Catholic Schools Week Highlights

This week, Saint Monica Preparatory celebrated the gift that is Catholic education during the annual, nationwide Catholic Schools Week (CSW) - culminating in an all school Mass. Despite the challenging start to 2025, Msgr. Torgerson encouraged everyone to be grateful to be here together as part of the Mariner community. He shared a memory that he reflects on at the end of every Mass as he looks up at the painting of our patron saint St. Monica. Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake that severely damaged the church, the painting was the one thing still hanging on the wall intact - despite extensive destruction throughout the building. He reminded the community that St. Monica is with us every step of the way.

CSW celebrates Saint Monica’s mission to teach the whole person - body, mind and spirit - with special days to acknowledge the role of the parish, community, SMPREP families, the nation, our talented students and of course, our wonderful faculty and staff. SMPREP students and parents spoke at all weekend Masses reflecting on faith and their strong sense of hope and belonging within the SMPREP community. Watch videos of the speeches here. Throughout the week, activities included special breakfasts for parents as well as faculty and staff, family visits to TK-8 classrooms, a flag raising ceremony, plus the fan favorite In-N-Out fundraising truck for TK-12 students. 

Throughout the week, SMPREP also welcomed special guest speakers into many TK-12 classrooms. Msgr. Torgerson and Sr. Julie Fertsch, a Sister of St. Joseph, talked with students about their journeys answering God's call. Sr. Julie bonded with 4th grade students about her past competitive swimming experience and shared, "Walking alongside of people on their journey has been and continues to be such a sacred privilege. I believe that God is always at work and love to listen for all that God is doing in each individual life!" Msgr. also considers listening as important advice for students to follow on their own journeys - listening to themselves, to the people around them and to their God. It was a week full of gratitude and appreciation for the strong foundation provided by Saint Monica Prep.