“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Matthew 19:6
Welcome to First5 Ministry at St. Monica Catholic Church. The First5 Ministry is a community of couples in their first 5 years of marriage.
Our mission is to help build the foundation for lifelong, life-giving marriages. By focusing on supporting couples in their first 5 years of marriage with the tools they need to build spiritually fulfilling marriages, we hope to strengthen all marriages across the St. Monica community and beyond. Ultimately, our vision is to help couples help each other get to heaven.
Through First5, you and your spouse will be able to build on the lessons you learned during marriage preparation and share in the celebrations of your marriage. The first 5 years of marriage are full of new adventures and joyful times, but they can also be challenging in many ways we do not expect. We want to serve you and your spouse in this ministry to build community, share experiences, and celebrate God’s love for all of us.
To strengthen the foundation of your marriage, the First5 Ministry has three core areas of focus: building fellowship with other couples, offering marriage formation, and facilitating spiritual growth. We offer this through a variety of activities including social events, speaker presentations, spiritual activities, and community service.
Please email us at with any questions.
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St. Monica is a community blessed to prepare 150-200 couples for marriage every year. Our goal isn’t just to get couples married but to help them have great marriages. To that end, we saw the importance of continuing to help couples build upon the foundation they’ve created up to their wedding day.
The First5 ministry was originally formed in 2018. While COVID kept us away for a while, the ministry re-launched in January 2023. A team of young married couples and a professional coordinator leads us. Our meetings and events are actively being planned 2024 and beyond, and we are excited to hear more about how we can best serve your marriage. Here are some things to think about as you get connected with First5:
Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Keep Your In-Laws from becoming Outlaws this Holiday Season!
Navigating the holidays can be difficult for many couples. Whether it's visiting in-laws or blending old and new traditions, deciding how to celebrate the holidays can be daunting. Join us for a discussion on addressing family issues while creating joyful memories with loved ones.
Light refreshments will be served.
Childcare available for $10/child— RSVP required by Thursday, October 31st to reserve your spot
Sunday, December 8th, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Saturday, October 12th, 2024 @6:30-8:30pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Saturday, June 15th, 2024 @9:00am-1:00pm
St. Monica Spirituality Center
Sunday, May 19th, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, April 28th, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, February 11th, 2024 after morning masses
St. Monica Church
Saturday, January 27th, 2024 @5:00-7:00pm
Solidarity Restaurant | Santa Monica, CA
Sunday, January 7th, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 @7:30-9:00pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, November 5th, 2023 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm
St. Monica Grand Pavilion
Sunday, October 15th, 2023 @7:00-8:30pm
St. Monica Grand Pavillion
Saturday, May 20th, 2023 7:30-11:30am
St. Monca Church
Saturday, May 20th, 2023 7:30-11:30am
St. Robert's Center
Thursday, April 27, 2023 7-9pm
St. Monica Grand Pavillion
Friday, March 24, 2023, at 6:30pm
Church and Grand Pavilion, St. Monica
Sunday, March 5, 2023, following 5:30 p.m. Mass.
Grand Pavilion, St. Monica
Saturday, February 11th and Sunday, February 12, 2023
Church and Grand Patio, St. Monica
Sunday, January 29, 2023, following 5:30 p.m. Mass–8:30 p.m.
Grand Pavilion, St. Monica
Dr. D is a clinical psychologist and Imago Relationship Therapist in private practice in West Los Angeles. A proud graduate of Notre Dame, Dr. D has helped prepare over 1500 couples for marriage in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. D met his wife, Jennie, in young adult ministry at St. Monica. They have been married since 1999 and have three wonderful children and a hyperactive dog.
Katie & Gabriel met while living and working in Detroit in August of 2016 and bonded over Disney, music, and their love of adventures. They quickly uncovered they would enjoy living closer to their families in LA, so they made that happen a year later. They got engaged in May 2019 on the beach in Santa Monica and were married at St. Monica’s by Monsignor Torgerson in August of 2021. They love traveling together, volunteering at St. Monica's, and trying new food and wine anywhere they can.
Micah & Evelyn met in choir as undergraduate music majors at Loyola Marymount University, where they bonded over their shared love of song and sillies. They were married at St. Monica almost 9 years later, unifying their faith communities by having Monsignor Barry from American Martyrs and Monsignor Torgeson concelebrate their wedding Mass. When not making music together, Micah and Evie can be found exploring new culinary experiences, trying to spend more time in nature, enjoying the company of their wonderful friends, and snuggling their beloved pup, Dolly Pawton.
Dani (a coder) and Margaret (an artist) met in Los Angeles. On their first date, during the pandemic, they look a lovely winter stroll and bonded over a mutual appreciation of plants, the power of dreams, and the challenges of making new things. Their multicultural wedding ceremony took place at St. Monica’s on July 29, 2023, led by Msgr. Torgerson. They enjoy beach days, hikes, and cooking cozy meals throughout the seasons.
Ferd and Mary first met at YMA during a Vespers event at St. Monica's in 2020. They had their first date at Palisades Park where Ferd taught Mary how to play the guitar. They soon discovered their passion of camping and outdoor activities together after being isolated during the pandemic. Ferd proposed to Mary in 2023 at Zion National Park and were married by Monsignor Torgerson and Father Jonathan on August 15, 2024. Ferd and Mary enjoy spending time with family and friends, volunteering, travelling, and being outdoors. They have been to 14 national parks together and cant wait for their next adventure. They are committed and excited to help and lead this ministry.
Dillon and Marilyn met in Los Angeles and married at St. Monica. Their love has survived cross-country distance, grad school, shared work from home, and even the 405! They enjoy gathering with loved ones, camping, hiking, and photography. They're eager to contribute to the continued growth of the First5 community while supporting other couples in building stronger relationships.
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