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THE CONCERN OF THE CHURCH FOR PEOPLE ON THE
MOVE
The Catholic Church, in its mission of preaching the Good News,
historically holds a prophetic stand with regard to people who have
special spiritual and social needs because of ethnic identity,
language and culture, or a particular lifestyle distinguished by
human mobility such as that of circus and traveling show people. In
his audience of December 3, 1981, Pope John Paul II defined the work
of show people as a "healthy, relaxing and intelligent diversion."
The Church responds to show people with benevolent understanding and
welcome. The Circus and Traveling Show Apostolate refers to the
ministry of the Church in the world of show people who create
festive occasions for all Americans to enjoy.
THE WORLD OF THE CIRCUS AND
TRAVELING SHOW
There are 50-60 circuses and between 300-400 carnivals in the United
States. The need to pursue an occupation accounts for the nearly
300,000 people on the move in America who share the common goal of
entertainment. The Catholic faithful constitute approximately 40% of
this population. Diversity and internationality describe the
community of show people. Circus performers represent, among others,
the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. In the carnivals are found persons with backgrounds in
academia, politics, law, journalism, retailing, farming, music,
sports and other areas.
LIFESTYLE
Community life is organized around the show, and the basis for
community life is the family. By history and tradition, circuses and
traveling shows have functioned as family institutions. The family
is the vital social grouping that teaches and imbues family members
with the values of the community. Everything must work in harmony -
everyone performing their assigned tasks.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
In the world of circus and traveling show people, the fullness of
Christian life may be constrained by time and circumstance, the lack
of religious education and the unavailability of clergy and
religious personnel.
Christian values
evident in the family and community need to be given expression and
importance in the day-to-day reality of the show.
For Catholic show
people, their faith is traditional - a stable element and a comfort.
Frequently, show people are not able to be in touch with the local
church of the community where they are visiting because of their
lifestyle and work obligations. At the same time, the itinerant
lifestyle is not an insurmountable impediment to the growth and
development of religious life among show people. To the contrary,
the mobility of show people is itself an opening, a kind of
invitation to ministry.
PASTORAL MINISTERS
The special regard of the Church for people on the move is shown by
the pastoral workers who are dedicated to this apostolate and who
build communities of the faithful and bring these small communities
in solidarity with the Church to live the Gospel. There is a very
small group of clergy and religious who regularly minister to show
people. Their presence to show people is one of a living image of
Christ. They are welcomed by Catholic show people as well as by
non-Catholics with whom an ecumenical attitude of openness and
cooperation is shared. The greatest need of the circus and traveling
show people is for priests and pastoral ministers to be available
for religious education, Mass and the Sacraments.
PASTORAL AWARENESS
The increase of pastoral awareness of the Circus and Traveling Show
Apostolate is a serious concern of the Catholic Church in the United
States. Pastoral awareness opens the door to the welcome of the
faithful to full membership in the entire ecclesial community. Yet,
as the mobility of show people prevents their participation in
ordinary parish life, so does ordinary parish life often overlook
the circumstances of the faithful who appear beyond its reach.
Pastoral awareness invites pastoral outreach.
PASTORAL OUTREACH
To ensure that the world of show people, even in their mobility, may
be fully integrated into the life of the Church, the following
suggestions are offered as a means to reach out in Christian love
and friendship to all who create festive occasions which provide us
with a happy diversion from daily cares. The pastoral care which we
bring to show people must be inspired by the dynamic of the mystery
of salvation which makes the festive occasion become one of the
privileged images of meeting with God.
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The local priest
could visit the circus and traveling show to welcome the
entertainers and to celebrate the Mass, with the homily mindful of
the people.
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A special liturgy,
memorial service or a paraliturgy may be planned at the local
parish or in an appropriate place at the circus or fair grounds,
at a time convenient for the people. Posters can be displayed at
the circus or fair grounds, inviting the show people to attend.
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Pastors can organize
volunteers to visit show people and assist them in preparing their
children for the Sacraments and also invite the children to social
gatherings of parish children.
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Bible or scripture
and Catholic information booths can be set up at fairs to interest
visitors in learning and knowing more about the Church.
Familiarity with the Bible can help show people to grow in faith
through contact with the Word of God.
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Religious sisters can
serve in many ways: religious teaching, family help, or just
giving witness by their presence and their sharing the life of the
people.
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Seminarians can be
involved, through vacation programs, in a special kind of
outreach. Show people respond to daily, ordinary friends who work
at the same tasks in which they are engaged, and seminarians could
provide this friendship.
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Dioceses should seek
the best pastoral means for work among show people.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the Circus and Carnival Apostolate, write
the address below, or e-mail:
pcmr@nccbuscc.org. Reference
the apostolate in your message.
Circus and Carnival
Apostolate
Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees
3211 Fourth Street, NE
Washington DC 20017
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