"First5" Newlywed Ministry
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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. 

 

 Click here to sign up for emails 

 

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:  
March 2025: Marriage Madness Panel 

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

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

  • Join First5 for our annual "Marriage Madness" panel—a slam dunk for your relationship! We will gather in the Grand Pavilion to hear 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. 

  • Refreshments and drinks will be served.
  • Childcare is available for $10/child— RSVP required by Thursday, February 27th, to reserve your spot.

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 Click Here to Register

 
March 2025: First5 hosts Sations of the Cross 

Friday, March TBD

St. Monica Church

 

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

  •  Finances are important as an individual, but they can be daunting as a newly married couple. How do you go about combining your finances? And how do you start building toward your future together? We’ll tackle all this and more at our April First5 event.
  • Together, we'll look at some of the emotional factors at play when discussing finances as a couple. We'll even have a financial professional from the parish join us and share some practical strategies for how to get on the same page.

 

May 2025: First5 Service Event 

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025  

TBD

 

May 2025: Discerning Children- Panel 

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

St. Monica Grand Pavilion

 

  
Past Events:  
 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. 

salsa date night thank you 800 x 200 px

 

February 2025: World Marriage Day

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

St. Monica Church 

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

world marriage day thank you 800 x 200 px

 
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.

new year renewed vision flyer

 
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.

merry married mindful thank you 800 x 200 px

 

 

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. 

in lawsoutlaws thank you thin

 

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!

movie night thank you 800 x 200 px

 

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

autumn awe thank you 800 x 200 px 

 

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.

first5 couples retreat thank you 800 x 200 px 

 

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.
may intimacy thank you 800 x 200 px

 

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.

april communication thank you 800 x 200 px

 
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 thank you 800 x 200 px 

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 

2024 world marriage day thank you 800 x 200 px

 
January 2024: Social Hour 

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

Solidarity Restaurant | Santa Monica, CA 

 

january social thank you 800 x 200 px

 
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! 

jan 2024 couple goals thank you 800 x 200 px

 

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!

dec first5 thank you 800 x 200 px

  

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. 

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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.

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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. 

october finance banner 800 x 200 px  

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. 

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May 2023: Service Event and Brunch 

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

St. Robert's Center

volunteer event at st. roberts thank you 800 x 200 px

  

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!)

movie night thank you 800 x 200 px 1

 
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.
first 5 hosts stations thank you 800 x 200 px

 

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. 

first5 ministry march 2022 thank you 800x200

 

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. 

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 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

first5 ministry event 1 thank you 800 x 200 px

 

  
Meet the team:  
Dr. Michael DiPaolo (Facilitator)  dr. d jenny crop 

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 cropGabriel & 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 Monsignor Torgerson in August of 2021. They love traveling together, volunteering at St. Monica's, and trying new food and wine anywhere they can. 

 

 

evelyn micah

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 daniMargaret & 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  mary ferd& 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 dillon
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.

 

 

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. 

 

Sign up for our emails:  

 

 

Enter your contact information at the link below to stay up to date on all future events!

 

 Click here to sign up for emails 


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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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