CRAFTON — As the pandemic stretches into its second Christmas, many churchgoers at St. Philip Catholic Church in Crafton were excited to return Friday for their first in-person Christmas Eve mass in two years.
“It feels good again to be able to come and to be together again with everything that went on last year,” said Alex Sinicrope, who was attending mass with her family.
The parish canceled in-person mass for a large chunk of last year, including at Christmastime, due to the pandemic.
Services have since returned and David Dulick, a 26-year member at St. Philip, could not be happier.
“It feels awesome to be back with the parishioners and the people, with the children, it’s just wonderful. It’s a wonderful thing,” he said.
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As Christmas Eve mass got underway, St. Philip Church recommended everyone wear a mask, adding anyone who is not fully vaccinated is required.
Meanwhile, other churches around the area offered their services online to accommodate worshipers wishing to celebrate from home.
This comes as UPMC’s Dr. Donald Yealy continues to urge caution.
“A little distance, masking, avoid very large gatherings without your closest family members,” he said. " All of those things will put the odds much more in your favor.
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