LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Despite many road closures, the closest church to the F1 track, the Catholic cathedral near the Encore, will be staying opening and holding their normal services over the next several days.
“The church will be open on all three race days; Thursday Friday, and Saturday,” shared Bishop Gregory Gordon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas.
Though heavy traffic is expected, Guardian Angel Cathedral just off the Sands Avenue turn will remain open offering two masses each day along with confession beforehand and open hours to anyone who just wants to come pray.
“We have what are called Saturday vigil masses preempting the Sunday, anticipating the Sunday celebration at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. And of course, at those masses of this church, the Guardian Angel Cathedral is almost filled the capacity,” explained Bishop Gordon. That’s about 1,000 people.
Bishop Gordon says they also want to help Strip workers working the race and are opening their parking lot to resort employees whose normal lots are blocked off by the track.
“Certainly, we want to be good neighbors,” Bishop Gordon contended.
For decades the Catholic Church has been making it work for Strip workers. Back in the 50s, a food and beverage manager at the Stardust and Desert Inn approached them asking for a 4:30 a.m. Sunday mass at Strip hotels for Catholic cooks, bartenders, waiters, musicians, and others to fulfill their Sunday obligation.
Then in the 60s, to benefit both workers and tourists, several hotels agreed to assist the church in building a chapel just off the Strip.
In 1988, Guardian Angel Cathedral received special permission from Rome to celebrate a 2:30 p.m. Saturday service.
Bishop Gordon says during all services over the next few days, they will be praying for everyone.
“We have certain prayers that are called the universal prayers, petitions and we’ll certainly be praying for the racers and their families and the visitors who have come to watch this spectacular night,” Gordon contended.
There will also be a funeral on Saturday morning. The race will conclude early Sunday morning with road closures lifted well before the start of the 7:30 a.m. Sunday mass.
This isn’t the first time this year the Archdiocese of Las Vegas has had to plan around a major event. The Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer is directly across the street from the Tropicana site. They had to deal with dust clean up after the implosion, but it also did not stop them from holding regular services.
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