Best Uplifting Church Service

The St. Monica Catholic Church choir is a slice of heaven on Sundays. Guided by music leader Melvin Kerr, the talented ensemble injects entertainment value into services and cuts against the grain of the traditional Catholic celebration. "That's what Jesus was -- on the edge," says St. Monica's Father Philip Egan. "He hung out with people on the edge. In terms of the Catholic Church, you have to be open to the spirit." Egan says that because St. Monica is located in the historic 18th and Vine corridor, music seems to be a natural focal point for the congregation. "Yes, it's spiritual entertainment," Egan says. "If you can hook people with stories and jokes, it works." Egan, a Boston native, says the choir also is part of his goal to keep St. Monica a visible place of worship in the inner city. During recent years, the church has lost members while constructing a new 750-seat St. Monica's next door. Parking problems, Egan says, have helped keep people away. But Egan says St. Monica is worth a few extra paces. "People want to share what goes on here."

Amen.