Saint Monica's Church

Saint Monica's Church is the local church of Rivet City, derived from Christianity. It is run by Father Clifford and his acolyte Diego in 2277.
==Background==
What is known of the Church's theology is based on Catholicism, through the sermons of Father Clifford. As of 2277, the father's sermons center around a warped retelling of the story of Saint Monica, the patron saint of lost children, who is popular amongst Rivet City's faithful. In their version of the story, Monica is the miraculous daughter of two ghouls who is enslaved with her son Ehren; Ehren eventually turns into a slaver himself, but through constant faith and love Monica leads Ehren to repent for his ways.The Lone Wanderer: "Who is this Saint Monica?"Father Clifford: "She is the patron saint of lost children. Very popular among the faithful of Rivet City. I'm surprised you've never heard of her. If you want to hear her story, it will be the topic of my sermon on Sunday. Services begin at 8 am. You should come."(Clifford's dialogue)Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.72: "Father CliffordFather Clifford, 40, spends most of his days in the church, but leaves for a couple hours every day to walk around the carrier. He's a nice guy and likes just about everyone he meets. He is especially fond of telling the story of Saint Monica, who went on a journey to be with her son and saved his soul. He counsels Mister Lopez during his frequent visits to the church. He's mildly envious of Doctor Preston; it doesn't help that Doctor Preston never attends church."(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)The Lone Wanderer: "You're a priest?"Father Clifford: "Yes. My flock is all of Rivet City. You should come to services this Sunday. I'll be telling the tale of Saint Monica."(Clifford's dialogue) Other values Clifford espouses in his sermons are tolerance and acceptance, in response to the tensions between the city's Upper Deck and Hangar Deck denizens.The Lone Wanderer: "What is this I hear about the Hangar Deck and Upper Deck?"Diego: "It's a shame really. Everyone should just get along. It's not too bad now, but if it keeps going this way, in a few years they'll start fighting in the streets. Father Clifford keeps preaching about tolerance and acceptance, but nobody seems to be listening."(Diego's dialogue) Even though the church is empty every day but Sunday, Clifford will still preach to an empty house, as he believes that it is enough even if only God and Saint Monica hear his sermons.Diego: "Father, doesn't it bother you to preach to an empty church everyday but Sunday?"Father Clifford: "God and Saint Monica hear my sermons. That's good enough for me."(Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Father Clifford's dialogue) Although popular, his sermons are also repetitive, and many attendees (including Diego)Henry Young: ""Diego: "He was? I mean, I know. He tries very hard Mister Young. See you next week."(Rivet City conversations; Henry Young's and Diego's dialogue) Vera Weatherly: "Father Clifford's sermon was very inspirational."Diego: "Yes, it was. <yawn> Excuse me. See you next week Vera."(Rivet City conversations; Vera Weatherly's and Diego's dialogue) struggle to stay awake during mass.Angela Staley: "I know you could do a much better sermon. I could hardly stay awake."Diego: "That's not very polite, Angela, but thank you anyway."(Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley's Diego's dialogue) Mei Wong: "Diego, try and get Father Clifford to put some energy in his sermons. Some of us were trying not to fall asleep."Diego: "I'll try, but he's pretty set in his ways. See you next week, Mei."(Rivet City conversations; Mei Wong's and Diego's dialogue) C.J. Young: "Dad, I'm bored."Henry Young: ""Christie Young: "Shhh! Don't say things like that in church. Now be quiet and listen to Father Clifford."(Rivet City conversations; C.J. Young's, Henry Young's, and Christie Young's dialogue) Oblivious to this,Henry Young: ""Christie Young: ""(Rivet City conversations; Henry Young's and Christie Young's dialogue) he intends to make his next sermon on one of the seven deadly sins, though he hasn't decided which one.Diego: "Have you decided on the message for your next sermon?"Clifford: "I'm thinking of preaching about one of the seven deadly sins. I haven't decided which one though."(Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Clifford's dialogue) 
That being said, Father Clifford's regular audience do appreciate him for his services, which help strengthen their faith and comfort them.Clifford: "Saint Monica bless you, Vera. You have truly found peace through the Lord."Vera Weatherly: "Thank you, Father. I've been trying to get Seagrave to come to church too, but he's stubborn."Vera Weatherly: "Thank you, Father. I always feel the presence of the Lord when I pray here."(Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Vera Weatherly's dialogue) Angela Staley: "The prayer was touching, Father."Father Clifford: "Thank you, Angela."(Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley and Father Clifford's dialogue) especially Vera Weatherly, who even gives Father Clifford and Diego free meals as thanks.Vera Weatherly: "Eat what you want, Diego. I never charge you or Father Clifford for you meals."Diego: "God Bless you, Vera. You are too kind to us."(Rivet City conversations; Vera Weatherly's and Diego's dialogue) Meanwhile, Clifford also engages in outreach all across the city, encouraging more people to attend church and providing counseling and aid to those in need; as he says, all of Rivet City is his flock. These efforts vary somewhat in their effectiveness. For example, the church helps assuage Mei Wong's fears about slavers capturing her,Father Clifford: "Have faith in Saint Monica, Mei. She will protect you from those that seek to hurt you."Mei Wong: "I am trying Father. I just don't see how Saint Monica can stop a bullet or break a set of manacles. But, I will try."(Rivet City conversations; Father Clifford's and Mei Wong's dialogue) and reduce Mister Lopez's suicidal tendencies.The Lone Wanderer: "I think Mister Lopez is suicidal."Father Clifford: "Yes, I know. I've been counseling him for some time now. He used to go stand on the observation balcony all afternoon. He's down to only a hour or so at three o'clock."(Father Clifford's dialogue)Father Clifford: "Suicide is a sin, Mister Lopez. Why kill yourself when there is so much to live for?"Mister Lopez: "My family is dead and the world is a nuclear Wasteland. What exactly is it that I have to live for, Father Clifford?"Father Clifford: "There is always the opportunity to help others. God still has a purpose for you in this life."(Rivet City conversations; Father Clifford's and Mister Lopez's dialogue) On the other hand, efforts to boost church attendance see less success for various reasons. Some people, like Commander Danvers and Gary Staley, are too busy to change their schedules.Lana Danvers: "Hello, Father Clifford."Clifford: "Haven't seen you in church, Danvers. How about this week?"Lana Danvers: "This week doesn't look good either, Father."(Rivet City conversations; Lana Danvers's and Clifford's dialogue)Clifford: "Saint Monica bless you, Angela. I hope your father is well. You really should try to get him to come with you to church."Angela Staley: "Thank you, Father. I'll ask him again, but he doesn't want to close the restaurant on Sunday mornings."(Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Angela Staley's dialogue) Others, like Ted Strayer and Doctor Preston, simply don't believe in the faith.Clifford: "My son, you are drifting through life. God can provide you a purpose, just as He did for Saint Monica."Ted Strayer: "No offense Father, but Saint Monica has never done anything for me. I've always had to take care of myself."(Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Ted Strayer's dialogue)Diego: "Doctor Preston, may I visit with your patients? I promise to be brief and quiet."Doctor Preston: "I suppose. Don't go filling their heads with any of that faith healing crap though."(Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Doctor Preston's dialogue) The staff and patrons of the The Muddy Rudder, such as Belle Bonny, Trinnie, Brock, and Sister, are particularly hostile to Clifford, as they consider him to be an unwanted and overly moralizing intrusion upon their lives.Belle Bonny: "Every week you come down here preaching this crap. Why don't you just stay in your god damned church?"Father Clifford: "Your sins call me down here. Your souls need to be cleansed of the Devil's brew you serve."Belle Bonny: "That's a load of crap. Preach to them if you have to, but don't get in the way of their drinking."(Rivet City conversations; Belle Bonny's and Father Clifford's dialogue) Father Clifford: "Trinnie, can't you see what whiskey has done to your life? You've sold your body to men and your soul to the Devil."Trinnie: "I prefer beer to whiskey, Father. And unless you want to buy me the next round, get lost."(Rivet City conversations; Trinnie's and Father Clifford's dialogue) Father Clifford: "Deep down you are a good man, Brock. Come away from this den of iniquity. Come into the light of the Lord!"Brock: "Actually, Father, I'm a real asshole. Now get out of my face before I toss you in with the Mirelurks."(Rivet City conversations; Father Clifford's and Brock's dialogue) Father Clifford: "Put down that drink and raise your voice to the Lord!"Sister: "Step away from my beer, Father, or I'll be raising my fist."(Rivet City conversations; Sister's and Father Clifford's dialogue) Among their other community efforts, they regularly visit the Rivet City clinic to pray for Doctor Preston's patients. Doctor Preston: "Father Clifford, I'll let you pray with my patients, but only for a short time. They need their rest."Father Clifford: "They need their eternal souls saved too, Doctor Preston. Have no fear, I won't occupy them for long."(Rivet City conversations; Doctor Preston's and Father Clifford's dialogue) 
Father Clifford took in Diego after the latter's father abandoned him in Rivet City, and the pair have become like father and son. Diego has since become the church's acolyte, assisting Clifford in his outreach, setting up for Sunday services,Father Clifford: "Make sure the chapel is prepared for Sunday services."Diego: "Yes, Father Clifford. I've already cleaned the sanctuary. I'll put out fresh candles too."(Rivet City conversations; Father Clifford's and Diego's dialogue) Father Clifford: "Don't forget to prepare the sacrament."Diego: "Yes, Father Clifford."(Rivet City conversations; Clifford's and Father Diego's dialogue) and studying to succeed him in the priesthood.Garza: "Hello Diego. Has Father Clifford decided to ordain you as a full priest yet?"Diego: "No, not yet. I'm still studying the life of Saint Monica. Hopefully someday soon."(Rivet City conversations; Garza's and Diego's dialogue) Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.69: "DiegoDiego, 18, is Father Clifford's assistant. He came to Rivet City a few years ago with his father but was abandoned. Father Clifford took Diego in, and the two have become like father and son. Diego assists Father Clifford with his church work and wants to be a priest when he gets older. He has strong feelings for Angela and spends much of his free time with her. However, he is also a devoted Catholic. Because she is only 16, he does everything he can to keep his feelings secret, although Angela sees right through him."(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census) However, Diego has recently become caught between his relationship to the church and his relationship with Angela Staley, who is in love with him.Diego: "Angela, I'm not sure you should spend so much time around me. I am to be married to God soon."Angela Staley: "Wouldn't you rather be with a real girl? Maybe you should try it before you decide."Diego: "We're not alone, so it'll have to wait. Maybe later today."(Rivet City conversations; Diego's and Angela Staley's dialogue) Angela Staley: "I have something special for you, but I can only give it to you in private."Diego: ""(Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley's Diego's dialogue) Angela Staley: "Diego, do you think I'm sexy? I mean, if you weren't a priest and everything, would you be turned on by me?"Diego: "Well, I, uh, that is, sure. You are incredibly sexy. Not that I've noticed. I am going a priest, and they don't...um, well, you know."(Rivet City conversations; Angela Staley's Diego's dialogue) Father Clifford is well aware of these attempts, and has told Diego that Angela is his temptation before he can attain the priesthood.The Lone Wanderer: "You're a fool to pass up a chance at love with Angela."Diego: "Father Clifford says she is my trial. My temptation. I must chose between her and the Church. I have chosen the Church."(Diego's dialogue) As so many of Clifford's hopes for the Church lie in Diego, especially because there is no else in line for the priesthood, he consider it devastating for Diego to leave.The Lone Wanderer: "It's just a rumor. I'd ask Diego about it first."Clifford: "Of course, you're right. It's not like you saw it with your own eyes. I'm sure it's just gossip. Sorry I overreacted. So many of my hopes for the church lie in Diego that it would be devastating to have him leave."(Clifford's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I saw them myself, on the light deck. Under the stars... <Lie.>"Clifford: "Ah! Diego! What have you done! He has forced my hand. I cannot let him be a priest now. This may be the end of the faith if I cannot find another acolyte."(Clifford's dialogue) For his part, Diego has resisted all of Angela's advances so far.Gary Staley: "I heard that you've been hanging around that Diego boy. Be careful, Angela. You know boys only want one thing, even priests."Angela Staley: ""(Rivet City conversations; Gary Staley's and Angela Staley's dialogue) Should Father Clifford die, Diego will take his place as priest of the Church.
At some point, Father Clifford met Marcella, a Christian missionary from the Abbey of the Road. She was delighted to find another person in the wasteland as passionate about religion as she was.Disaster relief outpost terminal entries; Marcella's terminal, Travel Journal, Sojourn in Capital Wasteland
==Schedule==
Father Clifford will deliver his sermons in the church every morning from 8 to 10 a.m., while Diego will always stand nearby beginning at 7 a.m. and lasting until 11 a.m. There will be no one else in attendance unless it is Sunday, in which case the regular audience of churchgoers will come at 7 a.m. and sit in the pews until 10 a.m. With the exception of Bannon, who always leaves halfway through the sermon, everyone else will stay for another hour and mingle with each other after the sermon ends, from 10-11 a.m. They are listed below:
¹ 
² 
If Father Clifford has died for any reason, and Diego has not left or been kicked out of the church, then Diego will deliver sermons in his place, daily from 8 to 10 a.m.
At night, Father Clifford sleeps in the backroom from 10 PM to 6 a.m. Diego does the same, but wakes up an hour earlier and wanders around the church until sermons begin.
==Layout==
The church is located on the midship deck. It is a medium sized rectangular room with several rows of pews made from old benches and a podium at the front where Father Clifford gives his sermons. There is also a small room at the back of the church which serves as Father Clifford's personal quarters, and both he and Diego reside there. The door to this room is locked with a Very Easy lock.
==Related quests==
* The Replicated Man: Father Clifford is a member of the Railroad and has information regarding the escaped android A3-21.
* A Nice Day for a Right Wedding: Angela Staley has feelings for the acolyte Diego. However, he is too devoted to the church to reciprocate, unless outside intervention occurs. If it does, the church service for the newlyweds will happen here.
* Church Donations: The charity of strangers, a surprise to Father Clifford, is a welcome action... but only in the form of caps. Large donations are more preferable, and item donations are refused entirely.The Lone Wanderer: "I'd like to make a donation to the church."Clifford: "You would? I mean, certainly! We humbly accept whatever you can spare. However, Saint Monica looks most favorably on donations of 100 caps or more."(Clifford's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "Caps? Oh. I thought I could give you some items..."Clifford: "A kind thought, but we don't need your cast off belongings."(Clifford's dialogue) The player receives +1 Karma per cap donated.
==Notes==
* As a member of the Railroad, Father Clifford helped A3-21 escape the Institute, sending the android to Horace Pinkerton. When representatives of the Institute arrived, Clifford and the others in the Railroad collectively shut down, concealing their operations by inaction. Clifford justifies his actions, viewing the android as "one of god's children."The Lone Wanderer: "I'm interested in this android from the Commonwealth."Clifford: "I wouldn't betray one of God's children. Besides, we don't do that anymore. It's been too risky of late. We shut the Railroad down. The last one was... different. I heard a lot of people are looking for him. That's all I know. May the Lord guide him to safety."(Clifford's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "I know you know something about this android from the Commonwealth."Clifford: " They had been searching for a surgeon and computer programmer. I hope they found them. It's too dangerous to be out in the open now. "(Clifford's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "Are you part of the Railroad? What do you know about this android?"The Lone Wanderer: "I know you're part of the Railroad. What do you know about the android?"Clifford: "He's one of God's creatures, just like you and I. He wanted new memories and a new face. Sadly, I couldn't help him. He left to look for a tech, someone with pre-war skills."(Clifford's dialogue)The Lone Wanderer: "Do you know where this android had his face or memory replaced?"The Lone Wanderer: "I know you know where this android received his operations. Talk."Clifford: ""(Clifford's dialogue)
* Vera Weatherly does not charge Diego or Father Clifford for their meals out of respect for their service.Vera Weatherly: "Eat what you want, Diego. I never charge you or Father Clifford for you meals."Diego: "God Bless you, Vera. You are too kind to us."(Rivet City conversations; Vera Weatherly's and Diego's dialogue) 
* There is a whiskey bottle and a syringe of Med-X in his podium in the church.
* If the Lone Wanderer is caught attempting to break into the donation box Father Clifford and Diego will become hostile towards them.
* Although there is a donation box, Father Clifford holds donated caps on his person, and therefore they can be stolen back at the (disproportionate) Karma loss of a single instance of stealing, compared to the 100 Karma per 100 bottle caps donated. One can also still donate if their Karma is already positive 1,000.
* Non-player characters are scripted to come to this church every Sunday morning to hear Father Clifford's sermon. They do not come on other days, though Clifford will still preach.
==Appearances==
Saint Monica's Church appears only in Fallout 3.
==Behind the scenes==
"Saint" Monica and her son Ehren are based on the real Saint Monica and her son Augustine of Hippo.
==References==
Non-game
Category:Rivet City
Category:Fallout 3 factions
Category:Religions
es:Iglesia de Santa Mónica
fr:Église de Saint Monica
it:Chiesa di Santa Monica
ru:Церковь Святой Моники
uk:Церква Святої Моніки
zh:Saint Monica's Church