Need to cleanse your soul and a jaunt around the Self-Realization Fellowship just won't do? It's interesting to observe that when Angelenos make donations, they don't like to get their hands dirty. Sure, they give money to people with AIDS through $200-a-plate gala dinners, but most don't take the time to volunteer at a hospice. They may talk a good game about helping the city's underserved, but how many actually venture into rugged parts of town to tutor struggling students? Father Greg Boyle gets down to the nitty-gritty. As a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries — the largest gang-intervention program in the country — he not only preaches about the blessings of giving but also goes toe-to-toe with gang-involved and formerly incarcerated men and women to break through barriers and help them learn skills to be productive, independent citizens. Tonight, Father Greg appears as part of St. Monica's Peace & Justice Speaker Series to talk about making a difference in the community — not just by throwing money at problems and looking the other way but by connecting with and giving kids and adults the one-on-one support they need. His call to action beats a walk in the park any day. St. Monica Catholic Community Auditorium, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica; Sun., July 29, 7-9 p.m.; free. (310) 566-1500, stmonica.net.

Sun., July 29, 7 p.m., 2012

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