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