The priest was brilliant.  I'm paraphrasing, of course, but this is how his homily went:

I prepared a long homily for this evening.  However, since I see that many of you are standing and some are carrying children, I will use the shorter version--it's only 30 minutes long <nervous laughter from the congregation>.  But, if you promise to give more to the collection, I promise not to preach.  Tonight's collection is going to the victims of the typhoon in Bicol.  They're going to have a very sad Christmas this year.  We're going there on the 26th to try to bring them some of your gifts.  So do you promise to give a little more tonight, for the people in Bicol?  <a tentative "yes" rose from the crowd> Ok, please rise.  I believe in God... <hesitation and uncertainty from the congregation> I kept my promise.  Now I expect you to keep yours.  <applause and laughter>

There's a social experiment to be conducted here...