Florida Catholic | St. Jude Parish Celebrates At Circus Sarasota

JOE DIAZ | FC
St. Jude Parish parochial vicar Father José del Olmo serves as a guest ringmaster at a Circus Sarasota performance Feb. 7. The event raised money for the parish’s Hispanic outreach ministry.

St. Jude Parish celebrates at Circus Sarasota

A special night at Circus Sarasota with clowns and performers raises money and brings smiles to many.

JOE DIAZ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 02.22.08

SARASOTA | “I smell food!” cried a voice in the parking area. Another countered, “No, I smell popcorn!” Yet another, “Thank goodness I don’t smell elephants!”

The voices came from excited children as they approached the red-and-white big top for “St. Jude Church Night” Feb. 7 at Circus Sarasota on the grounds of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

Through an effort by Circus Sarasota co-founders Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, along with the cooperation and coordination from members of St. Jude Parish, the circus offered one night to celebrate the parish community.

A portion of the ticket proceeds was donated to the church’s Hispanic outreach ministry.

Reis later announced $7,500 had been raised for the church that evening.

Through donations from local businesses, more than 350 tickets were given to children — some of whom are learning the Catholic faith through catechism classes at St. Jude — and their families.

Parochial vicar Father José del Olmo and Kathy Schersten of St. Jude served as guest ringmasters. Wearing top hats and blowing circus whistles, the pair welcomed the audience, and in particular their fellow parishioners, which roused a large audience response.

The ringmasters thanked Circus Sarasota for their generosity before blowing their whistles again to start the grand performance.

Daniel Lozado, 16, a catechism student preparing for confirmation at St. Jude Parish, attended the circus with his parents.

“I liked the Smirnovs,” he said, referring to the quick-change artists from Russia.

Other parishioners delighted in an amazing juggling act and the aerial act of Dolly Jacobs.

The clowns also delighted the crowds.

Besides having fun, eating cotton candy and popcorn, the St. Jude parishioners also had an opportunity for fellowship.

“This is a great opportunity for more people to get to know our church,” said one of the event organizers, who attended the performance with her young granddaughter.

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St. Jude Parish celebrates at Circus Sarasota

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