Overview

Those whose work and lifestyle need frequent travel may be unable to participate actively in local parish community year round. Yet they and their families have the same needs for religious formation, preparation for and the reception of the sacraments, opportunities to deepen their relationship with Christ and need to be welcomed by Catholic parishes when they are in local communities.

Therefore, the Catholic Church's concern for people on the move expresses itself primarily in the ministry of pastoral accompaniment. Clergy, men and women religious, and lay leaders are involved in national, diocesan and parish efforts to provide pastoral outreach to people on the move. They are linked to the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church/Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers, in collaboration with national Catholic organizations devoted to providing pastoral needs to people on the move in the United States.

  • Airport Ministries: Airport and airline workers and travelers in conjunction with the National Catholic Conference of Airport Chaplains (NCCAC).

  • Stella Maris: Stella Maris chaplains and pastoral teams outreach to seafarers and all people who work on the sea, maritime students, and families of the people of the sea.

  • Circus & Traveling Show Ministries: Traveling Show Workers in conjunction with Circus and Traveling Show Ministries and the International Forum of Christian Organizations for the Pastoral Care of Circus and Carnival Workers.

  • Migrant Farm Workers: Migrant Farm Workers in conjunction with the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network (CMFN).

  • Tourists & Pilgrims: National parks, tourist centers, pilgrimage groups, and workers in the tourist industry.

  • Gypsies and Irish Travelers in conjunction with the International Catholic Committee for Gypsies (CCIT).

  • Race Car drivers in conjunction with the Indy Racing League Ministries.

  • Truckers, highway travelers and workers at truck stops.

  • For information on Catholic churches and worship times worldwide, visit Mass Times for Travel. MassTimes.org