Stewardship of Finance
"I am convinced that if we can make stewardship part of our faith life we can truly change the world. We can make this a much better place in which to live - not just for us, but for everyone. I am convinced of this because I am convinced that it will attack the selfishness that besets all of us. It turns the mine to ours; it turns self to others. It turns us from just loving ourselves to loving others as Jesus loves them."
- Bishop John J. McRaith, Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky
Each autumn parishioners are provided the opportunity to make a financial commitment for the coming year through St. Monica Parish Community. Our commitment of our pledge of money is an acknowledgment that all we have is a gift from God, and we are choosing to honor God by returning to God a portion of what we have received for the work of Jesus Christ through our parish community. Contact the development dept at 310-566-1526 or click here to download a printable Commitment Card. Gifts for the general fund of St. Monica Church enable our parish to fulfill its mission "to form loving disciples who will transform the world." Regular offerings through the financial stewardship program support the operating budget, which is made up of annual expenses that support the many ministries of the parish, including liturgy, music, adult and youth education, social justice programs and outreach activities. Gifts for the general fund can help the parish enhance and expand these important ministries.
Building Fund
The St. Monica community is blessed with a beautiful church and campus. To keep the church looking its best requires ongoing attention to capital needs. Donations to the Building Fund have been used for projects such as replacing kneelers, refinishing the church floor, improving the church sound system, and others.
Needy Fund
The Needy Fund provides ongoing support for the parish outreach programs that assist individuals, families and communities in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances. The parish assists people directly and through contributions to agencies such as:
St. Joseph Center in Venice
Westside Food Bank
American Red Cross
El Hogar Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico
Mission in Nairobi, Kenya
Donations to the Needy Fund are used strictly for these purposes and not for general operations. Helping our brothers and sisters is central to the calling of our faith, and we are all blessed by the care that St. Monica parishioners have for others.
School Scholarship Endowment
St. Monica Parish has a long history of commitment to Catholic Education. For over seventy years our elementary and high schools have provided a quality educational program, fostering academic excellence and instilling Christian values. Approximately 20% of our students receive some amount of financial assistance. The St. Monica Scholarship Endowment helps to provide financial aid to students with demonstrated financial need who would otherwise be unable to attend our schools. For information on how you can support the School Scholarship Endowment, please contact the development dept at 310-566-1526.
Lay Endowment
One of the greatest strengths of the St. Monica community is active participation by so many of our volunteers. The Lay Endowment was set up to provide financial assistance for those seeking to build up their leadership and ministry skills. Strong and well-trained leaders will continue to build up our own community and provide outreach to the greater community. Educational grants from the Lay Endowment Trust are available to active volunteers and staff of the St. Monica Parish Community. For information on how you can support the Lay Endowment, please contact the Development Office at 310-566-1526.
Weekly Envelopes
All registered parishioners have the option of giving through weekly/monthly envelopes. We will send out a packet of envelopes each month along with a newsletter and calendar of events. The Offering Envelope Program is a great way to make your regular intentioned commitment to St. Monica Parish Community. To register to receive Offering Envelopes please contact the development department at 310-566-1526.
Memorials
A wonderful way to remember a loved one or special friend is by making a memorial or tribute gift. Gifts may be made in any amount to remember a deceased loved one or to honor a birth, anniversary or other special person in your life. Send your donation to St. Monica along with the name of the person you want to remember. Please provide an address and St. Monica will send a memorial letter to whomever you designate, informing them of the gift.
Cars for Causes
You can donate your vehicle (car, van, boat, snowmobile, etc.) to St. Monica Church or one of its schools through the Cars for Causes program. St. Monica does not accept direct donations of cars however, you can donate your car to Cars for Causes and designate St. Monica to receive a portion of the proceeds.
Planned Gifts
As Christians we know that our life does not end here on earth. Nor do the things we care about and support while we are here end when we are gone. Making a planned gift such as designating St. Monica in your will ensures that the ministries and programs you care about deeply will be sustained well beyond your lifetime.
If you are considering St. Monica Church and/or schools as a beneficiary in your will, your attorney will need to know our full legal name which is:
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles,
A corporation sole
For the benefit of (select one or more)
(a) Saint Monica Church
(b) Saint Monica Elementary School
(c) Saint Monica Catholic High School
725 California Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
For basic information on planned giving you may contact the Development Office at St. Monica. For more specific information on Wills, Insurance Policies, charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuities, please contact your legal and/or financial advisor. Thank you for your support of St. Monica Parish Community.
For information about any of these topics, please contact the Development Office at 310-566-1526.
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