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St. Monica Weekly Witness: *|DATE:M. j|* Can't read this email?
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Aug 28, 2025
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St. Monica Weekly Witness
News from your spiritual home.
Celebrate the Feast of Saint Monica this weekend! Food trucks and live music Friday, parish-wide service Saturday, and Feast Day Mass, brunch, and volunteer appreciation on Sunday. More at stmonica.net/feast. Saint Monica, Pray for Us
This weekend we celebrate our great patroness with the Feast of Saint Monica! Tonight, we kick off the festivities right here on campus with Food Truck Night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab dinner with family and friends before heading over to Venice High School for our first high school football game of the season at 7 p.m. Let’s come together in joy as we begin this weekend of celebration.
On Saturday, our community will live out Saint Monica’s spirit of service during St. Monica Serves. Parishioners of all ages will be out in Los Angeles lending a hand at food pantries, shelters, and non-profits that serve our most vulnerable neighbors. What a gift it is to see our parish united in action, sharing compassion in real and tangible ways with those who need it most. A few volunteering spots are still available at stmonica.net/serves.
Sunday is our great Feast Day! At the 9:30 a.m. Mass we will lift our prayers to Saint Monica, give thanks for her faithful witness, and celebrate our own parish family. During Mass, we will honor the David Hines Volunteers of the Year—men and women whose dedication embodies the spirit of service we all strive to live. Following Mass, I invite everyone to join us for a parish-wide brunch, complimentary, as we continue the celebration. The theme of our Mass this year is compassion, and our charge remains the same: to love everyone we meet. More at stmonica.net/feast.
On Monday, our Diaspora will gather by Zoom at 5:00 p.m. for Discover St. Monica. Thank you to all who continue to stay connected to this community even across distance—your support means so much. Meanwhile, I will be away Monday through Wednesday afternoon at our Archdiocese’s Convocation. This gathering of priests across Los Angeles is a time to pray, reflect, and strengthen our commitment to the mission of the Church in each parish. I look forward to sharing more about it with you next weekend.
This Wednesday evening, we will host our Marriage Information Night at 7:15 p.m. All couples preparing for marriage are encouraged to attend—it’s a wonderful opportunity to begin your journey with the guidance and support of the parish community. Please keep these couples in your prayers as they prepare for this beautiful sacrament. stmonica.net/marriage
Next Sunday, we will say goodbye to Fr. Matthew, who returns home to Wa, Ghana, after two months with us. We are so grateful for the love, joy, and example he has shared during his stay, and we will send him forth with our prayers and blessings. His presence among us has been a gift.
Looking ahead, Labor Day Weekend is nearly upon us. Please remember that on Monday, September 1, we will celebrate only one Mass at 9:30 a.m. as we ask God’s blessing on our parish as summer ends and we begin a new season together in faith.
I love you.
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson
Jump to:
Worship · Faith Formation · Spiritual Care · Engagement
Fellowship · Social Justice · School · StewardshipMass Schedule
Time Music Ministry Presider Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Reflections Ensemble Fr. Llonoso Sunday Masses 7:30 a.m. Foundations Ensemble Fr. Guffey 9:30 a.m. ∙ Livestream Generations Ensemble Msgr. Torgerson 11:30 a.m. Heritage Ensemble Fr. Kuna 5:30 p.m. ∙ Livestream Elevations Ensemble Fr. Tuurosong 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 & DoughnutsSt. Phoebe Day
As we approach the global celebration of St. Phoebe Day on Sept. 3, our parish joins communities worldwide in honoring the vital contributions of women in the Church. St. Phoebe, praised by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans, was a deacon, leader, and benefactor—her witness still inspires today as the Church reflects on women’s roles in ministry through the Synod on Synodality.
We’ll mark this occasion in two special ways. On Wed., Sept. 3, past St. Phoebe speakers Mugs Cahill, Jenna Clingingsmith, and Teresa Cordeiro will share reflections on passages from Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Then, during all Masses on Sept. 6–7, five women leaders from our parish will offer spiritual reflections on the Sunday scriptures.
Join us as we celebrate St. Phoebe’s legacy and continue the conversation on recognizing and embracing the gifts of women in the Church. For more on last year's celebration, visit stmonica.net/phoebe.The Lesson of Leaning on Others’ Gifts
We had a plan. As we do each year, we prepared to surprise the newest David Hines Award honorees, catching their reactions on video so you could share in the joy. This time, we tried something different—gathering all of them together to surprise them at the same time. The surprise worked beautifully, their faces lit up, and we did capture it all on camera.
Except for one thing: nobody hit record on the audio.
In a year when we were asked
to keep the project in-house as a budget measure, it became clear—we can’t do it all ourselves. The body of Christ depends on the gifts of each person, and when we don’t lean on those gifts, something important is missing.That’s also the truth of the David Hines Award itself. Every spring, dozens of nominations pour in. Some names reappear year after year. Over six weeks, our master statistician, Christine Gerety, carefully researches, builds portfolios of the nominees, and even creates scatter plots to help the discernment team make its decision. It’s a communal process, reflecting the many voices that recognize faithful service in our midst.
This year, we are proud to honor Sharon Arnett, the Barragan Family (Rebecca, Rafael, and children), Kathleen Gallanar, Jose Lopez, Marcus Reyes, and Irma Vargas. Each one embodies the spirit of service that makes our parish thrive. They will receive their medals at the 9:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday on the Feast of St. Monica.
The Hines Award is the capstone to a full weekend of celebrating our patroness—with Food Truck Friday, St. Monica Serves, and Sunday’s brunch on the block. Together, these moments remind us that it’s never just one gift, but the many shared, that make us who we are.
What is the David Hines Award? 
Named in honor of longtime parishioner David Hines, this annual award recognizes individuals and families whose faith, service, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the St. Monica Catholic Community. David Hines was a devoted parishioner and music minister whose generosity and joy shaped our community. He died tragically in a car accident on his way to a parish retreat, and this award was established to carry forward his legacy of faithful service.
Since the award began in 2001, more than 150 parishioners and families have been honored (through 2024). May their witness inspire all of us to share our gifts more fully.
Love Sacred Choral Music?
You’re Invited!If you enjoy sacred choral music, you’re welcome to take part in a special evening at St. Monica. This event is part of a national series hosted by GIA Music, where the publisher share the latest in sacred choral repertoire. It’s how musicians discover and preview new works that often make their way into parish life.
St. Monica Sacred Choral Reading Session
Thursday, Sept. 5, 2025 7 p.m. ChurchLearn more about Sacred Choral Reading Sessions at:
stmonica.net/giamusicKey Liturgies at a Glance
Fri–Sun, Aug. 22–24 – Feast of St. Monica Weekend
️ Fri: Food Truck Night
Sat: St. Monica Serves (Day of Service)
Sun: Parish Picnic (Aug. 25)
Wed, Aug. 27 – Feast of St. Monica (Proper)
Sat–Sun, Sept. 6–7 – St. Phoebe Weekend
Lay spiritual reflections at all Masses**NEW DATE** Sun, Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. – Installation of Dr. Erin Luby
New President of Santa Monica Preparatory
Sacramental Preparation
Youth preparation for first Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation
Marriage Information Night:
stmonica.net/marriageAug 27
Baptism Preparation:
stmonica.net/baptismSept 20
Note: this and all sessions
are now in-person.
is an annual process (September–May) through the Office of Faith Formation.SMPREP Student Leaders Ready for the Year Ahead
Students of Saint Monica Preparatory's Upper School participated in two very different experiences this month, both in preparation for the 2025-26 school year that begins next week. We can't wait to welcome students back to campus, with grades 6-12 returning Monday and students in grades TK-5 following on
Wednesday.The majority of this year's senior class went to Serra Retreat Center for their Senior Kairos Retreat. Kairos is a Greek word that means “the Lord’s time.” Kairos offers a dedicated time to get away from the world and to know oneself, God, and others better. It’s a four-day retreat that can be described as a spiritual transformation. The Kairos retreat program is offered at many–but not all–Catholic schools, and each may run their programs differently, based on the needs and impact of its students. Students shared the impact of the retreat:
“During shared prayer my group felt comfortable to be vulnerable. We cried, laughed and prayed and felt so many emotions together. This was so powerful and brought us all very close as we are embarking on our senior year.” Peyton“I have never felt so connected to people. The bond that we formed as a class is now so strong.” Nick
Meanwhile, ASB and Campus Ministry members participated in a leadership workshop led by the Imagination Campus team at Disneyland. In this program, Mariners received a unique opportunity to realize their potential by interacting with Disney leaders, engaging in leadership activities, and experiencing fun, hands-on learning. Following the program, students had an adventurous afternoon bonding on Disneyland rides and attractions. Learn more about student life at Saint Monica Prep at saintmonicaprep.org.
FAITH FORMATION
✝️ FAITH FORMATION REGISTRATION OPEN!
Registration for all faith formation programs is open! Sessions for Early Childhood Education, First Eucharist Preparation, Bridges, Middle School Ignite, and Confirmation Preparation will begin in mid-September. Click HERE to register! If you’d like to share your gifts by serving in any of our programs, email Diane Gasper.SCRIPTURE ENCOUNTER · NO MEETING on Sat, August 23! To grow more intimate to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit by reading the Holy Scriptures together and studying Bible History.
Ida Reilly
Scripture Encounter will return September 13. Enjoy the lively conversations as the group reads and reflects on the Sunday readings each week. All are welcome! Attend in-person or register for the 2025 Zoom link. Email Danielle Villalobos with any questions.SMALL GROUP FACILITATOR TRAINING
St. Monica will be hosting a training for anyone interested in gaining skills as a small group facilitator. Whether you participate in or lead a ministry team, a faith sharing group, a small group in faith formation, parish council or any group, or if you just want to hone these important life skills–all are welcome to join us on September 10 at 7 p.m. Click HERE to register!Faith Formation at Home for August
Blessings,
Diane Gasper
Director, Faith FormationDanielle Villalobos
Children’s Faith Formation CoordinatorSuzette Sornborger
Dean of Faith Formation & Spirituality at SMPREP,
Pastoral AssociateSafeguarding Our Children: DID YOU KNOW?
August 23–24: What having a “healthy caution” toward adults
can mean, part 1OUTREACH
It is still summer in the city and Outreach at St. Monica continues to offer wonderful opportunities for fellowship and service. Pray for our over 130 volunteers serving in nine different settings this Saturday with St. Monica Serves, part of our Feast Day Weekend. Plus, look ahead to enjoying our Pancake Breakfast September 7–tickets HERE!
Looking ahead, sign up now for September events with limited space: on September 6, serve meals at St. Robert or St. Francis Center; on September 20, join St. Monica’s team for the Homeboy 5K Run/Walk; from September 24–November 2, take part in 40 Days for Life to pray and fast for an end to abortion; and beginning September 24, join the Encuentro de Esperanza course with JustFaith Ministries.
Peace & Justice
♻️ GREEN TEAM · stmonica.net/greenteam
The Green Team encourages St. Monica families to respond to the climate crisis with faith, advocacy, education, and action. Check out the webpage for information on tomato picking and canning Labor Day weekend.MINISTRY TO THE INCARCERATED · stmonica.net/incarcerated
St. Monica has a team at this year’s Homeboy 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, September 20. To join the team and find out other ways to support the cause, visit the webpage.SERVING THE HOMELESS · stmonica.net/homeless
Prepare and serve a meal to residents of transitional shelters. Mark your calendars for September 6 at both St. Francis Center and St. Robert Center. Contact Dennis for St. Francis Center and Annette for St. Robert Center.RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY · stmonica.net/respectlife
You can protect mothers and children by joining 40 Days for Life, a worldwide mobilization to pray and fast for an end to abortion from September 24 to November 2. Sign up for an hour or a day with Margaret. Choose your shift!
FILM CLUB · stmonica.net/film
Film Club’s Better Angels Season begins Sept. 11 with Good Will Hunting, a two-time Oscar winner and fan-favorite. A young mathematical genius is stymied by trauma and fear until an undaunted therapist helps him find his way forward. Pre-register for this in-person event on the Film Club webpage.PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Come enjoy breakfast with old and new friends on Sunday, September 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Pavilion. The menu features pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee. Tickets are $15 per plate for adults and $8 for children (8 & under). Purchase tickets online HERE by September 5.GLO LGBTQ+ · stmonica.net/glo
Kick off the year with us on Sunday, September 14, 6:30 p.m., in Caruso Center A/B. There will be snacks and beverages!SPIRITUAL CARE · ENGAGEMENT
Summer can be a time when we enjoy more freedom—a mix of more light, vacations, being outside, and more. And with our relationship with Christ, we are invited into an even deeper freedom—the freedom to be exactly who God called us to be, to know we are deeply loved and to share Christ’s light. Here at St. Monica, our Spiritual Care & Engagement ministries are always ready to provide you with ways to explore our relationship with yourself, others, and God...and explore the new possibilities that God has in store for you! 
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care at St. Monica is focused on connecting us more deeply with ourselves, each other, and with Christ. Sometimes, it invites us to take some time to listen to what is happening inside of us, and how God is calling us to live our lives.
We are grateful to offer year-round support through our Stephen Ministry, Ministry to the Sick, and Bereavement Ministry. These ministries are a vital part of our St. Monica community, offering hope, compassionate support, and a reminder that you are never alone. If you or someone you know is facing a difficult season, we invite you to explore these trusted resources:
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. Registration is now open for our Fall Support Group, which begins with a Zoom Orientation on Thursday, September 11, at 7 p.m.STEPHEN MINISTRY · stmonica.net/stephen
Confidential, one-to-one Christian care for those facing challenges.MINISTRY TO THE SICK · stmonica.net/sick
Bringing Communion and spiritual support to those who are homebound or hospitalized.SPIRITUALITY CENTER AT ST. MONICA
As we head into the last weeks of summer, you may find yourself wanting to dive more deeply into your faith life. If so, take a moment to learn more about 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.
Healing Your Soul: This fall, you're invited into a sacred rhythm of soul care—a time to breathe deeply, listen inward, and encounter God’s healing presence.
HYS Fall Series: Experience Come As You Are: A Sacred Space for Healing on Wednesday evenings: September 10, November 12, and December 10. The series includes a three-part Monthly Gathering designed to help you reconnect with your inner world and the still, loving voice of God. Through gentle prayer, reflection, and a blend of faith and inner work, each session offers space to bring your whole self—yes, even the messy parts.
HYS One-Day Retreat, October 11: This in-person retreat invites you into deeper stillness and sacred exploration. You’ll get to know your internal family of parts—those aspects of you that carry burdens, protect, or feel unseen—and learn how to meet them with compassion. Through meaningful teaching, guided meditations, and unhurried personal space, you’ll reconnect with your core self and the healing presence of God. Inspired by Romans 12, we’ll honor the hidden, tender parts of our inner world and create room for transformation. RSVP to Christine or 310-566-1531.
Monthly Spiritual Direction: If you’re looking for a new spiritual practice this summer, consider Monthly Spiritual Direction. Spiritual direction offers us the space, time, and support to explore our where God is (or isn’t) in our lives, and is guided by a trained spiritual director once a month for ten months. Learn more here.ENGAGEMENT
Celebrate Our St. Monica Volunteers 
& Get Inspired for Your Next Ministry Adventure!We’re celebrating all of our St. Monica volunteer ministers this weekend! Our community is so grateful for each and every one of our volunteer ministers and the gifts you have shared with us and with the broader community―it truly wouldn’t be St. Monica without you. As part of our Volunteer Appreciation, we’ll be recognizing several outstanding St. Monica volunteer ministers who have been living examples of Christ’s love during the past year.
And once you have been inspired by our 2025 David Hines Award recipients, we know you’ll be inspired to get even more involved! As you decide what you’d like to do, remember that 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. One way we're doing so is through Navigators Ministry, which helps individually match parishioners with several possible ministry opportunities based on both their interests and their spiritual gifts.
Your adventure starts by signing up for a Navigator Conversation (a 25-30 minute conversation that you can do in person or by Zoom/phone). Register by:
- Visiting our webpage at stmonica.net/navigators
- Emailing us at [email protected]
Ignatians West is looking for a few good people!
Are you a mature adult with some free time? Your lifetime of experience can be turned into service for others. Ignatians West will match your interests and talents with the needs of children, adults, and seniors in a variety of non-profit settings. Volunteers serve in schools, food pantries, hospitals, and social service centers one or two days a week. In addition to service, Ignatians West volunteers meet monthly to reflect and pray in the Ignatian tradition. This Jesuit affiliated ministry invites you to assist those in need, work for a more just society, care for the earth and grow deeper in your faith. The benefits are priceless! Check out at www.ignatianswest.org! You can make a difference in the life of another!For further information, contact Anne Hansen or call 310-703-2733.
STEWARDSHIP
Thank You for a Powerful Start
What a weekend! Fr. Tom Eckert from the Holy Cross Mission Centre inspired at every Mass, and your response was beautiful.
Thanks to your generosity, we’re already halfway to our Mission Co-Op Appeal goal—supporting solar power, medical equipment, and clean water purification at Holy Cross in Dandora. Reaching 50% so quickly is a gift in itself, especially knowing many weren’t planning for this appeal and still want to participate.
If you haven’t made your gift yet, it’s easy: use the orange MISSIONS envelope and drop it at the parish office or in the offertory basket at Mass, or give online at stmonica.net/mission.
If you missed Fr. Tom’s remarks, you can watch here or read the transcript here. His message is worth hearing again.
Thank you for keeping this partnership strong—let’s carry this momentum the rest of the way.
Like the disciples who asked Jesus how to pray, we’re all learning how to trust more deeply—to ask boldly and to respond generously. Whether you’re traveling or taking time to rest, thank you for the gifts you’ve shared. Your giving sustains our mission and helps others encounter Christ—in every knock, every need, and every answer given.Make a one-time gift -or- establish recurring giving. Thank you!Need to make a change to your recurring gift?
Here are step-by-step instructions to adjust your gift or update your payment method.We Pray For...
SICK: Jill Sowell, Maria Ponce-De-Leon, John Brazill, G. Groves, Arlene Casper, Kristy Hampton, Debbie Felan, Helen Famor, Maria Del Mar Costa, Agnes Lilles, Mike Tomochko, Sr. Judy Molosky
DECEASED: Allesandra Parrini, Lucille Mayer, Maria Carillo, Habib Khoury,
Bill Mosley, King Deutsch, Mary Sychoski, Moises Casillas, Sandy Lamug,
Trent Jones, Zach C.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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Outreach · Social Justice · School · StewardshipCopyright © 2025 St. Monica Catholic Community, All rights reserved.
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