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Some parish festivals resume as pandemic subsides

News of the Diocese

July 8, 2021

Some parish festivals resume as pandemic subsides

The lifting of most pandemic-imposed safety guidelines was good news for parishes throughout the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

With building capacity limits and face mask restrictions gone, parishes and the faithful returned to the normal celebration of Mass. Attendance is at or approaching pre-pandemic levels in many parishes.

In addition, parishes are able to resume other activities, including socials and festivals.

Although some opted to forego their festivals again this year, others embraced the opportunity to welcome parishioners and the community for the celebrations. And parishioners seem eager to join in the fun after a year of pandemic-canceled events.

One of the first large festivals to take place was at St. Ambrose Parish in Brunswick, where crowds turned out the weekend of June 24-27 for the traditional celebration, including the parish raffle, rides, entertainment, food, games and more.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (West) began its 95th annual Italian Festival on July 7, despite intermittent thunderstorms. The celebration runs through July 11 on the parish grounds, 6928 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. Hours are 5-11 p.m. through July 10 and 2-11 p.m. July 11. There will be a raffle with a $5,000 grand prize, Italian food, live music and more. A festival highlight is the bilingual (Italian/English) Mass at 11:30 a.m. July 11 on the soccer field (weather permitting) in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, followed by a religious procession and benediction in the church. A new feature at this year’s festival will be food trucks, including those from Bearden’s, East Coast (custard) and Barrio.

Immaculate Conception Parish (Willoughby) will have its 41st annual Oktoberfest in July celebration July 16-18 on the parish grounds, 37932 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. There will be live music, an Oktoberfest raffle, Chinese auction, entertainment, games, food, beer and more. Hours are 5-11 p.m. July 16; 4-11 p.m. July 17; and noon to 10 p.m. July 18.

Queen of Heaven Parish will have Fun Days for the parish and community 5-9:30 p.m. July 30-31 on the parish grounds, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown. The event includes music, midway games, a casino, train and pony rides and food. Fish dinners will be served 5-7:30 p.m. July 30 and Boy Scout Troop 334 will serve a barbecue chicken and pork dinner 5-7:30 p.m. July 31. Concerts follow each dinner.

There will be a drawing for a 2021 Chevy Equinox. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the parish after Masses, in the parish office or at the festival.

As previously announced, Holy Rosary Parish in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood will resume its celebration of the Feast of the Assumption Aug. 12-15 at 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland. This is the 122nd year for the festival. Stands in the churchyard will be open 6-11 p.m. Aug. 12; 6 p.m. to midnight Aug. 13; noon to midnight Aug. 14 and noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 15.

Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Aug. 15 in the church, followed by the solemn procession throughout Little Italy. The rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. each evening of the festival at the outdoor shrine on the Coltman Road side of the church.

Festival will include food, entertainment and a raffle. There will be a candlelight procession at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 15 to close the celebration. In addition to the 10 a.m. Aug. 15 Mass, liturgies will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. Aug. 13, 5 p.m. Aug. 14 and 8 p.m. Aug. 15 (followed by the closing procession).

Check with individual parishes for more information on their plans for parish festivals, raffles and other fundraisers.

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