Members of the Filipino Choir sing the offertory hymn during the cultural tradition of Simbang Gabi. Beginning on Dec. 16, Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena that culminates on Christmas Day. (Photos by Michael Alexander)

The community comes together for a meal following the Mass where they shared rice cakes, noodles, rice and chop suey.

Father Diosmar Natad, right, parochial vicar at St. Peter Chanel Church, Roswell, conducts the opening prayer of Simbang Gabi (Evening Mass) for the archdiocesan Filipino community. The Dec. 16 Mass took place at St. Paul of the Cross Church, Atlanta. Holding the book is St. Paul pastor Passionist Father Ed Deviny.

Elmer Cortez of St. Philip Benizi Church, Jonesboro, and Ryan Hunley of St. Paul of the Cross Church kneel during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass was celebrated in Tagalog, the national dialect of the Philippines.