Posted December 11, 2018

The students of St. Matthew School in Northeast Philadelphia exemplified the season of giving by donating hundreds of toys for needy boys and girls in their area this fall. On Thursday, Dec. 6, they brought their gifts to St. Matthew Church for a special “toy Mass” on the feast of St. Nicholas. Father Patrick Welsh, pastor, and many volunteers kept the decades-long tradition going at St. Matthew’s, and taught the lesson that it truly is better to give than receive. Read full coverage of the Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Volunteer Pat Guerin collects gifts before Mass.

  • Father Patrick Welsh helps children place toys in and around the manger.

  • Volunteer Bob Hall takes a gift from Sophia Ulmos that is almost as big as she. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Sue Jenkins (right) participates in the “toy Mass” at St. Matthew Church, Philadelphia.

  • Cantor Vanessa Turchi

  • Vice principal Sister Irene Loretta, I.H.M. (left) and principal Sister John Magdalen, I.H.M., participate in the Mass along with the other sisters of the parish.

  • Aubree Ross portrays Mary for the procession to Mass. (Sarah Webb)

  • Students from St. Matthew’s basketball team attend Mass before helping to transport the presents afterward.

  • Father Patrick Welsh leads children to the altar to place gifts during Mass.

  • Emily Loh offers a sign of peace to her friend.

  • Martha Schwartz prays during Mass.

  • Seminarian Kevin Okafor and pastor Father Patrick Welsh distribute holy Communion.

  • Father Steven Marinucci, parochial vicar, distributes holy Communion.

  • Children were treated to candy canes after Mass.