Easter service was standing room only at Wyandanch's Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where a 2007 arson did little to dampen spirits.

"It's really a resurrection experience, coming out of the ashes, really, and the ruins," Father William Brisotti said of the December fire that damaged the outreach center and part of the church.

According to Brisotti, some areas still smell like smoke sometimes. The church is currently running its outreach program out of trailers, helping about 1,000 families with food and other necessities each month.

Church leaders believe it could be a year before they get a new building. They are accepting donations to rebuild the damaged parts of the facility.

Parishioners are doing what they can to help. Many said Miraculous Medal is like an extended family. "I've been going to this church for 56 years," said Millie Fleming, of North Babylon. "I made my confirmation here, got married here, my children were baptized here."

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Roman Catholic Church631-643-7568