Tight Security As Crowd Gathers For Christmas Eve Masses At St. Patrick's Cathedral

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For some, the Christmas Eve mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral is an annual tradition, while for others from around the world, it was a first-time experience Sunday.

And as CBS2's Erin Logan reported, this year the NYPD has promised to have heavily-armed officers in place around that area.

It definitely felt like Christmas Eve Sunday night outside St. Patrick's Cathedral. CBS2's Logan spoke to families as far away as Brazil and Trinidad -- all of whom were hoping to make it inside for the 5:30 p.m. mass.

A lot of police officers were also present -- some with K9s and rifles standing right outside the cathedral keeping the huge crowd safe.

Many people had to be turned away because there just wasn't enough room inside.

On Friday, the NYPD announced there would be blocker trucks and officers armed with heavy weapons outside of St. Patrick's Cathedral. There were also to be truck restrictions on both Fifth and Madison avenues between 42nd and 57th streets.

There is no direct threat to the New York City area, the NYPD said. But just two days ago in San Francisco, a 26-year-old man told an undercover FBI Agent that Christmas Day would be a perfect day for an attack on the heavily-populated Pier 39.

The suspect also allegedly praised the Oct. 31 deadly terror attack here in New York City on the West Side bike path, which killed eight people.

But the terror attacks and plotted attacks did not stop people from wanting to be in around such a crowded church like St Patrick's Cathedral.

"We were trying to find a place for her to sit and the lady graciously got up and let her sit down, but it was just too many people," said one worshiper who did not make it in.

The woman said she would try to make mass on Christmas Day too.

Meanwhile, WCBS 880's Ethan Harp talked with some worshipers who did make it in.

"It was packed, but it was wonderful," one man said. "We really felt the spirit of Christmas in there."

While plenty of grown-ups filled the pews for the 5:30 p.m. service, it was the kids who were the stars as they joined the procession through the aisles.

Yulia, 7, from Florida, said she was "excited."

Antoine from Massachusetts brought his toddler.

"It was beautiful, in this beautiful Patrick church -- My son is named Patrick," Antoine said. "it was awesome."

People stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the standing room only service, with cellphones out to capture everything.

"I was raised Catholic," said Marlies Andrews. "It means a lot to me to experience Christmas here."

Andrews traveled all the way from Trinidad hoping to do just that.

"I just walked in and straight back out because there was nowhere to stand," she said.

"It was just very spiritual and very beautiful -- the music was amazing," added Melecio Rivera of Washington, D.C.

Rivera and his wife said the service exceeded expectations.

"At first I thought it was a lot of tourists trying to get in. Then I realized most of the people that were in there were really here to celebrate Christmas and add a little spiritual touch to the festivities," he said, "so we were glad to be a part of it for sure."

A group of sisters shared similar thoughts.

"It was an amazing experience -- just like so many people there -- and the gorgeous mass," said Kerrigan McMillen of Maryland. "We just thought it was a different vibe."

One mother and daughter from Germany said they felt safe with the police protection at the mass, and the night was just perfect.

"It was so nice to see, and I could see some women crying -- it was so full of blessing and full of passion," said Andrea Roth. It was quite passionate to be here for sure."

Another mass is planned for midnight.