St. Monica Catholic Church Community, 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403 - Ph: 310-566-1500.
The parish was originally located in what is now the Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Ave. At that time it was the only parish between Oxnard and Wilmington and downtown Los Angeles and the ocean. Fr. Patrick Hawe served as the first resident pastor until 1923. During his tenure, the church developed. Fr. Hawe had planned to build a new and bigger church, but died on August 30, 1923 before that goal could be realized.
Monsignor Nicholas Conneally, was Father Successor Hawe as pastor and served until 1949. Immediately after becoming a pastor, Father Conneally moved his presbytery to a house on Fourth Street near the original church. He then sold the original parish site and the old church was destroyed. Until the church that was now completed in 1925, services were held in the former Protestant church in the corner of Arizona and Lincoln, where the current Santa Monica Boys Club is.
The new Saint Monica's, described as a cathedral in its time, was presented by Bishop John J. Cantwell on July 11, 1926. The cost is reported to be $340,000. The new rectory was built shortly afterwards. Saint Monica experienced explosive growth during that time which included the addition of two schools. For those who are fans of Bing Crosby, the Going My Way movie is based on several Msgr. Conneally's anecdote about his work in the parish and schools and was also partially filmed on St. Monica.
St. Monica Catholic Primary School and St. Monica Catholic High School tracked their origins until 1899 and 1901 when the Holy Nuns of Jesus and Mary opened a small school in 1899 near the corner of Third Street and Arizona in Santa Monica. Initially it was a primary school for kindergarten to grade 8 and was managed by four sisters, under the guidance of Fr. Hawe. In 1901, a high school was added and the school was named the Academy of Holy Names.
In 1930, elementary school was moved to its current location on 7th Street and became Saint Monica Parish Elementary School. The Sisters agreed to sell the Academy and middle school staff at Saint Monica's in September 1938, which has now become St. Monica Catholics College. The teaching staff consists of two pastors and five sisters. The first graduation class was twenty students - seventeen women and three men.
Additional land was acquired and several buildings were built throughout the years to accommodate the growing community to St. Monica covers the entire city block of Lincoln Blvd, California Ave., Washington Ave., and 7th Street. The Gymnasium was built in 1946 and underwent a total renovation in 2012. The East Wing of the Middle School was built in 1958.
In 1961 a monastery was completed for the Sisters of the Holy Name and later changed to the Pastoral Center, now a location for the new Community Center. The original appendix, built in the 60s, was replaced with the Trepp Center in the mid 90's, and the Duval Center, named Monsignor Anthony Duval who served as pastor from 1978-1986, was built in 1998.
In January 1994, the Church suffered major damage in the Northridge earthquake which forced its closure until repairs could be made. During that time, Mass was held at the Gymnasium. Through the power of constant prayer, the leadership of pastor St. Monica, Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, and the hard work and commitment of the staff and parishioners, the restored church was reopened on Holy Thursday, April 13, 1995. Monsignor Torgerson continues to serve as pastor today.
In 2007 St. Monica, started an aggressive capital campaign of $27 million to meet the needs of developing communities and old buildings. The Pastoral Center was dismantled at the end of 2011 to make room for the Community Center and the new Reception Pavilion. The first stone laying was carried out in January 2012. Construction was completed in August 2013 with the opening celebration on November 3, 2013.
FAQ About Mass
Coming to a new place can be very scary. You might not know anyone, where to go once you are here, or even how to get here. We want to make it a little easier to find a way out and connect by answering some questions that you might have before you come.I am not Catholic. Can I still worship at St. Monica?
Yes, all are welcome to worship with us on St. Monica. If you decide you want to convert to Catholicism, our RCIA program will help guide you through the process. Visit www.stmonica.net/rcia to learn more.Is childcare available during Mass?
We have babysitters available at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays at the Simon Center. Children aged 2 years and above are welcome in childcare. A $10 contribution per family is recommended.What do I use at church?
On St. Monica Catholic Church, you will find various styles of dress. Jesus welcomes people from all walks of life and in various ways to dress, so do we! There are many people who are dressed and there are many who dress more casually.Am I expected to give money if I come to Mass?
Not. There is no fee for attending services. If you choose to place an offer in a collection, we thank you for your kindness.Which Mass should I attend?
In addition to daily Masses during weekdays, we have several options available on Saturdays and Sundays. Every weekend Mass we have unique character and talk to people with varied musical tastes, from very traditional to contemporary Christian.- Saturday Vigil 17:30 (Contemplative / Traditional and Contemporary)
At this Mass, Cesar Marquez leads a small ensemble with a mix of contemporary & traditional hymns, Gregorian songs, Taizé, Praise & Worship, and Acapella. Accompaniment is a grand piano / organ / keyboard with an occasional rhythm section. - Sunday 7:30 am (Contemplative / Traditional, Gospel, and Contemporary)
This Mass has extraordinary music from our liturgical traditions both ancient and new - songs to popular - led by Gary Denk with accompaniment of piano / organ. - Sunday 9:30 am (Family / Contemporary)
The 9:30 liturgy is sometimes referred to as our "family" Mass. Families and people of all ages are present and uplifted by music under the direction of Eric Becker. At this Mass, the Liturgy of the Words for Children is specifically offered as well as childcare services at the Simon Center. On the first Sunday of each month, intergenerational choirs consist of adults and children aged 7 and under and lead the music under the direction of Jeffrey Bonilla. - Sunday 11:30 am (Family / Traditional)
This Mass has a more traditional feel, with equal accompaniment to organs and pianos. Music is chosen from a large repertoire of Church music heritage and period and style that extends from Early & Classical Music to current liturgical songs and songs. Merrick Siebenaler directs the ensemble. - Sunday 1:15 a.m. (Youth / Contemporary-Modern)
This Mass features music by Joy Joy's group under the direction of Jeffrey Bonilla. This group consists of high school and college age students who come together to make good music and elevate the heart, mind, and spirit of community to God. - Sunday 17:30 (Young / Contemporary-Modern Adults)
This passionate Mass is intended for young adults and young people! Known for pop / rock and soul-style music, choirs and home bands led by music director Daniel Houze. You definitely want to arrive early for this popular evening mass! Childcare services are available at the Simon Center.