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Weekly Witness:
Mar 22, 2024
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St. Monica Weekly Witness

News from your spiritual home.

This weekend, we gather to commemorate the Passion of our Lord on Palm Sunday. Join us at Mass as we begin this solemn journey into Holy Week.

My God, My God

This Sunday marks the beginningof Holy Week, a profound and sacred time leading us through Palm Sunday, the Passion of our Lord, and His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. As we embark on this most significant week of the year, we celebrate God's divine love and the ultimate sacrifice made for us on the cross. Let's embrace this week with prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness, walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

Join us for the Seder meal in commemoration of Passover at St. Monica this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Together, we'll share in the last supper Jesus celebrated with His disciples. This beautiful tradition connects us with the global community observing Passover, uniting us in faith and fellowship.

On Monday, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the Archbishop, joined by the priests of the archdiocese, gather to celebrate the Chrism Mass. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their bishop. We collect the sacramental oils, blessed by the Archbishop, to be used throughout the next year: the oil of catechumens, oil of the infirm, and the sacred chrism.

Throughout the week we will offer extended times for reconciliation, including a communal liturgy on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. for all seeking forgiveness and renewal as we prepare our hearts for Easter. It's a precious opportunity for spiritual cleansing, and extra priests will be available to offer the sacrament of Forgiveness.

We warmly invite you to participate in our Holy Week services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, all beginning at 7:00 p.m. Additional liturgies on Good Friday at noon and 3 p.m. provide ample opportunities to join in reflection and worship. Visit stmonica.net/easter for the full schedule and details.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of rebirth and community. We encourage you to share your blessings as our collective support sustains and enriches our community. With anticipated large gatherings, we've prepared to welcome you and your family with open arms and hearts, ensuring a day filled with grace and blessings. Extra parking will be available for your convenience.

My deepest prayer for you this Easter is the grace to sow seeds of new beginnings, nurturing growth, love, and renewal in your life. With all my love and prayers, may this Holy Week and Easter bring you closer to the joy and hope of Christ's resurrection.

Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson

Mass Schedule

 
Time
Music Ministry
Presider
Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Reflections Ensemble Fr. Kuna

Sunday Masses
   
7:30 a.m. Foundations Ensemble Fr. Park
9:30 a.m. ∙ Livestream Generations Ensemble Msgr. Torgerson
11:30 a.m. Heritage Ensemble Fr. Guffey
5:30 p.m. ∙ Livestream Elevations Ensemble Fr. Nestico
     

Outdoor space is available at all Masses,
with live feed, heating, and dedicated Eucharistic & Hospitality ministers.

 

Download and print the music worship aid:
stmonica.net/worshipaid

Coffee & Doughnuts

hosted by Green Team
stmonica.net/greenteam

 
Following Sunday morning Masses.
While supplies last!

WORSHIP

Are we still #StillStMonica?

I get a lot of unsolicited feedback. Someone recently asked, "Why are we still using the hashtag #StillStMonica?" I have often wondered the same and shared a few thoughts with her—and it was good enough to share.

When the pandemic hit, everyone searched for symbols of hope and resilience. The inspiration struck like lighting that first Saturday morning: #StillStMonica emerged as a beacon of such hope, echoing the unwavering faith and perseverance of Saint Monica, the patron saint of patience, perseverance, and prayer. As we move beyond the pandemic's immediate impact, the relevance of #StillStMonica continues to resonate, offering profound insights into how faith, community, and resilience can guide us not only through crisis but daily life.

At first, #StillStMonica encouraged us to maintain our faith and continue praying for our loved ones, our communities, and the world. This experience highlighted that our sense of community is not confined to physical spaces; it is a spiritual bond that unites us in faith and purpose. As we move forward, #StillStMonica encourages us to continue nurturing these bonds, to support one another in times of need, and to celebrate together in times of joy.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, the message of #StillStMonica is truly timeless, guiding us toward a future marked by resilience, compassion, and a deeper sense of unity.

So, this Holy Week and Easter—plant your seeds of hope, share your beautiful community of faith and fellowship, and be sure to use #StillStMonica. 😁

Merrick L. Siebenaler

LENTEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Easter Decorations: the art and environment of our beautiful church for Easter inspire the faithful and visitors and hopefully connect them deeper in prayer. Be a part of the team that makes that happen: email felipe@stmonica.net.
  • Easter Morning Coffee: As a church of “all are welcome” we are all called to be ministers of hospitality at Easter! Easter morning coffee volunteers are needed—no experience needed! Great way to greet, connect, and be that face of welcome. Email felipe@stmonica.net.

 

Sacramental Preparation

Marriage Information Night:
stmonica.net/marriage
Apr 24
 
Baptism Preparation:
stmonica.net/baptism
Apr 10
Apr 17
Parents Only
Parents & Godparents
Youth preparation for first Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation
is an annual process (September–May) through the Office of Faith Formation.

FAITH FORMATION

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY TO THE EASTER VIGIL
As our Elect and Candidates enter the final week of preparation for reception of their sacraments of initiation, we ask for your continued prayer for them. May the experience of this holiest of weeks ahead bring each of us into a deeper relationship with Christ as we reflect on this loving sacrifice. May we all be transformed by the radical love of Jesus.

ADULT CONFIRMATION: SPONSORS NEEDED
We are delighted to have 42 adults and 40 teens preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation at the end of April. Some of our adults are seeking a sponsor to stand with them at this important time. If you are a confirmed Catholic, please consider this opportunity to serve. It’s easier than you think and more rewarding than you can imagine! Please reach out to Diane Gasper with interest or questions.

TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Pope Francis has said, "Our life spreads light when it is given in service. The secret of joy is living to serve." Teens, please find this joy by volunteering for any of the upcoming service opportunities:

🍴 The Seder Dinner on March 23 has shifts for set up, serving, and clean up.

🍪 Set up and/or serve refreshments at the Easter Vigil.

☕ Serving Coffee on Easter morning (two shifts available).

To sign up for any of these opportunities, fill out this form. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Blessings,
Diane Gasper, Director, Faith Formation
Danielle Villalobos, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator
Suzette Sornborger, Pastoral Associate

Scripture Encounter 9:00–10:15 a.m. every Saturday in-person and on Zoom. Click here to register. Saturday, March 23: The Triduum presented by JD Carney. Whether you're a regular Scripture reader or the Holy Spirit is telling you it's time to start, we're happy to welcome you.

Faith Formation at Home for March


PRAYER: Let us know if your family might need prayer.
Our team would be honored to pray for you.

Safeguarding Our Children: DID YOU KNOW?
March 23–24: Paying attention to negative behavioral cues

OUTREACH

Our journey with Catholic Relief Servies Rice Bowl is coming to an end. As you enter Holy Week, check out great resources for meatless recipes and special prayer experiences (such as Stations of the Cross) on the CRS Rice bowl website. This Palm Sunday through April 7 feel free to drop off your CRS Rice Bowl with your offerings to the Caruso Center Reception area during office hours.

Spring ushers in some special activity at the parish. Our Green Team will be hosting Coffee and Doughnuts this Palm Sunday morning in the Grand Pavilion Patio with a special Earth Month message for all families. And jot down Sunday, April 14, for the return of Grape and Grain, the parish beer and wine festival.

Peace & Justice

CRS RICE BOWL
The alms you place in your Rice Bowl will help others around the world grow their own crops and feed their own people. Don’t forget to place your weekly offering in your box or donate here

As we walk with Jesus this week, we remember the countless women, children and men who carry heavy crosses even today: crosses of hunger, of vulnerability to climate change, or of a lack of resources. How—like Simon of Cyrene—can you help to carry the crosses of our sisters and brothers in your local community and around the world? One message of hope is how Christ, the bread of life, continues to nourish us spiritually through the Eucharist. Read more here.

GREEN TEAM · stmonica.net/greenteam
Starting Palm Sunday through April 30, we encourage St. Monica families to respond to the climate crisis with faith, advocacy, education, and action. We ask you to join the global movement and courageously commit to specific steps that will produce a better future for our common home. Check out our website for more information.

RESPECT LIFE
Join our parish Respect Life Committee at our next monthly meeting, Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in the Caruso Center's Spirit of St. Monica room. For more info, contact Margaret

HOLY CROSS AFRICA MINISTRY · stmonica.net/hcam
The Race 4 Veronika’s Place Team would like to thank all those who supported this year’s fundraiser to support Veronika’s Place, a nutritional supplement program for people living with HIV AIDS in our sister parish in Dandora, Kenya. At press time $53,000 has been raised so far to provide nutritious food to 500 men, women, and children monthly. You can still donate and check out the photos from the day here

SERVING THE HOMELESS · stmonica.net/homeless
St. Monica volunteers can serve at St. Francis or St. Robert Center to help prepare meals for men and women who are experiencing homelessness, financial struggles, and food insecurity. You can also donate clothing every second Sunday after Mass. Sign up or learn more:            

Fellowship, Socials, & Clubs  

FILM CLUB · stmonica.net/film
Film Club will be joining “The Miracle Club” on their pilgrimage to Lourdes. The top-notch cast ably delivers hilarity and heartbreak during this most endearing film. April 11, 7 p.m. on Zoom. More information HERE.

🍷 Grape and Grain Returns!
St. Monica’s Grape & Grain Festival returns to the Grand Pavilion on Sunday, April 14, from 7—9 p.m. Parishioners and friends ages 21 and above are invited to join in this evening of fellowship and fun. The evening features tastings from a collection of red and white wines from regions around the world. This year we are also featuring an expanded selection of sparkling wines and a zero-proof table of non-alcoholic wines and beers. Your ticket includes five tastings, a souvenir wine glass, food, snacks, a raffle, and live music.

YMA · stmonica.net/yma
We invite all our young adults in their 20s and 30s to join us for fun and fellowship. Vespers returns on April 2. Plus, check the website to see how you can serve those in need at St. Francis Center on April 6 and where to get tickets for our largest fundraiser of the year, Grape and Grain. If you are new to the parish, don’t miss our Get Acquainted Dinner on April 21.

PRIMETIME · stmonica.net/primetime
First Spring Stroll! Stroll down Palisades Park for fellowship and lunch on Saturday, March 30.  Meet at Holy Grounds at 10:30 a.m. Wear appropriate, comfortable walking shoes, bring a cap or hat, and don’t forget your sunglasses.

SAINT MONICA PREPARATORY

Winter Accolades: Three League Champions,
Plus State Playoff Action

Winter was another strong season for sports at Saint Monica Preparatory. Our Mariner Girls Soccer had an undefeated regular season and, along with both Girls and Boys Basketball teams, secured their respective league champion titles! All four varsity teams—Boys and Girls Basketball, as well as Boys and Girls Soccer—made the playoffs this season with Girls Basketball led by Coach Doug Kim going all the way to the CIF Division III State playoffs. Boys Basketball had four First Team selections—EJ Andrews, Pierre Malone, Jaedyn Patterson and Micah Williams, and two Second Team—Aidyn Caveness and Luke Griffin. SMPREP Cheer placed third in the SHARP competition this week at Sierra Vista High School in Baldwin Park, receiving a judges' award for Most Enthusiastic Overall team. That's the Mariner spirit! 

In the Fall, Mariner Football's banner season was capped off with Coach Thomas Barnes named Coach of the Year, Senior Wide Receiver Josh Barnes named Offensive Player of the Year, and Freshman Linebacker Dequan Carter named Defensive Player of the Year for CIF Division 13. Get to know SMPREP and our head coaches through the Mariner Summer Sports Camps. The 2024 lineup of weekly basketball, cheer, soccer and volleyball camps for athletes entering grades 3-8 is now available. Visit saintmonicaprep.org/camps for more details and to register.


Shoutout to junior Micaela Patajo, a speed climber who competed last October in the Elite Nationals against adults for a spot at the USA Team Trials. Patajo advanced to the finals in Speed Climbing at this month's trials for a spot on the USA Bouldering and Speed Team. She ended the night in fourth place and earned a Personal Record of 4.6. She is once again on the USA National Development team, which means she will have the opportunity to compete in World Cup events this year. Congratulations Micaela!

SPIRITUAL CARE · ENGAGEMENT

Spiritual Care    

Spiritual Care at St. Monica is focused on connecting us more deeply with ourselves, each other, and with Christ. During the season of Lent, we invite you to take a quiet moment to reflect on all that is happening and to make those deeper connections―if our ministry offerings can be of support as you do so, let us know―we would be honored to walk with you! 

BEREAVEMENT · stmonica.net/bereavement
Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in our lives. Our Bereavement Ministry can help you learn more about grief support here at St. Monica and in the community.

Spring Bereavement Group: Registration is now open for our Spring Zoom Group, which begins with an Orientation on Thursday, April 4, and continues for 10 weeks.

HEALTH MINISTRY · stmonica.net/health
During this Lenten season of "Seeds of Hope," our Health Ministry will be offering weekly website reflections on what it means to experience healing in mind, body & spirit. Check out this week’s reflection!

MINISTRY TO THE SICK · stmonica.net/sick
Would you or a loved one like to receive Communion at home or in a nursing home? Or would you like to become a Eucharistic Minister to the Sick? If so, join us for the EM to the Sick Zoom Information session on Wednesday, March 27. To sign up for the Information session or learn more about the ministry, contact Christine at christine@stmonica.net or 310-566-1531.

STEPHEN MINISTRY · stmonica.net/stephen
Sometimes life can just get difficult. When that happens, know that our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide one-to-one Christian care to help you through the challenges you may be facing. It’s free. It’s confidential.

To learn more about Stephen Ministry for you or someone you know, talk with one of our Stephen Ministry Leaders: (310) 566-1575.

Spirituality Center at St. Monica

stmonica.net/spirit

This Lent, it’s a good time to check out our St. Monica Spirituality Center! Here at St. Monica, because of the blessings of space, resources and experienced spiritual directors & teachers, we can provide you with the opportunity to explore life-changing questions, deepen your spiritual life, or simply check-in with God.

Monthly Spiritual Direction: Journeying (once a month) with a trained Spiritual Director for 10 months to explore your relationship with God, your prayer life and ways to deepen this relationship (in person or Zoom).

Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life: An eight-month at-home retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Includes daily prayer, weekly spiritual direction and monthly fellowship (Zoom).

Healing Your Soul Monthly Gatherings: An innovative approach that combines psychology & spirituality to help us connect with God & our Core Selves, and better understand & heal our broken or burdened parts. 

Retreats: Opportunities to take a day or half-day off your busy schedule, breathe and see what God has in store for you! We’ve hosted retreats with a variety of themes and have more coming―there's something for everyone!



Healing Your Soul Monthly Gathering

Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m., Spirituality Center Chapel

Inspired by our Healing Your Soul retreats, we've created a monthly gathering to continue exploring how Contemplative Internal Family Systems approach can help us connect with our Core Self & God, and bring relief to our burdened parts. Each evening has a standalone presentation, guided meditation, time for reflection and discussion.

In April, we’re exploring Hope for My Healing Parts, how we can safely listen to the parts that are hurting and how we can best tend to them. The evenings are open to everyone, even if you haven't made the retreat yet! RSVP at stmonica.net/spirit

Engagement

Our Engagement ministry is excited to work with volunteers to help them listen to how they are being called to serve, and learn about ministry opportunities at St. Monica.

During the first several weeks of Lent, we asked you to consider a few questions, reflect on them as you walk with Christ, and identify where God might be calling you to serve. As we did last week, we invite you to take the next step to put your plan into action.

Exploring

You’ve been listening to God's call and taking time to reflect on it. What ideas or possibilities emerged from your prayer time with God? Now we can start to gather information and explore:

  • For the next few weeks, read carefully through the entire Weekly Witness! Notice your reactions to what you read. What ministry opportunities make you feel excited, interested, or completely uninterested? By the middle of April, pick one possibility and reach out to the ministry contact to learn more.
  • Take an hour to explore the St. Monica website. See what intrigues you—where can you imagine yourself serving with one of the ministries? Pick one possibility and reach out to the ministry contact to learn more.
  • Participate in a Navigator interview! The Navigators help match parishioners with several possible ministry opportunities, based on both their interests and their spiritual gifts. 

If you already have a sense of what Christ is inviting you to do or would like to bounce some ideas around with another person, sign up for a Navigator Conversation (a 25-30 minute conversation that you can do in person or by Zoom/phone). Register by:

Once we get your request, we’ll contact you to set a time and date to talk.

ADMINISTRATION

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of parishioner Bhodi Morgan and his troop from Boy Scouts Troop 223, St. Monica now has two brand-new recycling centers on site! Bhodi, who is on track to become an Eagle Scout this April, led his troop in spending many volunteer hours on this project. These custom-built centers feature separate bins for trash and recycling, aligning perfectly with the goals of the St. Monica Green Team to care for our common home. Let's all do our part and make good use of these new facilities to help protect our environment!

Holy Grounds

Live Your Faith Catholic, based in Camarillo, California, creates handcrafted Catholic jewelry and candles. Our journey of spiritual awakening led us to share our joy through these meaningful creations. We're excited to announce that we'll be selling our candles at St. Monica Church on Palm Sunday. Named after the inspirational Saint Monica, this historic church has been a beacon of light in the community since 1886. We're honored to be a part of this tradition and look forward to sharing our candles as parishioners gather to commemorate this special day. Thank you for your support and may God bless you all.

- Wayne and Silvana, Live Your Faith Catholic

Live Your Faith Catholic is holding a special prayer candle table in Holy Grounds! 📅 March 24 · ⌚ 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Stewardship

Everything we do at St. Monica—ministries of fellowship, service, and formation, serving those in need, celebrating Mass each Sunday with fantastic music and uplifting liturgy—depends on your generosity. We promise to be good stewards of your gifts to forward our mission, “to form loving disciples who will transform the world.”

Easter accounts for a significant amount of our offertory for the entire year. We ask for your support to help St. Monica continue to serve, support, and sustain. The easiest way to make your Easter gift is online at stmonica.net/easter using your credit card, bank account, and even Apple Pay or PayPal.

Thank you for your generosity, love, and prayer this Easter and throughout the year!

Serve, Support and Sustain St. Monica
through either a
one-time gift -or- recurring giving.
You may also click the '
DONATE' button in the Livestream player. Thank you!
CLICK to Make Your OFFERTORY Gift
As always, if you would like individual assistance from our donor relations staff—Michelle Dao and Merrick Siebenaler—feel free to call 310-566-1552 or email donor@stmonica.net. We are more than happy to process any requests or changes to your giving amount, frequency, and payment information.

We Pray For...


SICK: Trevor Browse, Jimmy Jimenez, Shirley Sinclair, Jorge Garcia, Manuela, Andy Pedone, Ed Zito, Dominic John Felde, Timothy Mitchell Felde, Keith Oliver, Jorge Garcia, Richard White, Janet Owen, Mary Anne McKinstry, Paris Heric, Madison Botts, John Dahlem, Andy Lastell, Tiana Williamson, Vicky McGhee, Colin Wallace, Gloria Barrit, Linda Auer, Karen Kelley, Hazel Hoffman

DECEASED: Tom Keep, Enrique Granados, Cesar Cacayas, Robert Galanida, Mark Lehmann, Roy Mooneyham, Steve Hausman, Katrina Abbot, Andrew Nigg, Eric Howard Carmen, Sidney Liebowitz, Ascensión (AJ) Martinez , Estella Melchor, Joal B. Asiado, Raquel B. Cortezano, Florante Cimagala
St. Monica proudly serves, supports, and sustains causes and organizations who share our mission beyond the parish. Visit our Beyond the Parish page to learn more and support our community partners.
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