I Will Raise it Up

This Sunday, we reflect on the dynamic moment when Jesus cleanses the Temple, challenging the practice of buying and selling in this sacred space. He observes that the place meant for prayer has become a hub for profit-seeking. This event teaches us to examine our lives: what must we eliminate, and what distractions hinder our relationship with God? Lent offers us a period of purification, an opportunity to free ourselves from the chains that bind us. It's a time to listen intently to God, follow His path, and hope for a future transformation. My prayers are with you throughout this significant season.

We proudly welcome Dr. Jim Finley on Saturday, March 16, as he accompanies our Lenten journey with a morning retreat. This retreat will explore and reflect upon the understand how prayerfully reflecting on the events of Christ’s life that we celebrate in the liturgical year can help us to become more aware of and responsive to God’s presence in the joys and sorrows of our daily lives. Jim will offer his perspective and invite attendees into silent prayer, meditation, and practical discussion.

There is a proverb, "When a parent dies, they are buried in the ground. When a child dies, they are buried in the parent’s heart.” Pray for Mike & Tracy Grimm, who have been sharing their story about the loss of their Baby Jacob. Mike's words are a beautiful tribute to life and faith; they want to share them with their parish. Watch at stmonica.net/grimm.

Next week's Kairos retreat is a pivotal experience for our Mariner seniors, offering a profound opportunity for spiritual growth, self-discovery, and personal development. This retreat allows students to step away from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in introspection and the exploration of their faith in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Activities designed to foster deep reflection and community building encourage students to form meaningful connections with their peers, enhancing their empathy and belonging. Serra Retreat Center brings mental clarity and spiritual awakening, making the Kairos retreat an invaluable journey towards self-understanding and a stronger relationship with God. This significant moment in their spiritual life is thus a cornerstone for their future, so we offer the full support and love from their community.

I am glad to share the progress of our renovations made possible through your generous support to the Called to Renew campaign. This progress symbolizes our collective commitment to growth and excellence, ensuring that our community remains strong for generations to come.

Our upcoming hospitality suite is designed with compassion at its core. It will serve as a serene place for bridal parties, offering them a dedicated area to prepare for  Mass. Also, it extends a comforting embrace to grieving families, providing a private area for reflection and solace before a funeral of their loved one. This dual-purpose suite embodies our commitment to supporting our community members during their most significant life moments, both joyous and solemn.

The renovation of our auditorium marks a significant leap forward for our performing arts program and the broader community. With state-of-the-art upgrades, this space will become a vibrant hub for creativity and expression, offering students opportunities to showcase their talents and grow artistically. Beyond the school, the auditorium will open its doors to the community, providing a venue for civic events, presentations, and cultural gatherings. This transformation enriches our school's cultural landscape. It fosters a stronger, more connected community where the arts serve as a bridge between diverse groups and interests, enriching the lives of all who step through its doors.

Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson

WORSHIP

WITHOLDING FORGIVENESS

If someone offends you and apologizes, you are probably willing to forgive. But if someone offends you and never apologizes, you might withhold forgiveness.

You might do a favor for someone you love or even for a complete stranger. But if someone has offended you and never apologized for it, you probably will not do a favor for that person. Offenders might think the wrong they have done was not so bad after all. You would not want to take that risk.

You would not take that risk, but God would. God did. God did all of us a favor. God sent the only-begotten Son into the world to suffer and die so that we could have eternal life. God did this not for those who committed the least sin, not for those who fasted, not for those with the most service hours, and not for those who made the best grades. God did it for everyone. God even did it for sinners.

St. Paul tells the Romans that Christ died for the ungodly. “Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die.”

How different God is from us. We would not give the time of day to people we know are sinners. Jesus gave his life for them. Jesus gave his life for you, no matter what you have done or how well you have apologized. God’s love lies beyond human experience.

Paul Turner

EUCAHRISTIC MIRACLES

The Eucharistic Miracles exhibit will be at St. Monica on March 16–17. Curated by the blessed Carlo Acutis, this exhibit showcases the profound and awe-inspiring occurrences of Eucharistic miracles worldwide, a testament to the power and presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Volunteers are needed in 1–2 hours shifts
to serve in hospitality and as "docents"
beginning Saturday, March 16, Noon–7:30p
and Sunday, March 17, 8:30a–7:30p.

SEDER DINNER

Join Saturday, March 23, as we honor the connection between the Jewish Passover and the Catholic celebration of Holy Week. It's not just a meal; it's a spiritual journey commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, reflecting deeply on the themes of freedom, redemption, and faith. Through this sacred tradition, we seek to deepen our understanding of the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Holy Week, where Jesus, as the Passover Lamb, instituted the Eucharist. Reservations are available at stmonica.net/seder. Volunteers also needed for setup, service, and cleanup. Email Lupe Ibarra.

FAITH FORMATION

WE SEND YOU FORTH...
“I feel the care and support of our community!” said one of the catechumens after the 9:30 a.m. Mass last week as they were sent to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election. 

Over the next few weeks you may notice special Rites occurring with our adults preparing to receive their sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. As they enter a period of purification and enlightenment, their focus moves from instruction to internal reflection. During Lent, we all are invited to this process of purification, letting go of everything that keeps us from growing closer to God, and enlightenment, what we do with that open space.

This Sunday, March 3, the baptized take part in the Penitential Rite at 9:30 a.m. Mass and then journey to the Cathedral at 3 p.m. for their Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion. On this same day at the 11:30 a.m. Mass, the unbaptized participate in the First Scrutiny. The unbaptized will participate in scrutinies over the next three weeks meant to help them (and us) examine areas of our lives in need of purification and pray with openness for God’s loving grace.

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

Faith Formation at Home for February

•  Pause + Pray + Play
•  Happier-Kinder-Together
•  The Kids’ Bulletin
•  Unleash the Gospel: 52 Sundays

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

OUTREACH

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–just read this week's Story of Hope from El Salvador. Don’t forget to place your weekly offering in your box or donate here. Rice Bowls can be found in the Caruso Center Reception or Holy Grounds Coffee Shop.

RESPECT LIFE

Saturday, March 9
10 a.m.–Noon
  The public right of way in front of 12304 Santa Monica Blvd

Join St. Monica's Respect Life Committee and 40 Days for Life Santa Monica, West LA, as we pray to build up a culture of life. Visit stmonica.net/respectlife for more. 

HOLY CROSS AFRICA MINISTRY · stmonica.net/hcam
Race 4 Veronika’s Place is raising funds for a food distribution program in Dandora, Kenya. Over 500 people living with HIV or AIDS receive this lifesaving food. St. Monica parishioners raise funds by participating in the LA Marathon March 16 and 17. To be part of the team, contact [email protected]  To donate, visit our website.

• March 2 · St. Francis Center: email Dennis Hardwick
• March 23 · St. Robert Center: email Annette Sikand 

Fellowship, Socials, & Clubs  

FILM CLUB · stmonica.net/film
Join us March 7 in-person and on Zoom for Oscar Night! See trailers and join in the discussion of the films nominated for Best Picture by the Academy. The evening is always capped off by our vote for Best Picture. Will we keep our amazing track record? Only time will tell. More info and registration on our webpage.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION · stmonica.net/patrick
Enjoy a traditional Irish meal with other parishioners on Sunday, March 17, in the Grand Pavilion at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here.

BOUTIQUE · stmonica.net/boutique
Easter and spring will soon be here! If you are looking for that perfect decoration, the ideal gift for a newborn, graduate, or first communion, or if you just want to buy something beautiful and unique, please come to visit the Boutique sale on Saturday, March 9 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Sunday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will be in the Duval Center (across from the church). Cash, check, or credit card accepted.

YMA · stmonica.net/yma
We thank all our young adults in their 20s and 30s who joined us for fun and fellowship. Visit our webpage for information on Vespers – a different topic on faith and spirituality every session. Line Dancing Social on March 9 at 7 p.m.! Also, Msgr. Torgerson will join Vespers on March 12 for a discussion on Forgiveness and Confession.

PRIMETIME · stmonica.net/primetime
Meet us on March 8 at St. Monica Church for Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. followed by the Fish Fry. Check website for details.

SAINT MONICA PREPARATORY

Presenting: SMASH 2024!

SMASH 2024 is almost here! Join us on Saturday, May 11, as we honor University of Notre Dame President-Elect Reverend Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. Rev. Dowd will receive the Heart of Monica Award from Mary and Jay Flaherty. We are also blessed this year to introduce you to our wonderful SMASH chairs: Mariner parents Darcy Cobb and Annie Wehrle.

Darcy Cobb, a native Angeleno and longtime PR executive, has been described as talking a mile-a-minute and thinking even faster. She is the co-founder of Dotted Line Communications, an award-winning media and technology PR firm that represents leading media conglomerates, venture capital firms, startups, and established technology companies. Previously Darcy worked at international firms Ketchum Public Relations and Porter Novelli International, as well as at Fairchild Publications, then a division of ABC. Darcy sold Dotted Line in 2022, but continues to counsel some of the most well-known thought leaders in technology and media and serves as an advisor to multiple startups. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Darcy is an active member of the community, supporting and volunteering at the schools where her children are students. She also serves as a board member for many community and charity organizations. She received her BS in Political Science from Boston College.

In addition to working at a hedge fund, Annie Wehrle spent time at the Park Hill Group, a division of Blackstone, where she oversaw the marketing of third party managers in the alternative space. She came to realize that a lot of women do not have the knowledge needed to help them make the right investments decisions, so she founded the Women Abundance Collective, an educational platform to help women learn about both investing and investments. Annie wants to empower women to be part of the larger conversation around money and to take ownership of their investment decisions.

Find more information about SMASH at stmonica.net/smash.

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! 

And on Friday, March 15, at 7 p.m., our Spiritual Care & Engagement Ministers will again be hosting the Celtic Stations of the Cross―it’s been a deeply reflective and beautiful celebration during the past two Lents―we hope you can join us this year.

ALWAYS BEGINNING · stmonica.net/always
All adults 65+ are welcome to join us for our Lent Retreat on Friday, March 1, at 10 a.m. in the Bessette Chapel, and then lunch in the Auditorium immediately following the 12:10 p.m. Mass. The retreat and luncheon are complimentary, but RSVPs are necessary.

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. This week we’re looking at what it's like to enter into a difficult time, to trust, and to discover God’s healing power.

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.

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? Visit our page for more information.

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.

Engagement

Take Time This Lent to Find Your Place at St. Monica

Our Navigators 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.

For the first few weeks of Lent, consider a few questions, reflect on them as you walk with Christ, and identify where God might be calling you to serve. Then in the Easter season, you can take the next step to put your plan into action.

Listening

• How often do you take time to listen to God’s messages for you? Would you like to make more time to do so?
• When and how do you find it easiest to hear God’s voice?
• What can you do during this Lent to listen just a little more closely to what Christ might be saying to you?

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:

• Visiting our website at stmonica.net/navigators
• Emailing us at [email protected]

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

ADMINISTRATION

Holy Grounds

In the '70s, while at LMU, Michael Amodei stumbled upon a part-time gym teaching and coaching job at St. Augustine School, initially overwhelmed but compelled by a Sister's urging to stay. This unexpected turn eventually led to a long career at our very own St. Monica Elementary School, thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Monsignor Torgerson, who shaped his path toward a fulfilling role as an editor and author.

Michael is a former parishioner as well. His new book, Reaching for Heaven: 14 Spiritual Goals as You Grow Older, is now available at Holy Grounds and features an endorsement from Monsignor on the cover. Pick up your copy today and read more about Michael's incredible journey here!

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!