05/17/2017
Representatives of the Cleveland Police Department have very kindly informed us that parishioners of St. Stephen Church may drive to both the 9:30 Mass and the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, May 21, and park in the church parking lot off of West 57th Street as usual, as long as they observe certain conditions for the protection of spectators and participants in the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon taking place that morning. Mass-goers should do the following:
We should only approach the neighborhood from the southwest using Lorain Avenue. We should not try to approach from the east, or from the north. (For example, if you usually take the Shoreway, or I-90 to West 41st or West 44th Street, you can’t do that this week.)
If you are traveling Interstate 90 from the east, exit at Exit 167B which is “Lorain Avenue,” and at the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Lorain Avenue eastbound.
If you are traveling Interstate 90 from the west, exit at Exit 167 which is “West Boulevard,” proceed until West Blvd., and turn right onto West Blvd. southbound. Soon after that, turn left onto Lorain Avenue eastbound.
Proceed on Lorain Avenue eastbound to West 57th Street, then turn left onto West 57th Street northbound, and pull into the parking lot of St. Stephen Church as usual.
When we leave the St. Stephen parking lot after Mass (either the 9:30 or the 11:00), I am told that we may either head north toward Bridge Avenue, or south toward Lorain Avenue, because most of the racers are expected to be far away from the neighborhood by 10:30 or so.
We are to observe the following, both to and from Mass:
Drive like a Christian.
Obey all instructions from police officers. If you have one of the "Sunday Worship" service access credentials, be ready to show it to any police officers and race officials on request.
Budget at least 30 minutes more travel time than usual, and be aware that many others will be trying to arrive at the same time as you.
Be patient and expect delays. You will be driving alongside the race route starting around West 65th Street and Lorain, and you will be driving across the race route near West 57th Street. The day belongs to the marathon runners, and we will have to wait for them to pass.
Generally, expect the unexpected.
Everyone at CPD and Rite Aid has been incredibly kind to us. For ourselves, we could add that at Mass, let's offer prayers for Mayor Jackson and our Men in Blue, Rite Aid, and their families!
That’s all. See you Sunday and thanks again.
Jerry
Serving the Tridentine Latin Mass Community, traditional Roman Catholics, and the Germans Community
