LA County greets Christmas by celebrating Mass, singing out loud and helping the needy

Christians across Los Angeles County marked the birth of Jesus Christ with Masses, special services and other celebrations. Many also gathered to provide meals to the homeless and toys to needy children.

The congregation at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church enjoyed a classical Christmas music program, “Carols with St. Cyril Choir and Orchestra,” that was included as part of the Christmas day’s schedule at the Encino parish.

The half-hour interlude included eight carols from the 16th century to modern adaptations of chants and along with music performed by the orchestra.

The choir sang most of the songs in English, two songs in Latin, and one, “Cantique de Noël,” in French.

“It’s like a little concert,” said Vicky McCargar, a 7-year choir member at St. Cyril, of the time before the noon Mass. “People come early for the music.”

The parish’s Rosales Pipe Organ Op. 23 was played during the carols program by William Beck, the parish’s music director.

The pipe organ is called upon to provide atmosphere and mood that fits the traditional classical music that the parish also enjoys throughout the rest of the year.

Organist & Director of music William Beck(L) performs the St. Cyril Choir at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church enjoyed a traditional Christmas music program, Carols with Orchestra Wednesday, Encino CA, Dec 25, 2024.
(Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)

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“The mood is festive and joyous, and of course, the church is decorated to the max for the 12 days of Christmas,” said McCargar.

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St. Cyril’s is, she pointed out, “one of the few places where composers such as Tallis, Bach and Mendelssohn can still be heard, all year long.”

On the revered grounds of the San Gabriel Mission Church, Catholics gathered to celebrate Mass.

Christmas Mass was held at the San Gabriel Mission under the direction of Rev. Darren Merlino on Dec. 25, 2024 in San Gabriel CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)

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Christmas Mass was held at the San Gabriel Mission under the direction of Rev. Darren Merlino on Dec. 25, 2024 in San Gabriel CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)

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Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was founded in 1771, named for the Archangel Gabriel. It is regarded by many as the “Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles.”

The church stands tall despite many crises over the decades. The church has become a symbol for hope and renewal around the region.

In 1987, the Whittier Narrows earthquake caused severe damage and a major restoration was launched in response.

in 2020, an arson fire destroyed the roof of the church and did significant damage to the interior. After another major restoration, the church reopened in 2023.

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English-language Christmas Day Masses were celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels while Archbishop José Gomez.

“God wants us to do beautiful things with our life,” Gomez said during his Christmas Eve homily. “He wants our life to be filled with joy and love, in our homes and in our families, and in our life in the world. God really wants all of these great things for us, and he will give us the grace and the strength we need. This is the meaning of Christmas.”

St. Francis Episcopal Church in Palos Verdes Estates held Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Reverend Jason Shelby was the Celebrant/Preacher. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)

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Plenty of people across the region attended Christmas Eve services as well. St. Francis Episcopal Church, for example, hosted four separate Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, Dec. 24, starting at 4 p.m. and lasting through 9 p.m.

Santa Claus, meanwhile, was out waving to residents as he rode through La Verne with a convoy of sirens and flashing lights as the Christmas morning parade returned for another year in the city.

Santa and the La Verne Fire Department drive through the city on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024, waving to residents. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

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Santa and the La Verne Fire Department drive through the city on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024, waving to residents. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

Take an early peek at the colorful Hollywood Christmas Parade

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For the 38th year, a free Christmas Day dinner was planned at Hollywood United Methodist Church “to everyone who is in need of a little help this holiday season,” organizers said. Temple Israel of Hollywood co-hosted.

The Laugh Factory aimed to serve more than 2,000 free dinners to those in need at its 45th annual free Christmas dinner and show. Tim Allen, Tiffany Haddish, Craig Robinson, Paul Rodriguez and Dane Cook were among the comedians set to serve food and perform.

“We can all show our holiday spirit by doing something to help people in need,” Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer said.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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