"The souls of the just are in the hand of the Lord." 

Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; he doesn't fill it, but on the contrary, he keeps it empty and so helps us keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain. The dearer and richer our memories, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude (a movement in our grief) changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. The beauties of the past are borne, not as a thorn in the flesh, but as a precious gift in themselves. 

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theologian

Mass of Remembrance

 

"The souls of the just are in the hand of the Lord." 

 

Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; he doesn't fill it, but on the contrary, he keeps it empty and so helps us keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain. The dearer and richer our memories, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude (a movement in our grief) changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. The beauties of the past are borne, not as a thorn in the flesh, but as a precious gift in themselves. 

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theologian

 

 

Mass of Remembrance

 

 

  

All Souls Novena

The Church holds the tradition of the remembrance of the dead very strongly, and focuses on our call to honor the souls of the faithful departed throughout the month of November. We invite you to encribe the names of your loved ones: family, friends, and neighbors, who have gone before us throughout our lives. Our All Souls Novena will honor them at the altar during our liturgies throughout the month.

 

If you would like to make an All Souls offering, continue on to make your donation.

 

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Homeless Memorial Service

Homeless Memorial Service

Wednesday, Nov. 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Livestream

 

The Westside Coalition and St. Monica Catholic Community remembers those individuals that experienced homelessness and have passed away in our communities. This is also an opportunity for us to re-commit ourselves to the fight to end homelessness. 

 

Thank you to the Santa Monica Daily Press for their coverage of the event, which you can read by Clicking Here.

 

 

 

COVID Memorial Mass

COVID Memorial Mass

Many families who have lost loved ones this year were unable to celebrate a funeral Mass because of COVID restrictions. Last Saturday evening, St. Monica invited these families to a special Mass offered in memory of all those who died this past year. This offered our community the opportunity to pray with them, mourn with them, celebrate the life of their loved one and commend them to God.

 

The Coronavirus pandemic has had many effects on our community, and we ask you to pray for all the families who have lost loved ones this year. The loss of a family member is never easy, and for they who were not able to celebrate a proper funeral, it may be particularly painful. As we pray with them, let the closing words for the Funeral Liturgy be our prayer:

May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed,

Through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

  

Bereavement Support

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can experience, and support can be very helpful.  For those who are seeking grief support, St. Monica's Bereavement Ministry offers grief workshops and online support groups.  Our next workshop, Living with Grief at the Holidays, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Our next online Bereavement Group will begin on Thursday, Jan. 7.

 

Click Here for More Information and to Register!