The mission of the Respect Life Ministry is to foster a consistent ethic of life at St. Monica Catholic Community – respecting all human life, at any age and stage, from the moment of conception until natural death. We hope to deepen the understanding of the dignity of life by providing information, raising awareness, advocacy efforts, and through participation in communal and individual prayer efforts.

All are welcome to join us at Ministry gatherings. Watch for future announcements of meetings.

Staff Coordinators

Delis Alejandro, Pastoral Associate 

Father Johnathan Nestico, Associate Pastor 

Upcoming Activities

Walk for Life

On October 8, a prayerful Vigil Walk for Life will be held from St. Monica to the FPA (Family Planning Associates) located at 12304 Santa Monica Boulevard Family Planning after the 7:30 a.m. liturgy. Meet us in front of Holy Grounds. We plan to start walking at 8:45 a.m. You can meet us midway at 20th and Wilshire (approximately between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.) or meet us in front of the FPA at 10 a.m.

Please bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Cap and sunglasses could be helpful.

Respect Life Month

Each October, the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. During this month, we are called as a community of faith to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable – from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. We begin our celebration on October 1, the first Sunday of October. Make a point to join us for a month of life affirming activities and programs!

Respect Life Sunday: October 1, 2023

The Respect Life Ministry invites you to join us for Coffee and Doughnuts on October 1 in the Grand Pavilion Patio after the 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. liturgies. Stop by and chat with us while enjoying your favorite morning treat and brew.

Respect Life Materials and other resource materials will be available.

Volunteers needed to help set up and serve. Contact Delis at

40 Days for Life 

You can protect mothers and children by joining this worldwide mobilization to pray and fast for an end to abortion. Through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils, and community outreach, 40 Days for Life has inspired millions of volunteers and saved lives. This campaign is a continuous peaceful prayer vigil for 40 days in front of abortion facilities with the aim to provide recourses to pregnant women in crisis and save babies.

This year the 40 Days for Life campaign will be from September 27 - November 5.  

How you can help:

• Sign up for vigil hours.  Visit the 40 Days for Life website at https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/ to find a location and schedule a time most convenient for you. 

Locally, most participants stand vigil at Family Planning Associates located at 12304 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90025. Vigil hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Invite parishioners, friends, and family member to sign up for vigil hours.

• Offer the Mass, rosary, and sacrifices during the campaign for all mothers and their unborn children.

If you have any questions about 40 Days for Life, contact the local coordinator, Margaret Olivares, at

Save the Date

One Life LA returns on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

This family-friendly event begins with a solidarity-building walk through downtown Los Angeles and ends with a festival, live music, food trucks, entertainment, and inspiring speakers. The mission of One Life LA is to unite communities and inspire positive action through an annual event that promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.

St. Monica is looking to take a contingent to One Life LA. Watch for further details.  If you have further questions or suggestions, contact Father Johnathan Nestico at

Resources

Respect Life Program                US Catholic Conference of Bishops            https://www.usccb.org/respectlife

Respect Life Action Guides      USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities    https://www.respectlife.org/action-guides