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Some Fans Spend Sunday Morning Praying For Win

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some Steelers fans sought divine intervention Sunday morning in the quest for a seventh Super Bowl championship.

And one church near Heinz Field has a special connection with the team.

There's nothing like the super Steelers fight song to get fans fired up for the big game, but, in a church, before a congregation?

Calvary United Methodist Church is in the heart of Steelers Nation, almost a stones throw from Heinz Field. Like any place of worship, Steelers fans and even non-Steelers fans are welcome on Sundays.

"On Sundays, when there's a Steelers game, we hand out free hot chocolate on the street," said Dave Sevick, a member of the church.

"There was even one playoff game a few years ago that people from the other team stopped in," said Rev. Larry Homitsky, the pastor. "We welcomed them, and I said, 'Everybody's prayers are answered here, until at least one o'clock. Then, after one o'clock, you are on your own.'"

Members were encouraged to wear their black and gold on Super Bowl Sunday.

Rev. Homitsky's sermon praised quarterback Charlie Batch, for his community service.

"There were hundreds of kids in Homestead and in surrounding communities that had an experience over the past summers thanks to Charlie," he said.

In the interest of good sportsmanship, some people in the congregation prayed for the Steelers and Packers.

But, as far as the outcome, one person said: "Spiritually, I favor the Steelers."

"I will confess, I pray for the Steelers to win this one, big time; but I really care about Green Bay, too because they're an awesome team," said Rev. Beth Nelson, the associate pastor. "But I still want us to prevail, serene in Dallas; it just seems like our destiny, right now."

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