Church of the Nativity

I’ve never the chance to read reviews on this church and the only reason I stumbled upon it was because I needed to know morning mass times, but I’m shocked to see to bad reviews.
Seems to me that the two people giving the church a bad review is only based on the ringing on bells and not the quality of the community or church itself.
This church has an amazing priest. Father Donald is a charismatic priest that is also a great speaker, both qualities a must during the homily at mass. He can take the readings and make them relevant. I’m sure he has his faults, we are all human after all. However, from my experience, every mass I’ve ACTUALLY attended has been a pleasure.
I highly recommend 7:30 pm mass, which by the way, I remember by listening to the LOUD bells. The mass has great singers. Two nice guys that make the mass such an enjoyable experience. The singer’s voice is amazing and the pianist is great. I certainly appreciate the use of the classical piano instead of the old fashioned organ. Thank you Lord for that!
Ok, now about the BELL. I can imagine being an annoyance if I lived next door. I live a block away and I can hear them. However, in a city like NYC specially in the East Village, church bells are the least of our worries. Between EMS sirens, motorcycles (hells angels), drunk on the street screaming at 3am or loud music, CHURCH is the least of your problems.
I agree with Jason on the homeless sleeping in front of the church, but that problem will never go away. It happens in front of all churches. That makes me sad.
I hope this church never closes and that more people in the neighborhood would attend.
Thanks!

Mike B. — What a good Catholic you are if you call a priest an asshole. Don’t bother coming to mass. Just listen to the bells from the comfort of your couch instead. You’ll be doing everyone else a favor.
Actually, if you got to know the Nativity family, you would learn just how wonderful, dedicated and welcoming they really are. And Father Don Baker is the best pastor that any parish can ask for. Don’t let a few incidents turn you away — give them another chance, please. You’ll be glad you did.

Nativity Church in the East Village is affiliated with the Church of St. Teresa in the LES (141 Henry Street). I really love this church– walking past this understated building on 2^nd Ave you may not even realize it to be a church if it wasn’t for the cross on top!
The church itself is very modest and intimate– the polar opposite of the fancy cathedral-​type churches that impress you from the outside and have you feel like an outsider on the inside.
The pastoral staff is SO wonderful. Rev. Donald Baker is really funny– I could listen to him all day. The choir is made up of a man (I forget his name) — his voice is extremely beautiful — he may be some sort of professional musician when he is not devoting time to the church) and another gentleman I believe his name is John — that sings lovely and plays the piano.
The congregation itself is small and culturally diverse where everyone smiles at everyone no matter what their native language is. =)
Fun Fact: In the Winter and Spring they hold a wine and cheese night on the third Sunday of every month after mass.
Mass services are offered in English and Spanish.
I decided to post the mass schedule here in case anyone is interested:
Sunday:
10:15am in Spanish
12:00pm in English
7:30pm in English
Monday-​Friday:
5:30pm in English
See you there!!!