Events at St. Lawrence Martyr and the wider community, Nov 12-Dec 5, 2026.  | How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!  - St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Sunday's readings remind us that everything entrusted to our care carries both a blessing and a responsibility. Proverbs praises the faithful work and generosity of a woman whose efforts benefit others. The psalm celebrates God's blessings in ordinary family life. Saint Paul reminds us to live as children of light, while Jesus challenges us to use our gifts rather than leave them idle. Christian stewardship begins with gratitude but must lead to action. Our abilities, possessions, relationships, and opportunities are not given simply for our own benefit. They become lasting treasures when we use them faithfully to serve God and one another.

1. What gift or opportunity has God entrusted to me that I may be taking for granted or failing to use fully?
2. How can I turn gratitude for God's blessings into a concrete act of generosity that benefits someone else?

Please include the following in your prayers this week:

• For all participating in Catechism & Coffee and our parish faith formation ministries, that they may grow in faith and love of Christ.
• For One Heart Ministry as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, that our parish may continue to be a place of compassion, dignity, and belonging.
• In thanksgiving for Robby Glade's years of service, that God may bless him in his next chapter and strengthen our parish music ministry.
• For those served by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and our parish outreach ministries, that our generosity may bring hope to those in need.
• For all gathering at the South Bay Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, that their shared prayers may inspire peace, understanding, and unity.

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November 15 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Catechism & Coffee | Friday, Nov 13, 9:00 am | Parish Hall | NEW DAY
• Paddle N Praise | Saturday, Nov 14, 9:00 am | Lower Field
• Children's Liturgy of the Word | Sunday, Nov 15, 9:00 am
• Sober not Somber (AA) | Sunday, Nov 15, 10:15 am | Pastoral Center
• Women in Transition | Sunday, Nov 15, 10:30 am | Pastoral Center
• Monday Rosary | Monday, Nov 16, 7:00 pm | In the Church
• Young Adult Bible Study | Monday, Nov 16, 7:00 pm | Pastoral Center
• SLM American Mahjong Circle | Tuesday, Nov 17, 9:00 am | Parish Hall
• St. Kateri Circle | Friday, Nov 20 | Call for time and location

Adopt-A-Family

November 7 - December 7 | dalesheckler@gmail.com
Bring Christmas joy to a family in need! Our Adopt-A-Family program connects parishioners with families in need. Share Christ’s love through generosity and help make their Christmas celebration truly special.

SLM School Fun Run Sponsors Needed

Sign up now through December 11
Support St. Lawrence Martyr School by sponsoring the 28th Annual Fun Run! Sponsorships start at $100 and offer opportunities to promote your business while supporting our students and school community.

The Giving Tree — Christmas Program

November 13 - December 13 | In the Church Narthex
Bring Christmas joy to those in need! Choose an ornament from our Advent Giving Tree, purchase the requested gift, and help share Christ’s love with our neighbors this season.

South Bay Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 pm | American Martyrs, Manhattan Beach
Celebrate gratitude and unity at the 54th Annual South Bay Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Embracing Peace Together. Join neighbors of many faith traditions for prayer, music, reflection, and fellowship.

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November 22 - Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe

• Children's Liturgy of the Word | Sunday, Nov 22, 9:00 am
• Sober not Somber (AA) | Sunday, Nov 22, 10:15 am | Parish Hall
• Caregivers Support Group | Sunday, Nov 22, 10:30 am | Pastoral Center
• Michelangelo Ministry | Monday, Nov 23, 10:00 am | Parish Hall
• Monday Rosary for Life | Monday, Nov 23, 7:00 pm | In the Church
• SLM American Mahjong Circle | Tuesday, Nov 24, 9:00 am | Parish Hall
• Prayer Shawl Ministry | Tuesday, Nov 24, 10:00 am | Parish Hall

Women's Cornerstone Thanksgiving Bake Sale

Nov 22 after all morning Masses | SLM Courtyard
Join us outside the hall for an assortment of sweet treats baked with love to benefit the annual women's retreat. We will also have beautiful handmade rosary bracelets in loving memory of Carolyn Henry Druffel.

SLM Gift Shop Pumpkin Bread & Peanut Brittle Pickup

Pick up Nov 22, 24 & 25 | During regular Gift Shop hours
Thank you for supporting our holiday sale! If you placed an order, remember to pick up your pumpkin bread or peanut brittle on November 22, 24, or 25.

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November 29 - First Sunday of Advent

• Children's Liturgy of the Word | Sunday, Nov 29, 9:00 am
• Sober not Somber (AA) | Sunday, Nov 29, 10:15 am | Parish Hall, upstairs
• Young Adult Bible Study | Monday, Nov 30, 7:00 pm | Parish Hall
• SLM American Mahjong Circle | Tuesday, Dec 1, 9:00 am | Parish Hall

Holy Hour with Vespers

Thursday, December 3, 7:00 pm | In the Church
Prepare your heart for Christmas with Holy Hour and Evening Prayer. Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in peaceful reflection, offering prayers for vocations and awaiting Christ with hope.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Ministry Appreciation

Friday, December 4, 6:00 pm | Parish Courtyard
Join our Christmas Tree Lighting and Ministry Appreciation Celebration! Enjoy music, refreshments, fellowship, and holiday shopping as we honor our volunteers and prepare for the joy of Christmas together as one parish family.

Upcoming St. Lawrence Martyr Retreats

Women's Cornerstone Retreat

February 5-6, 2027 | SLM Campus
First-time Retreatants | Returning Retreatants

Men's Cornerstone Retreat

February 26-27, 2027 | SLM Campus | Register

Other Events Nearby Through December 5, 2026

And So How Shall We Live? Palestine, Israel & Catholic Social Teaching

Tuesday, November 17, 2:00 pm | Loyola Marymount University online

Mary Star High School Information Night

Thursday, November 19, 5:30 pm | Mary Star High School, San Pedro

Transitional Diaconate Ordination

Saturday, November 21, 9:00 am  | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony

Sunday, November 22, 5:00 pm | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Up Close and Classical

Saturday, November 28, 6:30 pm | Holy Trinity Catholic Church, San Pedro