As Catholics, we engage in the practicing of fasting and abstinence, most often associated with refraining from eating food at particular times. (For example, we practice fasting from food on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, when we have much smaller meals, and we abstain from meat on all Lenten Fridays.)
The intent of this practice is to help us to draw closer to Christ by creating a space for him and by recognizing that only God can truly satisfy our spiritual hunger. But fasting doesn't have to be limited just to food! We can practice fasting from other things and experiences as well, especially those that get in the way of our connecting with Christ.
Each Friday this Lent, we'll be encouraging you to fast from something and to see what happens in your relationships with God, yourself and others.
This Friday, we're inviting you to fast from criticism, either from criticizing yourself or criticizing others.
Instead, if there is something you recognize about yourself that you would like to change, then ask God two things: first, to remind you that you are already beloved in God's eyes, and second, to help you with making that change in your life. If you find that you are tempted to criticize someone else, first take a moment to pray for God's grace, and then interact with that person as you believe Jesus would.
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.
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: additional Vigil and evening Masses, 6:30 p.m.
Holidays: single Mass, 9:30 am with no confessions
First & Third Fridays: 7:30–8:30 a.m. & 7–8 p.m. · Church
Second & Fourth Sundays: Noon–3 p.m. · Chapel
St. Monica Catholic Community
725 California Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-566-1500 Contact Us