education at Xavier University, New Orleans, DeKarlos Blackmon, ObLSB Secretariat Director of Life, Charity and Justice, Diocese of Austin, and E. Desmond Taylor, Administrative Specialist, Office of the Mayor, Houston. For the first time, the program will be available to a wider audience via livestream.
On Monday, Jan.18, we continue our celebration with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Mass in collaboration with the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver. In prior years, this Mass has been celebrated at the Cathedral Our Lady of The Angels with Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles presiding. However, this year due to COVID-19, our Mass will be livestreamed with Most Reverend Fernand J. Cheri, Auxiliary Bishop New Orleans Archdiocese as Presider and Homilist.
As we continue our prayers and celebration, we keep in mind that we can transform the conversation and the action, by what we do and say. As Catholics, we are called to value all life and to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ. We will continue to pray together for:
-A United Nation with Justice and Peace for all
-Repentance of the sins of neglect and for the protection of every human life
-For the California Bishops Initiative to Address Personal, Collective Sin of Racism to eliminate racial injustice in all California Dioceses
-That Christians will join together in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to eliminate violence throughout the world
-Anderson Shaw, Director, ACCFE
I Have a Dream Speech Presented by St. Monica Elementary School
St. Monica Elementary School's Student Council produced, with students from all grades, a reading of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech: I Have A Dream.
Click Here to Register to Attend the Mass!
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African American Center for Catholic Evangelization
Under the leadership of Director Anderson F. Shaw, the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization (AACCFE) serves approximately 25,000 African American Catholics in Los Angeles and is committed to evangelization and building a faith community--a community that is truly Black, authentically Catholic, and an integral part of the Universal Church. In collaboration with local parishes, the Los Angeles Black Lay Catholic Ministry, the National Black Catholic Administors, the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the Black and Indian Mission Office, and the Knights of Peter Claver, they seek to raise everyone's consciousness to the rich contributions made by African American Catholics to the Catholic Church.
Overview of AACCFE Activites in 2019:
- Manage and direct events and activities for the Archdiocesan African American Catholic Community. Directed a team of African American Catholics from 30 parishes who have significate African American Catholic presences; by conducting Liturgies, Leadership Training and special programs (e.g. MLK Prayer Breakfast, MLK Mass, Black History Month Liturgy and Program, Ancestral Mass, Evangelization Booth. Sr. Thea Bowman Youth Program, Speaker Sessions, etc.).
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast with the objective of evangelization and the bringing together of African Americans in remembrance of the ongoing plight for social justice and peace and the call of Catholic social ministry. Event held at the Double Tree Hotel with keynote speaker Very Reverend Michael Thompson, SSJ, Superior General Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and awarding the annual MLK Drum Major Award to George McKenna, Member of Los Angeles Board of Education who represented the values described in Dr. Kings Drum Major Instinct sermon.
- Manage and direct events and activities for the Archdiocesan African American Catholic Community. Directed a team of African American Catholics from 30 parishes who have significate African American
- Catholic presences; by conducting Liturgies, Leadership Training and special programs (e.g. MLK Prayer Breakfast, MLK Mass, Black History Month Liturgy and Program, Ancestral Mass, Evangelization Booth. Sr. Thea Bowman Youth Program, Speaker Sessions, etc.).
- Set up Evangelization Booth located in the main exhibit hall at the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress for the approximate 40,000 people in attendance. Distribute African American Catholic articles, publications and historical information to African American and others attending the Congress. To answer questions from attendees to the RE Congress and to help identify sources of Black Catholic Liturgies and activities in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
- Lead a team of youth and young adults in the annual Holy Week presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross at three local parishes as an evangelization effort directed at keeping youth in the Church.
- The AACCFE Summer Speaker Series: In collaboration with local community organizations and Loyola Marymount University Center for Spirituality presented sessions and workshops on African American cultural relevance in the Church.
- The AACCFE annual Ancestral Liturgy at St. Odilia Catholic Church: Planned and organized the annual liturgical service in remembrance of African American Ancestors who built and worshipped at the first and only Negro National Catholic Church, St. Odilia, in the history of the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
- The AACCFE Liturgy Committee: Monthly meetings held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church or through conference calls. Members of the committee planned and organized Liturgies for the AACCFE and other Catholic Churches and Organizing. Identified and invited the Celebrate and other Clergy for the Liturgy. Identified and invited African American Deacons, Lectures, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Servers from local parishes. 1) Created the Script and Worship Aid for the Knights of Peter Claver the annual Martin Luther King Liturgy in January held at the Cathedral Our Lady of the Angels 2) Created the Script and Worship Aid for the annual Black Catholic History Month Liturgy held in February at the Cathedral Our Lady of the Angels. 3) Assisted the Los Angeles Religious Congress Committee Black Culture Mass Chairpersons with the Liturgy held at the Anaheim Convention Center in March.
Uniting Our Hearts And Minds: A Message from Msgr. Torgerson
This parish community of St. Monica prays for our nation and the world: for an end to violence and hate, and unity in heart and mind. This is a crisis moment of great importance—one which challenges how we treat each other, how we welcome each other, and how our country must seek common humanity in times of conflict.
Pope Francis in Let Us Dream proclaims that we must be less selfish in our relationship with others as a result of these dark, dark times. Our patron Monica wept not for her own salvation—but the salvation of her son. Our Holy Father calls us to see, choose, and act. Today, I call on the parishioners of St. Monica to see everyone—everyone—as a child of God. To choose mutual respect toward your brothers and sister with whom you may disagree. To act in love—as our God acts in love for us.
The end of hate begins in each one of our hearts. Pray for peace to start there and make your best effort to share and spread that love and peace. We are loving disciples called to transform the world. God bless you, and God bless our nation.
-Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
Solemnity of Mary, The Mother of God & World Day of Prayer for Peace
In the Church’s liturgical calendar, every major feast has an
“octave” of associated celebrations with it – the 8th day after the feast. Christmas, is followed 8 days later by the oldest Solemnity dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. At the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D., a council met and declared Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine. One of the implications of this doctrine, is that Mary is not only the Christ bearer (Christotokos), but also the God bearer (Theotokos). She carried the Son of God in her body. In 1968, St. Pope Paul VI, asked the Church to also make this the World Day of Prayer for Peace.
On New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day, join us for the livestream liturgy honoring Mary, The Mother of God, while also praying for World Peace and Unity.
New Year's Eve Livestream Mass & Communion Procession
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020
Livestream Mass | 4:30 p.m.
Communion Procession | 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Enter at Washington Blvd. Entrance.
New Year's Day Livestream Mass & Communion Procession
Friday, Jan. 1, 2021*
Livestream Mass | 10:00 a.m.
Communion Procession | 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Enter at Washington Blvd. Entrance.
*Please note that there is no Outdoor Morning Daily Mass on Friday, Jan. 1!
Christmas & Year-End Giving
Thank you so much for your generosity during the Christmas Season and beyond.
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At Home With Our Mangers
St. Monica’s beautiful creche has graced our church’s altar for many Christmas seasons. Like many things, this Christmas may not give us all the same access to this Nativity scene; however, that doesn’t mean that we can’t share in this wonderful tradition in a new way. Thanks to our parishioners who’ve shared their family creches and stories with us.
A Gift of Love
Our first daughter was born in December 50 years ago. We did not have much money and I had done nothing for Christmas, being busy preparing for a new baby. When I walked into our tiny apartment after a 10-day hospital stay, I was stunned and amazed to see that Peter had gone out, bought and decorated a Christmas tree and, most wonderful of all, had purchased a tiny crèche—Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an ox and an ass—which he set up under the tree. My heart was overwhelmed at this sign of his love for me and our child. This crèche has travelled with us from South Africa to Santa Monica and it always makes me realize that it’s not how much money you spend but how much love you show.
-Gail Lyons
A Treasured Heirloom
When my family immigrated from Sicily in 1950, the Nativity set came with us. It was hand-crafted in Italy and has been in my family for many generations. It’s very detailed and realistic and the figures range from 8 to 13 inches tall. My mother passed the set to me about 35 years ago. Through the years, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus were misplaced or broken, so my sister re-created them in ceramics. As you might imagine, the set is very special to me. Each year, this beautiful Nativity scene is a reminder of the generosity and love of my mother and sister, who are no longer with us.
-Lydia Boihem
A Reflection Of Us
During my first trip to Santa Fe in 1990, I discovered something that would become part of my home each holiday season—a rather simple earth-toned crèche that caught my eye from among the many beautiful and elaborate crèches on display. To me, it affirmed that all families are rich in culture and tradition. Over the years, I have come to understand that our crèche reflects my family's journey of multiculturalism and inclusion. With the grace of God, I have been able to instill the same values in my daughter. As I unwrap the clay figurines ever so carefully prior to Christmas each year, the vision of this Holy Family serves as a sacred reminder that we are all equal in God's loving eyes.
-Anita Amos
A Sign of Freedom
My family and I immigrated from Cuba in June 1965, leaving everything behind, in search of freedom. In December of that year, as penniless as we were, my mother bought this Nativity set. In Cuba, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, so it was important to her to continue that tradition and what better way than with this Nativity. The angel above the manger says Gloria, which is my mother's and my name. The straw has lasted since 1965. It is with great love, and to connect and honor my mother and our Lord that I set out this Nativity every Christmas and it is my hope that my children will continue to do so in the future.
-Gloria Aparicio Vogt-Nilsen
A Tribute to Resilience
My mother, Maggie, was a lifelong Catholic, who was deeply immersed in her faith. When my parents divorced, my mother’s world was shattered. Rather than give up or give in, she moved to La Jolla where she created a wonderful, new life filled with friends, memories and deepening faith. This Nativity scene is what she chose for her new life–serene, simple pieces of Lladro porcelain presenting the birth of Christ. Each year, she would take it out of its cabinet and put it on display. Some of the pieces have gone missing since she died, but what is left, always reminds me of those wonderful years down in San Diego. She never lost her faith. She truly was a Mother Mary.
-Nanci Linke Ellis
Living With Grief During The Holidays
Although the holiday season can be a time of great joy for many, the opposite may be true for those of us who have lost a loved one. This year may be even more challenging because we can't gather with others as we’d like.
But there is something that we can do: We can come up with a Living with Grief at the Holidays (LWGH) Plan. Having a plan will allow us to feel more prepared and choose how it is we want to observe (or not observe) the holidays this year. For some people, it might mean changing a family tradition; for others, it might mean keeping things the same. And for others, it might mean skipping the holidays altogether. The important thing is: We can give ourselves permission to feel what we're actually feeling—whether that is a moment of joy or a moment of sadness.
It's likely that some of us may need some support right now. That’s understandable. Our St. Monica Bereavement Ministry is here to listen and help you prepare your LWGH Plan. Please feel to reach out to learn about the alternatives we can offer you. For any questions, please contact Christine at or 310-566-1531.
After the holidays, beginning on January 7, we’ll launch a 10-week online Bereavement Group. It's a support group facilitated by trained Bereavement Ministers who know what it’s like to lose a loved one. Many people have found the group to be a positive support for them during their grief. You can join by registering at stmonica.net/bereavement.
Special Delivery: Holiday Greetings
There’s a new/old tradition happening at St. Monica this holiday season. It involves the Christmas card, a holiday tradition that traces its roots back to mid-19th century England. Fast forward to 2020 and Christmas cards have taken on a new meaning to St. Monica and the volunteers who are poised to send Christmas greetings to the residents and staff of local Santa Monica nursing homes and rehabilitative centers.
The Christmas card outreach is an offshoot of the hundreds of personal notes sent from St. Monica volunteers since the pandemic began. Marcus Johnson, Ministry Assistant, helps coordinate the effort. He said, “Our contacts tell us that both the residents and staff are truly touched by the personal notes and the fact that someone from the St. Monica community took the time to reach out to them.”
With a very different kind of Christmas approaching, the coming holiday cards are sure to be especially welcome by residents, who cannot have visitors or special holiday entertainment, and staff, who are working through the holidays under especially challenging conditions. Johnson said, “Our parish volunteers can pick any type of card they wish to send. We even offer them sample wording, if they chose to use it. The important thing is that the nursing home residents know that someone is thinking about them and the staff knows that their efforts are being recognized and appreciated.”
There’s still time to help! Please contact Marcus Johnson at 310-566-1532 or ! If you decide to help out, all you need to do is pick up your pen to pick up the spirits of deserving people in our community. We’re hoping to send 500 cards this December. Help us make it happen—and consider joining our volunteers when we continue to reach out through the coming year.
Simbang Gabi Message from Bishop Alex Aclan
Every year, our Filipino Community shares their beautiful culture with us, as well as many visitors from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for our Annual Simbang Gabi Mass and Celebration. Simbang Gabi is a 9 day series of Masses, celebrated by Filipinos all over the world. It is a joyful celebration in thanks for the coming of the Christ Child, and a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the early days of Spanish rule in the Philippines, Masses were held in the early mornings, so farmers would avoid the heat while working in the fields. Simbang Gabi is a time for family, friends, and the community to share gifts, create memories, and to preserve the traditions that have been passed down.
This year would have been our 6th Annual Simbang Gabi Mass and Celebration at St. Monica. While we are unable to host our evening this year, Bishop Alex Aclan, our presider last year, the Auxiliary Bishop for the San Fernando Pastoral Region, and only the 2nd Filipino-American to be named a bishop in the United States, has sent us a special message and prayer.
Thank you Bishop Aclan and we all await in the hope for a time when we can celebrate together in 2021!
Maligayang Pasko!
Click Here for More Simbang Gabi Celebrations Around the Archdiocese of Los Angeles!
Saturday, Dec. 19: Advent Communal Reconciliation Service
Advent Communal Reconciliation Service
Liturgy of the Word and Opportunity for Individual Confession
Saturday, Dec. 19
10:00 a.m. · Liturgy of the Word | Livestream Click Here to Access the Livestream
10:30-11:30 a.m. · Communal Reconciliation Service: Individual Confessions
*Enter through Washington Blvd. Entrance.
Christmas is coming very soon; while we find ourselves in the midst of this Pandemic, we still await in joyful hope and anticipation for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our parish community will come together for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As Pope Francis said: if you are not able to find a priest, or leave the house, you can still confess your sins, in a specific way directly to God, and he will grant you mercy, healing and forgiveness. (See video below)
How will the Communal Reconciliation Service work?
On Saturday, Dec. 19, we will offer a livestream Liturgy of the Word at 10:00 a.m., with Scripture, Examination of Conscience, and prayer of the Act of Contrition.
Starting at 10:30 a.m., we invite parishioners to attend the Communal Reconciliation Service. You do not need to reserve a spot. There will be six priests stationed at pop up tents on campus to hear individual confessions from a safe distance. Enter on Washington Blvd. If there are more than one person in a car, there will be a station set up to allow for confession for each individual. We ask that you follow signage and the directions of hospitality ministers, who will direct you to your station.
We ask all those in attendance to adhere to all of our safety protocols when entering campus: all attendees must wear a mask and follow social-distancing guidelines.
Pope Francis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Sunday, Dec. 13: Festival of Lessons & Carols
O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a liturgical service patterned after the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours. It looks at the sweep of the Biblical History, of God interacting with his people: it encompasses nine lessons from the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, proclamations of the announcement of the Messiah through to his birth. It always opens with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City. The Festival was developed by the Choirmaster of King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, UK and first sung in 1918. Since its inception, it’s been broadcast around the world. Here at St. Monica, we revived the tradition in the early 2000s and it is a yearly treat, which in previous years included our tree lighting on the Grand Pavilion Patio.
In the Anglican tradition, customarily it’s a liturgical concert patterned after the ancient monastic practice of Christmas Matins - this was an extended, early morning vigil with readings from the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the proclamation of the Birth of Christ. The pattern of the Office of Readings closely parallels the Easter Vigil. It includes an introductory hymn, then the scripture readings, each followed by a hymn or responsory, and a final prayer.
Properly sung on Christmas Eve, at St. Monica we offer it in the middle of Advent, so it can be savored for the rest of this expectant Season.
This year, Festival of Lessons and Carols will be virtual, under the artistic and technical direction of Jeffrey Bonilla, Director of Music. Our showcase will include many of our musicians from the St. Monica Livestream Masses, and will be a musically and visually stunning Christmas treat!
You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to share in a long-held Advent Season tradition, singing along from the comfort of your home!
Festival of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, Dec. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | Livestream
A New Way to Bible Study: Scripture Encounter Saturday Series
Scripture Encounter Saturday Series with Fr. Prosper
Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Conducted via Zoom
When you listen to one of Fr. Prosper’s homilies, there is always something new to uncover: a new perspective, a new idea, or a previously overlooked thought. In this way, the scriptures keep shaking us out of our mental slumber, confronting us with the transformational reality of our faith.
Beyond his liturgical duties, Fr. Prosper has led a small group of lectors 
on Saturday mornings in Bible Study, which began before the Pandemic. The group extending an invitation to all those seeking a deeper connection to the scriptures. How many times have we all made the News Years Resolution that we would “read the bible more?” God may be calling us to develop our own course of Bible Study; let Scripture Encounter: Saturday Series be your starting point to a meaningful scripture practice.
Fr. Prosper will lead us on a curated tour of the Bible focusing on characters of the Bible, starting in December with the Women of the Bible. Additionally, the group will reflect on the weekly readings of the lectionary, tying in our scripture studies with the Readings at Mass. It is the perfect drop-in, introductory taste of what Scripture Encounter has to offer. Our Scripture Encounter course will be back with a new cohort in the Spring; in the mean-time, grab a cup of coffee, your Bible, and gain insight into the scriptures, with Fr. Prosper as your guide!
Meetings will be held every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. conducted via Zoom. Pre-registration is required. You only need to register once to access all sessions and drop ins are always welcome.
Click Here to Register for Scripture Encounter: Saturday Series with Fr. Prosper!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception & Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
We celebrate this week two feasts in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Americas. In these two closely related feats, we celebrate Mary and her role as the Mother of Jesus.
Today marks the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In 
1854, Pope Pius IX, declared that Mary was conceived with out sin, thus giving her the title of the Immaculate Conception. Four years later, at Lourdes, Mary appeared to St. Bernadette and presented herself with these words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 12, as one of the dates of the 5 appearances of Mary to St. Juan Diego. When Mary appeared to Juan Diego she instructed him to gather roses, which he then presented to the bishop as a gift. When he opened his cloak (tilma), an image of Our Lady was imprinted on it, now the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
These two beautiful feasts of Our Lady, Patroness of the Americas, may look a lot different this year: without the traditional processions, singing, dancing, and in-person Masses; however we continue to pray that Mary, Immaculate, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, holds all her people in her heart, this year especially as a prayer of intercession for those all affected by the Coronavirus worldwide.
Click Here to Read More About Our Lady, Planned Celebrations, & More!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Livestream Masses
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 12:10 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Click Here to Access the Livestream Mass
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rosary, Mañanitas & Outdoor Mass on Duval Patio
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 a.m.
Click Here to Reserve Your Spot for Outdoor Mass
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
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725 California Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
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