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“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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About us:

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: 

• How could this ministry benefit us in our own marriage?
• What are our needs in our first five years of marriage?
• How can we best serve other couples through this ministry? 

 

Upcoming Events:  

April 2026: Don't Let Finances Tax Your Marriage

Sunday, April 12th, 2026 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Money can be difficult enough to manage as an individual—but it's often cited as one of the most common sources of stress within a marriage. Just in time for tax season, join First5 for an expert-led financial planning workshop designed to help couples get on the same page about their finances. 
• Refreshments and drinks will be served
• Childcare is available for $10/child— RSVP required by Thursday, Januray 8th, to reserve your spot.

Click here to register 

 

May 2026: TBD

Sunday, May 17th, 2026 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Refreshments and drinks will be served
• Childcare is available for $10/child— RSVP by Wednesday, March 11th, to reserve your spot.

 

June 2026: TBD

Saturday, June 13th, 2026 @8:30am-12:00pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Spirituality Center 

 

 

 

Past Events:  

March 2026: Salsa & Salsa! A Fundraiser Hosted by First5

Saturday, March 14th, 2026 @6:30-9:30pm —Doors open at 6:00pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Thank you for supporting First5's first fundraiser! 
• We danced the night away with tacos, margaritas, our ticket includes dinner, a drink, a lively salsa lesson with instructor, Tony Maestro, and raffle fun throughout the evening. 

 

February 2026: Marriage Madness Panel

Sunday, February 15th, 2026 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Our annual "Marriage Madness" panel—a slam dunk for your relationship! Veteran married couples joined us to give their hot takes on some of marriage’s toughest topics—including communication, finances, in-laws, and more! Join us for refreshment, drinks, fellowship, and interactive Q&A

 

February 2026: World Marriage Day

Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2026 during and after all masses

St. Monica Church 

• At the weekend masses, we celebrated World Marriage Day by welcoming all married couples to renew their vows and share a blessing for members of the St. Monica community.

 

January 2026: Seen and Seeing: Through Your Spouse's Eyes

Sunday, January 11th, 2026 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Think you know how your partner sees you? Think again! This fun and interactive workshop helped couples swap lenses, share perspectives, and uncover some surprising (and heartwarming) insights.

 

December 2025: Game Faces On! Couples Game Night 

Sunday, December 14th, 2025 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• First5 hosted a festive game night for ALL couples with holiday treats, Christmas spirit, game faces, & holiday sweaters! 

 

November 2025: Politics, Pie, and Peace: Navigating Family Holidays in Divided Times

Sunday, November 9th, 2025 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• An evening for couples to reflect on how we can gather in love with our families for the holidays in divided times, even when we disagree. Together, we explored how to stretch ourselves toward greater compassion while still working as a team to protect our peace and one another’s boundaries. 

 

October 2025: Sacred Conversations: Nurturing Love and Intimacy in Marriage

Sunday, October 12th, 2025 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Join us for an open and faith-centered conversation about the role of love, intimacy, and communication in committed relationships. Dr. Theodora Harvey will share insights from her work as a marriage and sex therapist on how couples can keep their connection alive, navigate challenges with grace, and celebrate the joy of married love. Through practical tools and spiritual reflections, learn to strengthen your bond, enhance your intimacy, and honor God’s design for love within marriage.

 

June 2025: First5 Hosts: Couple's Retreat — You are the Light!

Saturday, June 21, 2025  @9:00am-12:00pm — Optional Breakfast @8:30am 

St. Monica Spirituality Center 

• In every marriage, there are seasons of light and moments of shadow. Join First5 for a retreat open to ALL couples—whether you’ve been married for decades or are newly navigating life together. Grounded in Ignatian spirituality, this morning retreat offered an invitation to pause and reconnect, reflecting on how your relationship can be a source of light, strength, and witness to the world.
• Through inspiring talks, quiet prayer, guided reflection, and open-hearted dialogue, you’ll be guided to notice God’s presence in your shared journey—especially in the spaces where it’s hardest to see. 

 

 

May 2025: Discerning Children- Panel 

Sunday, May 18th, 2025  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• This panel featured couples from our community who have walked a variety of paths: some who welcomed children early, others who waited; some who experienced infertility or loss; and some who prayerfully discerned a life without children. Come to listen, reflect, and find encouragement as you navigate your own journey. 

 

April 2025: Don't Let Finances Tax Your Marriage 

Sunday, April 6th, 2025  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Together, we looked at some of the emotional factors at play when discussing finances as a couple and welcomed a financial professional from the parish who shared some practical strategies for how to get on the same page.

 

March 2025: Marriage Madness Panel 

Sunday, March 2nd, 2025  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Our annual "Marriage Madness" panel—a slam dunk for your relationship! Seasoned veteran married couples give their hot takes on some of marriage’s toughest topics—including communication, finances, in-laws, and more! Join us for refreshment, drinks, fellowship, and interactive Q&A.

 

February 2025: Salsa & Salsa 

Sunday, February 16th, 2025  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• We welcomed several couples at different experience levels for a lesson from salsa instructor, Tony Maesto.
• Chips, salsa, and other dancing food and refreshments provided. 

 

February 2025: World Marriage Day

Sunday, February 8th & 9th, 2025 during and after all masses

St. Monica Church 

• At the weekend masses, we celebrated World Marriage Day by welcoming all married couples to renew their vows and share a blessing for members of the St. Monica community.  

 

January 2025: First5 Hosts a Parish-wide Couples Retreat!

POSTPONED AND MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE SOON

St. Monica Spirituality Center

• Join First5 for a morning retreat designed to help couples nurture their connection and start the year off on the right foot with some time away with your spouse-- presented in partnership with ministries at St. Monica Parish & School.

 

December 2024: Mindfulness in Marriage

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024  @7:00–8:30 p.m. · Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• First5 couples gathered for an evening designed to help couples nurture their connection amidst the holiday hustle. We explored mindfulness practices, love languages, and practical ways to stay attuned to our spouse’s needs.

 

 

November 2024: Family and Traditions

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• 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. We gathered for a wonderful discussion on addressing family issues while creating joyful memories with loved ones. 

 

October 2024: Movie Night! 

Saturday, October 12th, 2024 @6:30-8:30pm

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• We gathered together with other Frist5 couples for a low-key date night to watch the Pixar movie, Coco!

 

September 2024: Awe in Marriage

Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Join us on this autumn equinox for a lively discussion of what awe is, how we find it within ourselves, with our partner, & in the world around us. It will be an awesome event where you will find hope, tools, awe, & fun.
• Snacks and refreshments will be provided

 

 

June 2024: Couples Retreat 

Saturday, June 15th, 2024  @9:00am-1:00pm

St. Monica Spirituality Center 

• Come away for a few hours to strengthen your relationship through presentations, journaling, couple discussion, and small group sharing. Join us for First5's first couples retreat and learn how to approach decision-making together.

 

 

May 2024: Physical & Emotional Intimacy 

Sunday, May 19th, 2024  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Sex consistently ranks as one of the top two reason why couples fight. It's an intimiate and important part of a marriage, but it's often considered taboo and rarely discussed. In this session, we talked openly and honestly about sexuality and other forms of intimacy from a Catholic perspective and how they can enrich your marriage.

 

April 2024: From Conflict to Connection 

Sunday, April 28th, 2024  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• First5 welcomed Sylvia Palda, LMFT and certified Gottman therapist to discuss communication and the 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work.

 

March 2024: Marriage Madness Panel

Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• We welcomed three couples to a panel to discuss everything from communication to in-laws to finances and more. Thanls for joining one of our most popular events of the year!

 

February 2024: World Marriage Day

Sunday, February 11th, 2024 after morning masses

St. Monica Church 

• At the weekend masses, we celebrated World Marriage Day by welcoming all married couples to renew their vows and share a blessing for members of the St. Monica community.  

 

January 2024: Social Hour 

Saturday, January 27th, 2024  @5:00-7:00pm 

Solidarity Restaurant | Santa Monica, CA 

 

 

January 2024: Couple Goals: New Year, New Us 

Sunday, January 7th, 2024  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• Ring in 2024 with First5! A new year brings a fresh start. Reflect on the past year, discuss your marriage vision, and set goals for 2024 to growth and strengthen your relationship! 

 

December 2023: Yours, Mine, Ours: Holiday Edition 

Sunday, December 3rd, 2023  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• We had a lively discussion on addressing family issues while still creating joyful memories with loved ones!

  

November 2023: Service Event 

Tuesday, November 14th, 2023  @7:30-9:00pm

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• First5 Ministry joined the Young Ministering Adults (YMA) in support of our annual Thanksgving dinner and boutique event to learn about this important ministry that serves the unhoused in the LA area every year. 

  

November 2023: Faith & Spirituality in Marriage

Sunday, November 5th, 2023  @7:00-8:30pm —Doors open at 6:45pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

• First5 welcomed a panel of 3 couples with differing faith background to discuss blessings and challenges as we learn how to join faith backgrounds and create your own mutual practice of faith in marriage.

 

October 2023: Navigating Finances and Marriage 

Sunday, October 15th, 2023  @7:00-8:30pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavillion 

• First5 ministry was joined by Dr. Michael DiPaolo and Financial advisor, Mike Borstein, to discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of money and shared pratical tips and strategies for navigating finances in marriage. 

  

June 2023: Holy Hour Happy Hour 

Saturday, May 20th, 2023  7:30-11:30am

St. Monca Church

• The First5 team attended "First Friday" adoration and then went to a local bar for drinks and food afterward. 

  

May 2023: Service Event and Brunch 

Saturday, May 20th, 2023  7:30-11:30am

St. Robert's Center

  

April 2023: Movie Night 

Thursday, April 27, 2023 7-9pm 

St. Monica Grand Pavillion 

• First5 hosted a marriage-themed movie night in the pavillion (complete with blankets, PJs, popcorn, and snacks!)

 

March 2023: First5 Hosts Stations of the Cross 

Friday, March 24, 2023, at 6:30pm
Church and Grand Pavilion, St. Monica

• First 5 Ministry hosted Stations of the Cross on Friday March 24th and the Fish Fry dinner.

 

March 2023: Marriage Madness! Event

Sunday, March 5, 2023, following 5:30 p.m. Mass.
Grand Pavilion, St. Monica

• We invited three couples to a panel to discuss conflict everything from communication to in-laws to finances, and Q&A. 

 

February 2023: Event

Saturday, February 11th and Sunday, February 12, 2023
Church and Grand Patio, St. Monica

• During and after Masses the weekend of Feb 11/12, we celebrated World Marriage Day with a vow renewal, a special marriage blessing for all couples, and coffee & donuts with the First 5 Ministry team. 

 

 January 2023: Launch Event

Sunday, January 29, 2023, following 5:30 p.m. Mass–8:30 p.m.
Grand Pavilion, St. Monica

• Learned about the First 5 Ministry, Introduced the leadership team and history
• Discussed our marriage vision for 2023

 

  

Meet the team:  

Dr. Michael DiPaolo (Facilitator)   

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.

 

Gabriel & Katie Sayegh

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 Msgr. Torgerson in August of 2021. They love traveling together, volunteering at St. Monica's, and trying new food and wine anywhere they can. They welcomed their son, Benjamin, in July of 2025 and are loving life as new parents. 

 

 

Evelyn & Micah Jones

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.  

 

 

Margaret & Dani Elias

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. 

 

 

 

Mary  & Ferdinel Sabado

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. 

 

 

Marilyn Perez-Mendoza  & Dillon Wilke 

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.

 

 

 

Lauren & Liam O'Rourke

Lauren and Liam met while working on Catalina island as staff members for a summer camp in 2015. They began dating in 2021 when Lauren moved to Los Angeles, and they got married at St. Monica's in 2024. They live in Santa Monica with their golden retriever and are expecting their first baby on October 27th. They have a love for all things ocean and road tripping.

 

 

Flip Sanchez & Debora Milioni (Advisors)

 

 

 FAQs:  

• Is there an age restriction to join First 5? 
  • No, we welcome couples of all ages!
• Do we have to have gotten married at St. Monica Catholic Church?
  • No, we welcome any couples in their first 5 years of marriage to join the ministry. 
• Who can we contact with questions?
  • Please email us at  with any questions. 
• Can I bring my children to the First 5 events?
  • Yes! We will have babysitting available for you during many of our events, but you're also welcome to keep your child(ren) with you during the event, if you wish. If you will need childcare, advanced registration is required. Please plan to bring $10 per child. 
• Will we always meet at the same time/ place?
  • We are actively planning events through 2024 and beyond. Right now, we are planning to have an event once a month, but the time and date are likely to be different for each month. However, we are open to feedback and would love to hear what times/dates work best for you.
• Do you offer virtual or hybrid meetings?
  • At this time, we are focused on creating an in-person community and would encourage you all to attend for the content and fellowship at each event. 

 

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