Posted July 14, 2020

With some faithful hesitant to return to the pews due to COVID-19, St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken recently began offering its Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass at nearby A. A. Garthwaite football field.

(Related: Read our feature story on St. Matthew Parish’s outdoor Masses.)

The liturgies scored a touchdown with parishioners, who enjoy the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist in the fresh air and sunshine, which according to researchers can inhibit the spread of the coronavirus.

Attendance has more than tripled, and the on-field Masses put “a little bit of bounce” in the step of parishioners, said pastor Father Thomas Heron.

(All photos courtesy of Alicia Fabrizio.)

  • Retired Msgr. Philip Ricci (right) concelebrates a July 5 Mass at A. A. Garthwaite Field in Conshohocken with St. Matthew pastor Father Thomas Heron (center) and permanent deacon Joseph Carr.

  • Parishioners at St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken gathered July 5 for an outdoor Mass at that town’s A. A. Garthwaite Stadium.

  • In his July 5 homily, Father Thomas Heron used a yoke to emphasize Christ’s call in Matthew’s Gospel for believers to take his yoke upon them.

  • During his July 12 homily, Father Heron illustrated the parable of the sower by scattering sunflower seeds over the congregation.

  • Parishioners bring their own lawn chairs and umbrellas to the outdoor Masses.

  • Social distancing and masks, along with fresh air and sunshine, reduce the risk of contracting COVID.

  • Father Thomas Heron, pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken, distributes holy Communion at a July 5 Mass celebrated at that town’s A.A. Garthwaite Stadium. The parish recently began celebrating one of its weekly Sunday liturgies at the football field to encourage COVID-wary parishioners to return to in-person worship.