SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas – Less than two months since the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history, the community of Sutherland Springs came together Sunday for a Christmas Eve service.
The congregation of Sutherland Springs First Baptist continues living with the memories of the day that changed their world.
"Where the shooter parked that day — because when I first looked out over my husband’s shoulder I saw that and his vehicle there — that’s what hard for me," Kathleen Curno said.
Curno and her husband live across the street from the church. With so many members of their small church now gone, these are difficult days, but they said the pastor expressed the town’s faith perfectly, saying Sutherland Springs looks to the light and looks for hope.
"When something needs to be done, we kind of just help out and do it,” Curno said.
It’s been less than two months since the shooting at the church and memorials continue to be set up. Residents said they want to make sure what happened and the victims are never forgotten.
"We need to remember the 26 people and the 20 survivors and a lot of people affected and we speak of it when talking about the future, and I think that’s the best way to honor the lives cut short that day is just remember them," Curno said.
Pastor Frank Pomerory's daughter was one of the 26 killed on Nov. 5. Residents said they know he’s always there for everyone else despite his tragic loss.
"I have a hard time with the noises and he prays with me, and for him to lose everything he lost and stop and pray with me so I can get a peaceful night’s sleep, I almost feel selfish, but that’s the kind of person he is," Curno said.
The Curnos said this Christmas is about faith and always looking toward the light.