Standing near the Nativity scene in Nativity Church, Fair Haven, Father Christopher Picollo, pastor, preaches his homily during Mass on Christmas Eve. To accommodate the overflowing crowd, another Mass was celebrated simultaneously in the parish hall by Father Wynne Kerridge, parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Red Bank. Mike Ehrmann photo
Full, packed, standing room only. Such were the adjectives used to describe the scenes in parishes around the Diocese where parishioners and guests gathered for Mass on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
During the two days, The Monitor visited several parishes including the Midnight Mass that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square.
Earlier in the day, The Monitor visited Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, where two 4 p.m. Masses were held. While Father Christopher Picollo, pastor, celebrated Mass for faithful who packed the church, the second Mass for the overflowing crowd was celebrated in the parish hall by Father Wynne Kerridge, parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Red Bank.
Later on Christmas morning, The Monitor visited Incarnation Church, part of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, where Trinitarian Father Ed Owens celebrated Mass.
Clickhere to see the photo gallery of the two Masses in Fair Haven.
Click here to see the photo gallery of Midnight Mass in St. Gregory the Great Church.
Click here to see the photo gallery of Christmas Morning Mass in Incarnation Church.
Additional photos and content will be posted as it becomes available.
A lit Christmas tree and statues of the Holy Family serve as the backdrop from where Trinitarian Father Ed Owens, a priest in residence in Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, celebrates Mass on Christmas morning. Mike Ehrmann photo