Nearly 200 people attended an outdoor Mass at 11 a.m. July 26 at St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Mentor. It was the first outdoor Mass at the parish since the public celebration of Mass resumed the weekend of Pentecost. Parish staff called it a success and said attendance also was the largest since publicly celebrated Masses resumed.
Masses are celebrated outdoors at 11 a.m. on Sundays – weather permitting – between the Tulley Center and the parish garden. Those attending are asked to bring their own chairs, if possible.
The congregation practiced social distancing and said they were grateful for the trees on the parish grounds that provided shade and for a cooling, light breeze.
Father Tim Plavac, pastor, said the outdoor Masses are a blessing for the parish because some people are more comfortable being outdoors during the health crisis since there is better ventilation and it can be easier to follow social distancing guidelines.
Also, St. Bede’s Garden Ministry once again is selling fresh produce from the parish garden after weekend Masses. Previously there was one cart stocked with produce. This year, in order to follow social distancing guidelines, three smaller carts were set up.
Depending on the time of the growing season, the cart offers green beans, peppers, zucchini, carrots, squash and other vegetables all grown in the parish’s large garden. Many parishioners participate in the Garden Ministry, which also donates fresh produce to the parish hunger center.
Freewill donations from the weekend produce sales help fund the Garden Ministry.