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Finding a Ride Part 2

Writer's picture: JM KraemerJM Kraemer



This is a follow up article to "Finding A Ride To Mass".


It is not the asking for help that is the problem. It is asking for help and getting only one of two replies: total silence. Or at worse a list of reasons why help cannot be offered.


Having a disability that impacts your ability to drive can cause a lot of unintended problems. Issues that come up that most people don’t even realize unless they have been without a car for any extended amount of time. Everyday tasks that most people take for granted become much more difficult. This also impact those of us who desire do more within the life of the church.


Catholics are encouraged to take part in the many events that are going on. Both in our own home parishes or those taking place in other locations within the diocese. They are extremely helpful in our walk with Christ as we use this time to learn more about our faith. As well as coming together as a community in prayer and fellowship. However when one does not drive it makes taking part in these events extremely difficult. More so when we are unable to find someone who is able to take us.


For many of us who do not drive. Getting to Mass is hard enough. Trying to add extra events, or even trying to attend Holy Days of Obligation can be a challenge that is extremely close to impossible. It adds an already thick layer of frustration for those who may no longer have close friends or family in a parish. It can, sadly, make us feel that we are no longer important.


The other challenge that those who can’t drive run into is when we do try and ask for help (in this case getting a ride). Often times we get one of two replies. Most times we just simply get ignored. A layer of silence that can be difficult to understand. Or worse a list of reasons why help cannot be offered in this case. Along with no one who is able to point us in the right direction that we can find help. Thus we are often left on our own and missing out on things that could help us in our own faith journey.


It is one of many silent issues that exist in the church. Those who desire to take part in the life of the church but are unable to for an overly simple reason. This issue of finding rides also extents to the very sacraments such as Holy Communion (The Mass) and Confession. Important elements of our faith. Yet often denied to some due to reasons out of their control.


Sadly not every parish or diocese has the resources to help make things easier. Such as establishing a ride share program. Nor do they want to take on the responsibility and liability of helping those who are desperate to be a part of something. It is extremely tragic that we run into this problem as we, those who are unable to drive, simply have no idea on who we can ask.


Some would suggest using service like Uber or Lyft. However the problem in that those cost money. With rising costs in food and other services many of us are on very fixed incomes and our budgets are already reserved for those things. Leaving very little room for extra.

Even if it’s not the intention. Many of us feel rejected or overlooked by the church. It can be disheartening to see so many events we would like to take part in but are unable to due to a lack of ride.


As a church community we need to do more to help those who often feel ignored and overlooked. The poor. The elderly. Those with disabilities. Many who no longer have family still in the church and are often on their own. We need to make every effort to include them in the life of the parishes. Finding real and solid solutions to these issues.

We often say that all are welcome. Yet if we truly believe this then we (as a church) need to step up and do more to show it. Otherwise many of us will simply fall away. Not because we want to. But because no one is around or willing to help us. -


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