How can I remain Catholic?

The question that I often get asked when ever news of another scandal in the church comes to light is "How can you remain Catholic?" It is as if the very notion of being part of this faith would be a challenge for me on any level given the darkness knocking on our door. The answer for me is very easy: Because I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the teachings of the faith. The Mass is an important part of my life and with out the Eucharist I would not have life with in me. I would be cut off from a pure way to recharge my spiritual batteries. The problem is that their is a lot of good that goes on with in the Catholic faith. But it is often over shadowed by those who have become corrupted. Still not all Priests are the evil creatures the media and other anti-Catholics would have you believe. When you look at the history of the current scandal those reports and details go back to almost one-hundred years. It is overwhelmingly heart breaking to know such evil exists in this world and that those who we look up to are the ones committing it. To say that their is anger is way more than fair. Their should be anger. I don't know of any Catholic in the world who does not want our leadership held accountable for their actions. Those who committed such evil and those who did their best to either turn a blind eye or cover it up out right. To be remove if the allegations are proven to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt. What some many not realize is that this is not the first time our faith has been tested. Though out the history of the Catholic Church their have been many crisis that have come up. Many of us were rocked with the scandal in Boston that came to light over fifteen years ago. Yet though these events the Catholic Church has remained. Storms are always going to happen. But leaving the faith over those storms allows the evil to go on unchecked. We must remain firm to Christ even when the ship is being tossed in the rough waters. We must embrace the very fact that the Son of God gave up his very LIFE for us. The least that we can do is stand firm and hold those in leadership accountable for their actions. The more of us who decide to walk away. The less of us their are to stand firm. We are the Salt of the Earth. We are the Light of the World. Stand firm in our faith and we will shine brighter than the darkness that seeks to consume us.

-JM

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The Empty Church: Who Do I Ask?

One of the more challenging problems that people who have a disability face is often being unable to attend Mass due to transportation issues. Bus services is not universal in all areas of the country. Some buses do not run on Sat or Sunday. Or if they do it is not always at a time that allows for Mass. Cab services like Uber and Lyft are another option. But may not be practical for someone who is on a very fixed income. While some non-Catholic churches have their own shuttle service. Parishes creating their own may be out of reach due to issues with insurance and liability costs. Which leaves the only option is to ask someone from the parish for a ride.

For some their is a moderate level of embarrassment in asking for a ride. Their is often a fear of rejection or feeling that we are being an inconvenience. This becomes more of an issue if someone has mobility issues. Another issue to look at is some also face social anxiety. The idea of asking someone they may not know for help is difficult. Unless a person has well established connections with in the parish. The options of who to seek rides from are limited. We simply do not know who to ask for a ride. Who would be willing to help us out.

It is an area of concern that can be looked at more closely with in the parish. To truly be a welcoming community then perhaps we should take the time and effort to help those who have a deep desire to attend Mass. Even if it is something simple as the parish office having a list of volunteers willing to give out rides to those who ask. Taking those with disabilities into consideration. Just because a person is unable to drive or have their own connections to transpiration should a person be excluded from going to Mass. The solutions to the problem can be simple. Still we need to make it easier to answer the questions of "Who do I ask?" and "Can I get a ride?"

-JM

Looking Past

It seems to me that in this current "modern age" their is a major misconception when it comes to those of us who are labeled as having some kind of disability. It is as if the word conveys something far more negative than we often realize. More so when speaking about people who have challenges in this life that are different from our own. The biggest common element in all of this is the idea that people who have a disability do not lead fulfilling lives. That by having some kind of challenge we missing out on all life has to offer us. An over judgmental and at times harsh view where the person sees the challenges someone faces instead of seeing the person as a true human being. They also do not see the struggles that we some times face. Yet our lives are by no means full of agony and suffering.

In my own life I have see this first hand. Even with in the Catholic Church. When people see me they often see a rather giant of a fellow who has a hard time walking. Who is socially awkward and a bit of a chatter box. They do not know the battles that I have to face from time to time. With the balance issues with the Cerebral Palsy. They also do not fully know that I often deal with severe anxiety. Sometimes that itself is due to the on going severe tinnitus. However even with all the challenges that I face daily. I cannot say that I don't lead a decent life. I have many things going for me. Such as being licence as a Amateur (HAM) Radio operator since 2003. My call sign being KC8WZM. Most also don't realize that also sing in the parish choir and have a pretty decent voice. Of course I am known by many as "The Lego Guy" because of my work with The Lego Church Project.

What is important for me that despite my own challenges I do live a pretty decent life. Granted it is far from perfect. But if you were to ask any one you would find that they also have their own challenges. Even if they don't necessarily consider it a disability. I for one would rather be defined for who I am as a person. For a long time ago I made a choice to do what I can to rise above what I face and let my work speak for me. For the most part I have been successful. It is not a matter of taking pride about this. But rather an understanding that above all else I am a child of God. That I have a deep love and passion for the Catholic Faith. Perhaps we should start opening up our hearts and seeing people for who they are. Not for the challenges they face.

-JM