Three-ring vocation: Religious sisters bring church to circus workers

Published: 2004-04-14

NEW YORK (CNS) -- When the circus came to New York recently, under the big top with the acrobats, clowns, dancers, elephants and lions were two religious sisters. Sisters Dorothy Fabritze and Bernard Overkamp go where the circus goes, making sure performers and behind-the-scenes workers always have the church with them. "This is their vocation. God calls them to this work," Sister Fabritze said of the life of people in the circus. The two women, who are Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Hiltrup, Germany, accompany one of the traveling units of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. They care for the spiritual needs of circus people, but they're also full-time circus workers. Sister Fabritze pulls the curtain, presiding over the entrances and exits of all the acts. Sister Overkamp works in the wardrobe department, where she keeps the costumes repaired and helps performers with quick changes between scenes. In their ministerial roles, the sisters provide religious education and sacramental preparation for children and adults. They arrange for Masses and always are ready to listen if someone needs to talk.

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