LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Christmas morning has believers all over the Philadelphia region gathering in prayer.
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" was the first song performed at the 7 a.m. service at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church on Wednesday morning. It was a full house of parishoners starting off Christmas Day — many of them say — the right way.
"It brings us all together, I think. It's what it's all about," said Greg Sutcliffe.
"Yeah, it's nice to relax a minute and take a deep breath and realize what the day is all about," said his wife, Colleen Sutcliffe, "and celebrate with familiy and friends and your faith."
Jim Bonner, a volunteer with the church, says that with so much going on during the Christmas season — the shopping, the decorating, the parties — celebrating in church, for him is what it's all about.
"For me, the older you get, it's the most important for me now. It's going to the Mass and having some time to reflect and be grateful for all that I'm blessed with," Bonner said.
He said he'll be praying for his family and good health in the new year.
Msgr. Charles Vance, pastor at the church, says a big part of the message is that, even though many of us have our differences, we should really celebrate and focus on what brings us together.
"Our message is one of unity, peace and love. People coming together instead of emphasizing all the differences, all the problems. Let's talk about the things we do agree on."
