The spiritual meaning of Christmas was not forgotten in the Hunter this year, with strong attendance numbers at services in Maitland, according to religious leaders.
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Father David Battrick said attendance at St Peter’s Anglican Church in East Maitland was the highest since the early 1990s, with more than 800 people gathering during the Christmas period.
He said the Christmas Eve service was the church’s largest of the year, complete with nativity play featuring real animals. A midnight mass followed, along with two services on Christmas morning.
“We have been delighted to welcome hundreds of visitors of all ages this Christmas,” he said.
“We have experienced the highest attendance at services for many years and it was great to see people enjoying themselves in traditional Anglican worship in our beautiful building.”
St Joseph’s Catholic Church, East Maitland, parish priest Father Paul O’Neill said the outdoor Christmas Eve service, at the school grounds, attracted almost 1500 people.
Father O’Neill said the evening had a festive spirit and featured a youth band.
On Christmas Day the church reached its 350 capacity and service attendance this Christmas was similar to last year.
“A lot of people make the effort to come to mass at Christmas,” he said.
“Other parishes in the Chisholm region were also very well attended.
“People want hope and, despite the recent failings of the church, the message of Christ gives us all hope.”
Grant Atherton, pastor of Real Life Church, Maitland, said more than 100 people gathered at the church for a Christmas lunch on Wednesday, prepared and served by volunteers.
He said the afternoon featured a three-course meal, gift giving and a visit from Santa Claus. “I think it’s something more and more families want to do, help people in the community who are not as fortunate,” he said.
