Churches and parish communities across the Archdiocese of Newark united to celebrate the birth of Christ with great joy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From classic Masses to cheerful Christmas pageants and post-Mass gatherings, the holiday spirit was evident everywhere. Some churches had magnificent nativity displays, complete with live animals for an extra special touch.
Here’s how some parish communities around the archdiocese celebrated Christmas.
Sacred Heart Church in Rochelle Park was packed with parishioners for Christmas Mass. During the homily, parishioners held hands and prayed for peace in the new year.It was standing room only at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Ramsey at the parish’s Christmas Eve Mass.The elaborate nativity display at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City is built around the Baptismal font and features large statues and a life-size stable.Parishioners gather in prayer at Christmas Mass at St. Aloysius Parish in Jersey City.Youth altar servers served at Christmas Day Mass at The Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights.Youth altar servers process during Christmas Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Kearny.St. Aedan’s Church at Saint Peter University was packed for Christmas Day Mass.At Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains, youth group members put on a pageant at the Christmas Eve Mass.At St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Belleville, parishioners celebrated the final Mass of Simbang Gabi on Christmas Eve.Father Prem Kumar O.F.M. Cap. Presided over the Christmas Day Family Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack.On Christmas night, youth put on a nativity play at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Jersey City.The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day choir at St. Joseph’s Church in East Rutherford.The Christmas Day choir of Our Lady of Victories Parish in Jersey City.On Christmas Eve, youth held a pageant in the chapel at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The Word of God is venerated at the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Wallington.The altar of St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark is beautifully adorned with seasonal flowers and Christmas trees.Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus was decorated with flowers and a nativity on the altar.
Featured image: Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, presided over Christmas Mass at Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway.
