cardinal dolan is asking the faithful to open their hearts this christmas. the cardinal welcomed two very midnight mass. "today in new york's" katherine creag is at st. patrick's cathedral to explain. merry christmas. >> reporter: merry christmas to you. indeed cardinal dolan said there is nothing more christmassy, he used that word, christmassy, to welcome a family that is seeking refuge to celebrate with them here at st. patrick's cathedral to welcome them really with open arms. we saw so many people gathered here for midnight mass, for that ever s thousands of people inside st. patrick's cathedral. among those thousands of people cardinal dolan welcomed to refugee families hosted by catholic charities who were there for the service. he didn't identify them, but said that he wanted them to keep their privacy, he didn't have them stand up, but he said one family fled el salvador, another is a muslim family from the ivory coast. we talked about with some of the people gathered outside of the cathedral about their christmas message and what it means to them. >

patrick's cathedral as cardinal dolan will complete to refugee families. kerry: looking at live pictures of the vatican. take a look, pope francis is delivering his traditional christmas day speech and blessing. robert: fedex seems to have dropped the ball not being able to make college schedule deliveries christmas eve. is blaming for the delay. good friday morning, i am robert moses. kerry: i am kerry drew, merry christmas, thanks for being with us, dan and juliet are off, is 6:00, if you're just making up merry christmas. robert: this is morning in the studio, potluck over there, cupcakes and sweets. kerry: trees to keep us going, some cupcakes, bagels, spirit. hash browns, sausage as well. it has been very warm. doesn't feel much like christmas but it is here and merry christmas to all of you. if you want to check out something neat, where it is clear, dealing with most of codifies and fog, try to see the christmas full moon on the horizon because it sets at 7:00 this morning, another hour to see it, makes for a nice photo if you can get a photo of it

patrick's cathedral as cardinal dolan welcomes two refugee families. robert: thousands of people packed st. peter's basilica for francis. kerry: fedex drop the ball not being able to make all its eve, what they are blaming for that delay. good morning and merry christmas, i am kerry drew. robert: i am robert moses, glad morning. perhaps you are just waking up, getting breakfast on, ready to put christmas dinner, glad to be part of your day. kerry: let's check the forecast, we broke those records, another warm one today. >> reporter: for sure. you want to know another interesting fact for the day today, i was just reminded of it, we have a full moon and the first time we had a full moon on christmas in 1997 and we won't see it again until 200034. we have a graphic up at that, some areas seeing fog but when we are clear to the northwest we get a good view of it. fog gives way to sunshine this afternoon so that is good news can head on or play around the yard, clouds will be returning at 7:00 and overnight some more rain showers. such guarded clearing thi

cardinal timothy dolan tells news 4 exclusively today he's sorry parishioners were driven to file a lawsuit against their parish priest. the accusation here that the pastor stole church money to fund elicit activities. the cardinal and search church goers spoke to nbc. >> these people are doing very, very bad things. >> reporter: this woman is mad. saint frances is her church and her priest is now at the center of a scandalous lawsuit. >> you come here on saturday afternoon for the spanish mass. nobody wants to talk about him. >> reporter: the lawsuit says he stole money from the collection plate, thousands of dollars, and used it towards a male prostitute and used it to buy a house in brit, new jersey, where he would meet with the escort. >> people don't put money, they put checks. confirmation he's in the picture with her. if this is real, then they need to deal with it. because you're going to lose people. >> reporter: allegations the archbishop of new york is taking seriously. at a catholic charity's event, cardinal dolan said the church conducted audits, several of them. and they got h

cardinal dolan welcomed two refugee families who were there during the service. he said one family fled el salvador, another muslim family from the ivory coast. he also reminisced about the pope's visit three months ago and how pope francis seemed surprised to see st. patrick's cathedral in the middle of it all, accessible for all to visit. >> as the holy father commented, it's right here in the middle of things, and then he smiled and he said, that's where it should be. because that's where god is. right in the middle of things. i propose to you all this of christmas. >> reporter: and cardinal dolan did say that that is his christmas message, that the church is everywhere, that god sever wr. we want to give you a live look at st. patrick's cathedral, no more scaffolding, this hasn't been scaffolding here since pope francis's visit. it's amaze to go see st. patrick's cathedral here, the first christmas day mass will take place around 7:00 this morning and you will also hear from cardinal dolan coming up in the next half hour, something he shared with the "today"

cardinal dolan. speaking of cardinal dolan, he also celebrated mass with those who otherwise could not because firefighters. cardinal celebrating in midtown manhattan. one of the firehouses that responds to fires at st. patrick's cathedral. >>> mass as well at the vatican where tens of thousands joined pope francis last night. the pontiff celebrating a late night mass at st. peters basilica. he spoke against what he calls society's intoxication with consumerism and wealth, and we are now taking a live look at the vatican. thousands are expected in st. peters square this morning to hear the pope's christmas day speech. >>> and in bethlehem in the the church of the nativity. it's built at the spot where tradition holds that jesus was born. thousands of people crowded into manger square for christmas eve festivities. they did not stay away because of the recent wave of violence between palestinians and israel. four palestinians died today in attacks across the west bank. >>> this morning we are continui

cardinal timothy dolan leading the faithful on this holiday and shining a light on the controversy over refugees in america. >> the cardinal weighing in on that controversy. mallory hoff at st. patricks cathedral with the coverage. mallory. >> reporter: the cardinal did he welcomed two refugee families but said he would not stand. take a look at the video from midnight mass here overnight. he welcomed siblings from el salvador, the brothers 17 and of retribution. he also welcomed a muslim family, a mother, father, and coast. cardinal dolan discussed the pope's visit to st. patricks which was three months ago parishioners explained that midnight mass at st. pats is something to experience. >> it's magnificent, the music is great and dolan is terrific. >> i was born in brooklyn, and we never have been before. >> first time. >> it was very special. i've been coming every year with my brother. it was great. as a catholic it's been very special for me. >> reporter: there you heard from people who have been coming year after year, and those here for the first time. throughout the day. live fr

cardinal dolan doing the and always honor the most interesting people. they honored, your parents were in the audience there, but honored kelly coffeey and sarah and bill miller. it is always inspirational and at the same time thinking you don't do enough to help the community. they really inspire you to do more. greg: let's see the first picture. rosanna: the late des of charity. greg: accomplishments are incredible. rosanna: we hope it gets us involved. during the year, they feed thousands of people who we want to make sure don't go hungry and taking care of mothers and their beautiful, beautiful time to come together and look at the family at large here in our city. greg: well my family said you did a good job. cardinal dolan, thank you. roz he's amazing. congratulations to everyone that attended. kelly, the millers and cardinal dolan, thank you. >> mikey, what's happening there? >> we have warm weather. warmer for sure. highs up to 49 yesterday. that is warmer than normal. it is turning mild for you headed to tomorrow. still clouds in the area. a fro

earlier mon than 2,000 people attended midnight mass, cardinal dolan welcoming refugees, including a muslim the plight of refugees on the mind of pope francis as he delivered his message from the balcony of st. peter's basilica. he denounced the atrocities in places like syria and libya. >>> for so many people this was day of giving, and the gift was their time, helping those who need a hand. so many good examples of folks in the tristate doing just that today. mayor de blasio was one of them helping dish out food and goodwill in harlem. our stacey sager was there. feliz navidad >> reporter: it was all about the children. hundreds with their families. >> this is not about what you get. >> reporter: and about feeling blessed no matter how much they've struggled. peter jones in a wheelchair. >> i'm just grateful to be alive. >> reporter: others just struggling to find a christmas meal. out here on 145th street, no shortage of people for this event. it's already the middle of the afternoon and they're still lining up. >> i just want to be more humble, treat everybody nice. you know what

cardinal dolan reflect on the highlights of the year and had a special message for some specific new york families. st. patrick's cathedral. just saying come all you faithful and i am glad you did. >> reporter: from all over the world, celebrating christmas eve at st. patrick's cathedral. >> at camel for my deceased mother and father and little brother. >> reporter: st. pats, archbishop timothy cardinal dolan, welcome two families in particular. >> of family who fled terror and threat of retribution, a refugee family from the ivory coast. >> reporter: the debate over the resettling of syrian refugees has played out across the world, used his homily to highlight the refugees struggled though he did name or symbol of the new york families being resettled by catholic charities. >> i think you would unite with me as we celebrate this night when jesus was born away from soon flee as refugees for safety from an oppressive king into egypt, i think you would join me in welcoming those two families. >> reporter: ebola requested the highlight of his year, the visit of pope francis who wowed th

cardinal dolan telling me he accepted the resignation, admired him for doing it as investigators try to sort out fact from fix. >> we are dealing with a lot of innuendo, rumor, gossip. what we have to deal with is the truth. >> reporter: after morning mass timothy dolan talked about what is tearing the parish april party. >> i am so disgusted because i have heard him over and over again say how we have to be more generous. for what? 230r his act? >> reporter: her us from strags felt by many. so as not to be a distraction, he abruptly resigned, days ago parishioners sued the priest for stealing money from st. francis and his prior church. cardinal dolan tells me he forwarded e-mails from the accuser to the bronx district attorney. >> they are lurid and terrible. when will i read them three months ago, it was she saying this is what i'm telling you. i have photographs. i have evidence and i said oh, i'm glad. we are looking for data. please come in and give them to me and the police. she didn't. >> reporter: the archdiocese of new york named in the lawsuit is investigating all of this

>> reporter: tonight cardinal dolan plans to put the plight of refugees on center stage. he is inviting two families. we went outside st. patrick's cathedral to ask what it meant for them. for the very first christmas his family wanted him to be here outside st. patrick's cathedral. >> there is nothing like christmas in new york no matter what the weather is. >> reporter: his sister zoe told >> what's your favorite part? >> reporter: that snow won't be coming for. but all the other sites and sounds of christmas are here. thousands are crowding st. patrick's cathedral in anticipation for midnight mass. those who couldn't get tickets are hoping to get a glimpse. >> we are so glad to be here. >> reporter: if anything, the unusually warm weather brought more people to new york for the holidays. we asked people from all over the world what christmas means to them. >> family, yeah. definitely. >> it means spending a wonderful time with beloved people. and thinking about what is important. >> it means family, love, that's the same for all over the world. >> cardinal dolan will b

. >> thaws joined timothy cardinal dolan at st. patrick's cathedral as the cardinal welcomed two refugee families. >> santa claus may be done, but fedex isn't. the company will be delivering packages today after many deliveries were delayed yesterday. >> and yesterday more than a thousand volunteers from god's love we deliver brought meals to people in need in new york and new jersey who are going through hard times. delivery. great work there. and if you think that the big apple is the most expensive place to raise your family, well, you'd be wrong. we're actually fourth. whatsome -- what? what's more expensive than this? >> the burbs. >> good morning, everybody. >> good to see you, i like the red. >> thank you. i feel like a new person today. i got eight whole hours -- i don't mean to rub it in, but i don't remember the last time i got a straight eight hours of sleep. and i had coffee this morning. >> you look fabulous. >> thanks. >> now, you said you were in your pjs by 7:00 last night? >> i had a belly bomb, and i was in my pjs

tonight, cardinal dolan is talking about this scandal. the lawsuit filed on behalf of parishioners accuses father peter mcquelly of st. francis december chantelle church for stealing moneys for his romantic rand views. there's a $14,000 check that the priest allegedly wrote to himself. they claim he used that money to buy drugs and a house in brick, new jersey, where he would meet with the escort. the archbishop of new york is taking the allegations seriously. pope said the church conducted several audits. >> had found some sloppiness in bookkeeping, but no evidence at all of embezzlement. >> reporter: cardinal dolan says the church is working with the bronx district attorney. he apologized to churchgoers who said they're angry and concerned. >> my granddaughter just made confirmation. he's in the picture with her. if this is real, then they need to deal with it, because you're going to lose people. >> according to the lawsuit, parishers in had long complained about his commitment to the church and his poor money management skills. those

it is as cardinal dolan says i dare, an act of love. faith is ultimately about love. this is about having an openness to receive. an openness to each other humanity. to seek the presence of, whether it is perspective or appreciation. the presence of the divine. in a way that elevates me, comforts me, inspires me. and forces me in my life to try to do better. charlie rose: anger had always been my adversary, you say. david gregory: my father who just died about a month ago really scared me as a kid. he was tall and intimidating. i really resent to that. i resented it as i got older. that he made me feel that way. as a parent i said i would never do that to my children. and so i did. i was very much like my father. when i had episodes where i would frighten my children. i realize that this is a problem. this is something that i have to control. charlie rose: as you talk to other people was there a common denominator in their messages to you? david gregory: at a time when religions can so often divide, the message i got from evangelical preachers, joel osteen, cardinal d

patrick's cathedral at midnight where new york cardinal tim dolan led mass this morning as well. our mallory hoff was there. >> thousands attended christmas morning mass at st. patrick's cathedral, cardinal timothy dolan quoted a holiday favorite. >> it's a wonderful life. i think of that legendary christmas movie with jimmy stewart, and i say to you it's a wonderful life. >> visitors took in the christmas moment. >> the cathedral is breathtaking. >> it's magnificent. >> it is so beautiful. >> a police presence surrounded the cathedral as people of all ages made their way inside. for some christmas mass at st. pats is an old tradition, for others a new one. >> me my girlfriend woke up really early like 5:00 in the morning to get down here, and you know we're just really glad that we got to see it. it was great. >> hours earlier more than 2,000 people attended midnight mass. cardinal timothy dolan welcomed refugees to the service but did not identify them. he welcomed siblings from el salvador and a muslim family from ivory coast. >> i think you would unite with me as we celebrate

cardinal dolan is now speaking out about the scandal. the lawsuit filed on behalf of of stealing money for his rendezvous. the lawsuit also claims he used that money to buy drugs and a house in brick, new jersey, where he would meet with the escort. the archbishop of new york taking the allegations very seriously. at a catholic charities event, cardinal timothy dolan said the church conducted several audits. >> they found some sloppiness in bookkeeping, but it found no evidence at all of embezzlement. >> cardinal dolan also said the church is working with the bronx d.a. and apologized to church goers who say they're angry and concerned. >> my granddaughter just made confirmation. he's in the picture with her. i mean, this is real, they need to deal with it because you're going to lose people. >> according to the lawsuit, parishioners had long complained about the priest's commitment to the church and his poor money management skills. those involved in the case say the archdiocese knew about the behavior but did not intervene. >>> and pol

. >> reporter: with her son serving on the alter with cardinal dolan tonight, she wouldn't miss this for the world. >> i'm here with the cardinal. just the christmas carolers and everything else. just bring the spirit of christmas into your heart. >> reporter: despite the long lines and waiting to get through security, the catholic faithful are joining tonight, and have one message for everyone. merry christmas. >> a merry christmas too you as well, brian, thank you. christmas eve midnight mass at agnes cathedral. we want to remind you to watch the service on our sister station. the broadcast begins at 11:30. like christmas eve, we broke, even shattered records today. >> it is warm enough to put the top down. you can see these folks enjoying a ride in their convertible. >> it looks fun and more. joining us from the weather center tonight, erica. >> that looked pretty cool. conditions for tonight and tomorrow, above normal. temperatures for today, topped out in the low 70s. 72degrees. felt more like spring instead of winter, and conditions staying warm at least through monday. currentl

cardinal dolan delivered a message of hope at midnight mass. it was a very special christmas eve for dozens of firefighters who could not make it to church today or yesterday rather. timothy cardinal dolan celebrated mass with fdny members of engine 4, and respondings, following mass, they post for a few festive photos. and a holiday tradition comes to an end in lower manhattan as a restaurant serves its final feast for hundreds of the city's homeless. the owner has welcomed families on christmas eve for 17 years serving warm meals and even giving a toy to every child. the restaurant is now closing on new year's eve due to financial troubles. the owner hopes another restaurant will pick up this tradition. not exactly a traditional christmas weather out there today. here's erica martin with your erica. >> conditions for today warm, of course, above normal. yesterday's high 72 degrees and right now, we're seeing 50s in new york city. 64 in etontown. so conditions again for today, above normal for this time of the year. we are seeing scattered sho

at a catholic charities event, cardinal timothy dolan spoke exclusively to news 4. >> they found some sloppiness in bookkeeping, but it found no evidence at all of embezzlement. >> cardinal dolan also said the church is working with the bronx district attorney, and he apologized to church goers, who tell us they're angry and concerned. >>> and new this morning, a man is in critical condition after an suv hit a scooter on the upper east side. >> police say the man drove his scooter through a red light on 5th after and east 85th street. the suv hit the scooter. the impact threw the man into a tree. the driver of the suv was not hurt. >>> also new this morning, a shooting in the bronx sent two men to the hospital. bar called the garage in the eastchester section. one man was shot in the head and taken to jacoby hospital. leg. arrests. >>> fire investigators are looking into a blaze that involved six u.s. postal trucks. >> it broke out late last night at the u.s. postal center garage on 11th avenue in chelsea. this was the scene just before midnight as our cameras got to the scene. right

cardinal dolan told me he admired him for doing it. channel 7, eyewitness news. >>> police in pennsylvania possibly preventing a mass shooting at a wal-mart last night. they say the man entered the store and began pointing a gun at customers. officers surrounded the building, then went inside, fired at the man and hit him in the chest. he was pronounced dead at the nobody else inside the store was hit. >>> a routine traffic stop on long island ended when an suv crashed into a building. a police officer pulled in front of the suv this afternoon and tried to stop the driver for texting behind the wheel. instead, the chief rear ended the police car and hitting another vehicle. the officer suffered minor injuries. the driver was arrested on drug charges. >>> investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that damaged six postal trucks in the fdny says it all started on a third floor of a parking garage in chelsea. about 10:30 last night, firefighters got it under control around midnight. nobody was hurt. the postal service says there w

patricks cathedral in new york city that will be presided over by cardinal dolan and also one last thing ben and juliet, this detective, this officer will receive the brondz star medal for valor. that is latest from west harrison this morning. send things become to both of you. thanches is so cads. teresa priolo for us in west harrison new york, thank you very much. other news now police are hunting a man they say raped a ten-year-old girl in brooklyn. >> nypd says 24-year-old edwin attacked a little girl in a home in bushwick back in october. according to a police report she needed surgery following that the man is described asking having brown eyes ab black hair, five foot three and weighs about 110 pounds. anyone with information on this man is asked to call crime stoppingers that number is 1-800-577-tips. had >> nypd wants your help to find two men wanted for a brutal mug of a 55-year-old man in brooklyn this is surveillance video on avenue m in mid-wood. police say one suspect hit had the vaccinate in the head and continued to beat him while on the ground. both suspects then went th

cardinal dolan started the myself night mass. one family from el salvador and the other a muslim family from the ivory coast. they said nothing is more than in the spirit of christmas than welcoming people in need with open arms. a check of the weather. today, partly cloudy, breezy, high of 66. tonight, mostly cloudy with a tomorrow, more showers possible. 52 of the high. sunday, the rain continues. a record-high temperature of 66 degrees. >>> this morning on a special edition of "today's take" merry christmas, everybody, grab a cup of hot hoe coo and we're sharing our favorite traditions and catching a movie this weekend, all must-see entertainment and we'll head into the kitchen where al is whipping up his favorite christmas meal coming up next. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today's take" with willie geist, al roker, enhorls and tamron hall live from rockefeller plaza. look at that beautiful tree on a beautiful christmas morning. i'll willie along with al, natalie and tamron. mist mass, everyone. >> merry christmas. >>

patrick's cat cathedral, cardinal dolan led the mass. >> a wonderful life as we acknowledge that god's plan is infinite and wise, a wonderful life as we confess this christmas morning that we are a part of god's plan. >> many said that the cardinal's work left a deep impact and served as a reminder why they celebrate christmas. >> pope francis delivers his blessing. thousands gather at st. peter's basilica, the pontiff spread his message of mercy. he prayed that peace, for syria and libya will succeed and ending suffering of the people in the country, he praised countries that have taken in the refugees. >> the president and mrs. obama had a special christmas message today, to thank our euros to serve. >> that is the spirit that binds us together. that is what the holidays are about. coming together as one american family to celebrate our blessings and values we hold. >> obama's celebrating in >> there was almost a tragedy in yonkers this christmas, but a teenage girl is lucky to be auction live alive. reporter: he risked his life to save a teenage girl, yonkers fire lieutenant said it

from functioning as a priest for far more serious now, this afternoon, a letter from timothy cardinal dolan went out. it said the accusations were found to be credible. it was turned over to a number of prosecutors. they took place in the 1980s when o'keefe worked at cardinal hayes high school in the bronx. one case occurred in virginia. meantime, the rockland county da's office also has opened an investigation. the allegations have not been substantiated and that o'keefe denies them and the church is also looking into it. >> our policy is it's not just the archdiocese but across the country that if we can substantiate that even one act of abuse as occurred, that montsenior o'keefe will never function as a priest again. >> now, the letter says the virginia is over largely in part because of the statute of limitations, but the rockland county da's office would investigate any potential recent cases. it is urging anyone with contact them. we're live in pearl river, channel 7 eyewitness news. >> marcus, thank you. >>> a traffic stop in rockland county leading to the arrest of five teenage boys

greg: cardinal dolan, thank you. rosanna: up to you next. >> i would be happy -- you give us spring weather. >> adjust set up for you, we expect more spring weather tomorrow. and keep record warmth. and we are anticipating rain in the region, 40s and 50s, clouds in place, rain is on the way, working north out of southern address the area giving us a wet afternoon and wet evening, the rain will come down pretty heavy at times in this evening. and if you plan to head out, future cast at 7:00, become steadier and heavier and looks like it will move out tonight. and it won't be as much rain as we expected a. high numbers in the upper 50s, and a high of 64. it comes in over the weekend. let's see what chances are of getting to work on time before the commute. for that we head to ines. ines: talking about the fog at. westchester doing fine, 45 miles per hour speed restriction on the tappan zee bridge, the thruway both directions, new jersey community 287, morris an accident route 80 west bound over by squirrel would road o

. >> that's why we love you, cardinal dolan. >> all right, focus. for us, for christians, for catholics, the focus comes of who has to be underneath the christmas tree, name lit crib scene. up until last night you have the beautiful crib scene of the manger the stable, the animals and shepherds and mary and joseph. up until last night that christmas eve, the manger, the with christmas we put the son of god, the savior and messiah in there. that beautiful simple manger scene that was a gift from st. francis of assisi, a 1,000 year-old tra dis. that's the focus and you know where you can see it. across the street at st. patrick's. 4 million people who walk through the cathedral and where you can see it the most is in the eyes of the kid because right away they are magnetized by that. nothing touches the human heart like a baby, right? nothing changes -- >> i'll agree with that. >> yes. >> nothing changes lives more than a baby. nothing gives new identity more than a baby. you weren't a mom and now you have a new identity because of that baby. that bab

. >>> and earlier tonight cardinal dolan celebrated mass with those who otherwise protecting new yorkers. the cardinal celebrating at engine 54, ladder 4, battalion 9, one of the firehouses that responds to st. patrick's cathedral. and tens of thousands joined pope francis earlier tonight at the vatican. pope francis celebrated a late- night mass at st. peter's basilica. he spoke against what he called society's intoxication with consumerism and wealth. thousands are expected tomorrow morning to hear the pope's christmas day speech. >>> and in bethlehem in the west bank a service was held at the church of the nativity. it is built rate at the spot where tradition holds that jesus was born. and thousands of people crowded into manger square for christmas eve festivities. they were not kept away by the recent wave of violence between palestinians and israelis. four palestinians died in attacks across the west bank. christmas in our area won't need a heavy coat or snowshoes. some people spent time today in shorts and t-shirts, even dining outdoors. we set a record today. it may not be the o

he will receive full military and police honors, and timothy cardinal dolan will preside over the funeral mass. juliet: three brothers are proudly following in their father's footsteps. deputy inspector anthony pavalli watched as his sons were sworn in to get there. that is crazy. they were part of the 1200 new officers graduating the police academy. the family thought one of the boys would join the force but not all of them. >> johnny boy there to gradually did, went on, has my shield, my for it, focusing on finance, business communication and told him to do what i do, this was my backup plan. juliet: the three brothers will go their separate ways serving in different precincts across the city. ben: the big apple is the most sophisticated city in america. juliet: was there any question? according to a new poll, new york, boston and washington d.c. in san francisco, chicago, also the most sophisticated accent's, please, we knew this, was british followed by french. only a third of the people who took the survey said they had ever been to the opera, ballet or symphony. ben: so we are judgi

. >>> cardinal dolan invited two refugee families to celebrate midnight mass at st. patrick's cathedral. one of the family es fled from violence in el salvador. the other is actually muslim. but the catholic charities helped to resettle both families here in our area. >> as we celebrate this night when jesus was born away from home into a family that would soon flee as refugees from safety into an oppressive king welcoming the families. >>> now mayor de blasio served meals with al sharpton to families in harlem. the mayor told the crude that despite the homeless crisis. city is moving in the right direction. andrew siff joins us with more coming up on news4 new york at 6:00. >>> some breaks news now from new jersey where firefighters are working on a house fire. this is brand-new video from the scene on murthel avenue. here is what we know right now. everybody did escape the fire. extra crews had to be called in to help with the flames. new information is still coming in. we're going to bring you new details that we get as we get them. >>> new here at 5:00, to the br

it is, as cardinal dolan says, a dare, an act of love, and i think faith is ultimately about love. so this is about having an openness to receive, an onness for -- an openness for each other's humanity and to seek the presence, whether perspective appreciation and just to seek the presence of the divine in a way that i think elevates me, calms me, soothes me, comforts me, inspire mess and enforces me in my life to try to do better. >> rose: you also say that anger had always been your adversary. >> right. >> rose: how so? you know, my father who just died about a month ago really scared me as a kid. that big, larger than life figure, booming ois voice, tall, intimidating, and i really resented that. >> rose: resented it? i resented it as i got older. >> rose: rather than being a model? >> i resented me made me feel that way. so as a parent, i said, i will never do that to my children, until i did, until i was very much like my father. not in the scope and scale of it, but until i had episodes that i frightened my children i realized that, yeah, this is a problem, something i have t

his eminence cardinal timothy dolan made the trip from across the street. good morning. >> a blessed christmas to you and everybody. >> merry christmas to you. >> thanks for the invite. become a regular thing with us. >> i was thinking this morning you've preached a christmas mass so many times how do you make it fresh and how do you have it come alive for your parishioners? >> christmas is always fresh. you could -- people could recite the christmas gospel from memory times. always brings tears to your eyes. there's a newness, a freshness there all the time and this year because we so crave the hope, the light and the promise, just the decency and goodness that christmas stands for because of what we see in the world. i mean, all the darkness, the violence, terror, the fear. people are saying i'm afraid. >> we need some good news. say to the shepherds be not afraid, boy, do we ever need that. >> at my prayer there's we do the prayer for the people and you pray for the world. where do you even begin and what should our prayer be? >> the best prayer is to sa

. >> coming up we'll talk about the true spirit of the season with cardinal dolan. >> we'll wlook at the fup ways we shared through the year here on "today."." >> holiday music from the group train and one of our favorite stories. >> we have a lot to get to on this christmas morning. let's start with a check of the top stories from kristen welker. good morning. merry christmas to you. >> merry christmas to you. merry christmas everyone. tens of thousands of faithful gather for christmas celebrations at the vatican. pope francis delivers his midnight mass. francis urged the world's 1.2 billion roman catholics not to be intoxicated by possessions, sounded a cry to right injustice. and today american troops overseas are taking time to mark christmas and remembering family celebrating without them at home. here is kelly cobiella. >> reporter: it was a somber christmas day in afghanistan where they honored six fallen soldiers killed in a bomb attack earlier this week. >> this is especially important here where we got the opportunity to rob those we lost. >> reporter: more than 20,000 are

patrick's is midnight mass celebrated by cardinal dolan. but right now, what's going on inside is the annual children's christmas mass. it's special mass designed for families with children and when it comes to attendance, it is the largest mass of the thousands of people packed into the pews, many others even had to stand in the aisles for the mass because it's so crowded inside st. patrick's tonight. for the ryan family of yonkers, it is the beginning of what they plan to turn into an annual christmas tradition. >> being a catholic new yorker, born and raised in new york city, what better way to spend christmas eve than to come to st. patrick's cathedral. we all have children now and it's important for the children to experience new york city. this is one of the greatest times to be in new york city. one of the greatest times of the year, christmas and new york city, rockefeller center, st. patrick's cathedral. just want them to experience that. >> reporter: there certainly is an awful lot of energy out here tonight. now, i asked the ryan

cardinal dolan says he'll welcome two refugee families as part of that service. michael george, news 4 new york. >> all right, pike michael, thank you. >>> the force is strong at a new jersey church this christmas. it's holding a "star wars"-themed christmas eve mass at its campuses in middlesex and other towns. the nativity scenes have a twist, princess leia as mary and han solo as joseph. you can also take photos with darth santa. the pastor, as you may have guessed, is a major fan of the films. >> you can certainly tell. >>> a season of giving, and a group of kids gave time today to spread christmas cheer to elderly residents on the upper east side. a dozen 7 to 10-year-olds made christmas cards before setting out to deliver meals on wheels. with city meals on wheels, handing out meal boxes and singing carols to home-bound new yorkers. >> it's a really nice thing to give food to people who can't really good food for themselves. and i really wanted to help out with that. so i chose to do it today. >> great young girl. the goodwill doesn't stop today. meals on w

prayed for an end of war and human suffering. 500 people packed the cathedral led by timothy cardinal dolan. he spoke about god having a plan for everyone whether they like it or not. city residents say they treasure the cathedral now more than ever >> it makes me cry it's so wonderful and beautiful. it's just, words continue describe it >> because of my faith and what >> worshippers prayed at the cathedral at saint john the divine. the spirit of this season should live all year long >>> a new jersey church congregation celebrated christmas eve may have witnessed a miracle at mass when a man stopped breathing and was brought back to life. >> it was a christmas miracle >> reporter: father was celebrating christmas eve mass last night. during holy communion one of the ministers collapsed >> when it happened, this church was in total silence. so what i was doing was praying in my heart, praying to god that he would save him >> reporter: god must have sent off duty fire captain durish. he was attending mass with his family when he found himself in the middle of this emergency. >> first we thoug

patrick's cathedral was at capacity today with 2500 people seated and listening to timothy cardinal dolan. he spoke about god having a plan for everyone whether they like it or not. the cardinal jokes about his little nephew who is disappointed with his part in a christmas play. >> i said, charlie [ indiscernible ] [ inaudible ] >> what are you upset about? >> charlie said, heehaw! [ laughter ] >> he was the jackass. [ laughter ] >> apparently god has a part for everyone. worshippers also prayed at the cathedral of st. john the divine. the message there, that the spirit of this season should live all year. >> this can be a difficult time for those without a place to call home for the holidays but one organization here in the city is working to help the homes they need. cbs 2's kenneth craig has more. >> reporter: kisha's new apartment is a work in progress. no furniture yet but she has a christmas tree and a permanent place she and her three children call home. what's this feel like for you? >> well, the last year has been pretty amazing. it's pretty amazing. >> reporter: the family spent

we'll bring you back live now to saint patrick's cathedral as cardinal dolan will be the celebrant for the mass at 10:00 this morning. and on the ground here, you can see already several barricades are set up, because so many are expected here in just a few hours. back to you. >> thank you so much. >>> and in the meantime, the long island man who also died in that attack, his wake will be held tomorrow and friday. lewis bonacasa, he was a staff sergeant and he would be laid to rest coming up on saturday. >>> if will about 44 hour, more than a million people will crowd into times square for ring in the new year and among the partiers s party er in that mix quich equipped with long guns, chemical detectors and bomb sniffing dogs. >> this is the first time we've had such a full-time dedicated force in such a number in this city. >> so things to remember if you are headed this way. nap sacks and large bags will not be allowed in the area. all bags will be searched. anybody refusing to allow their bag to be searched will not be allowed to speaker. enter. >>> today is the last chance to ride

cardinal dolan will officiate the mass. we should tell you as a result of this the area here is pretty much of frozen zone corner of, barricades up and down fifth avenue because of it. as far as that sergeant bonascs os bonascosco ben: certainly going to be a sad day in their. ben: let's get to mike woods for check of the weather. hopefully some good news on that front. >> meteorologist: some good news coming up, got to get through today and this evening and that we are done with gray for awhile but at this point mostly cloudy sky, the sun is not up yet. 41 degrees your temperature central park, 36 in bridgeport, 39 in islip, 36 in montauk, in monticello and sussex, freezing but no precip to be heard of. as far as winds coming from the northeast at 3 to 7 miles for a park, not a big deal at this point, many locations report winds column. little bit of that over parts of new jersey that doesn't look like it is a huge problem, down half a mile so that is something to be aware of. the cold front that came through this area of

. >> reporter: timothy cardinal dolan a comforting presence in a troubled time sharing wisdom and wit from god's plan to our doubts featuring a story about >> he told me -- [ inaudible ] >> reporter: little charlie, the cardinal tells catholics, wanted to play st. joseph, a shepherd or one of the three wise men but instead was deeply disappointed. >> i said, charlie, [ indiscernible ] christmastime. he said, yeah. i said, what are you upset about? >> charlie said, heehaw! [ laughter ] >> charlie was jackass. >> reporter: levity with the liturgy a perfect match for christmas 2015. it may seem this great cathedral belongs to the world with all the worshippers who come here from all over for christmas and other holy days but new yorkers come here, too. >> it makes me cry it's so wonderful. it's so beautiful. it's just -- words can't describe it. >> reporter: city residents treasure st. patrick's >> because of my faith. and what's going on in the world. [ music ] >> reporter: uptown at st. john the divine a firm reminder that the spirit of the season should live all year long. >> christma

. >> cardinal dolan can remember meeting her when he was 24 years old, asking her to pray with the rosary. >> she said i will say it if you promise to say it every day. >> the ability of the woman and just her commitment to others. >> just like celebration it transcended. >> absolutely. what happens next a canonization around the time most likely of mother teresa's feast day in september. all of this coinciding with the pope's year of mercy. mother teresa, prime example. channel 7, eyewitness news. >> thank you, stacy. >>> new at 5:00, the truck driver involved in the deadly crash with tracy morgan plans to ask the judge to throw the case out against him. his lawyer says his client can't get a fair trial. it was found he had been awake for more than 28 hours when his truck hit a limousine carrying morgan. morgan's friend was killed. >>> police headquarters for new york city police officer attacked with a hatchet is now back on the job. how about that? 25-year-old kenneth neely struck in the head in queens. there. the suspect was shot and killed by other officers. he's on a desk job in jam

and cardinal dolan will efficient the mass and a somber solemn good-bye for a hero with no shortage of courage. >> we all want to be that man who lived his life that way with that honor served his country. made the ultimate sacrifice. >> underway at 10:00. by the way, detective lemm will also be awarded bronze star we should also mention to you that his wakes will be thursday and friday funeral set for saturday morning. latest from midtown this morning. back to boapt of you. >> thanks a lot teresa. >> we have a lot more still to come this morning. >> mike is checking the weather because we have rain on the way perhaps. >> the day i think you'll be all right during the day. mostly cloud did skies. 41 degrees your high temperature. evening showers rolling through so be prepared for that especially out any time beyond 6 and 8:00. daily an hourly forecast on the google play store, download it for free today and put dunkin' donuts' unbelievable selection of breakfast sandwiches freshly made all day -- and now you can enjoy two english muffin egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches for $4. we wo