God call us in the midst of ordinary things

God calls us in the midst of ordinary things. Often only looking for God in the dramatic, spectacular, the ritual or the sacred places, we miss that He is walking beside us. Every moment of every day, in every circumstance and experience, God is calling to us, “Follow me.” Sometimes, we are too distracted to hear this call. Other times, we would rather ignore it or pretend it wasn’t heard. God, however, is very persistent. Whether we fine tune our hearing to receive this invitation now or when we close our eyes in death, we need to make a choice. The choice involves leaving some things behind and moving forward, taking risks. Choosing to keep focused and single-minded, the lens we then use to see our world and one another is God’s, not our own. Life is no longer about what is important or matters to me but what matters to God. We acquire a new filter and are asked to use that filter to make choices, establish priorities, and determine what direction we will take, and how to love. Once we accept God’s invitation, we cannot keep looking back to what was left behind, only forward to the surprises yet to come.

A national Eucharistic Revival launched last weekend. Here is how the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is taking part:

WHY // To renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

WHAT // A movement of Catholics across the United States, healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and sent out in mission “for the life of the world.”

HOW // A series of Archdiocesan experiences proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting Eucharistic devotion:

• Archdiocesan Eucharistic Congress, August 13, 2022, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – music, presentations on Eucharist and mission by Noel Diaz, Chris Stefanick, Sr. Miriam James Heidland & more, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass with Archbishop Gomez (registration now open). Download Flyer Here: English || Spanish
• Regional Eucharistic Congresses (November 2022 and February 2023) – music, presentations by the Office for Divine Worship and the Office of New Evangelization and Parish Life, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Mass with regional bishops
• 24-Hours with the Lord (September 2022) – 24 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in one parish per deanery
• Mass with Archbishop Gomez and Eucharistic Procession in the streets of LA (March 2023)
• Young adult gatherings (fall 2022, winter, spring 2023) – music, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, witness talks, Mass, fellowship

The Uplifting Power of Choral Singing for Youth

I am truly passionate about working with young people, inspiring joy, and fostering a greater connection to one's faith through song. While teaching musicianship skills, posture, breathing, and performance skills, I also want my choristers to experience the uplifting power of choral singing and the sense of kinship and community a choir offers. As we learn, we're empowered to approach music with confidence. Accomplishing new things together gives us a sense of pride and self-worth, both individually and as a group.

Although learning music can sometimes be a daunting task, we make sure rehearsals are exciting and fun amidst the work involved! I make a point of connecting with singers and their families on a personal level, developing a safe and trustworthy environment for each and every child to thrive and grow in their musical journey and their faith journey alike.

Our St. Monica Youth Choir rehearses every Sunday morning from 8:40 to 9:25 a.m. in the St. André Bessette Chapel. All are welcome, ages 7 to 17 to become a part of something amazing taking place. Come listen to us this coming Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Mass and drop in to say hello!

-Heather Catalena, Youth Choir Director, 

Employment Opportunity: Director of Liturgy & Worship

We are still receiving applications for the Directory of Liturgy & Worship! This full-time, exempt position will work closely with our pastor and ministry directors to form a shared leadership team, with the ultimate goal of promoting full, conscious, and active participation for all of our parish community. The position will remain open until filled. 

Director of Liturgy & Worship 2022 

Highlights

• Our Morning Prayer group continues to flourish, with members from all across Los Angeles and the Country! We meet Monday through Friday at 7:15 a.m. on Zoom. It is a beautiful way to start the day, praying the Psalms used in prayer morning and evening since the time of Jesus. Register to participate.
• Everyone loves doughnuts! Worship Fellowship offers an amazing set of opportunities to gather safely, by way of Zoom, which you can easily put on your computer, smart phone or tablet and join in one of our fellowship groups or prayer after the Liturgies:
  • Coffee & Doughnuts 
    Sundays, following the 9:30 a.m. Mass
    Do you miss seeing friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners? Join us virtually on the “Duval Patio” for post-Mass conversation!
    
  • Sunday Nite Live
    Sundays, following the 5:30 p.m. Mass
    
  • Virtual Holy Grounds & Daily Rosary
    Weekdays + Saturdays, following the 12:10 p.m. Mass. 
    Daily Rosary:
    Members of our community will pray the Rosary, dedicated for the intercession of Mary, The Mother of God, for peace, unity, reverence and care for the common good.

• Click to register once and join anytime!

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