S
Spoken4
Guest
Hi all! I read a few threads from people who had expressed difficulty in attending Mass due to transportation issues. I had the same issue over a year ago, but arrived at a really fun solution.
I rode my bicycle!
Now, I know that not everyone has a bike or can ride one to church, but if a person can do it, it is an option, and perhaps one that might be overlooked. For me, it opened some doors to new friendships. For others in some parts of the world, especially the poor, a bicycle might be the only means of transportation anywhere. I now ride to Mass every chance I can, when the weather allows, which is most of the year as I’m in a moderate climate here in Texas.
My church is about 4 miles away with a route that is (to me) bike safe. It takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to ride there. I dress in some cycle-compatible clothing and pop a change of slacks and shoes in my backpack, and allow some time to cool down, freshen up and change. I’m also in the choir so I also carry my music.
As I was leaving Mass after my first bike trip (having changed back into my cycling clothes and helmet), our pastor spotted me and was grinning from ear to ear. Turns out that he’s a cyclist as well, and rides out at our local lake trail once or twice a week on his day off and as his schedule allows. He invited me to come out and ride with the group from our parish-- I never knew that there WAS such a group! I took him up on the invitation and we had a wonderful time. We rode around one time, about 10 miles, and when we got back to the start point, I saw him looking down the trail again. Then he said, ‘I’m almost thinking about going again…’ but decided against it because he was having lunch with some of his family. Pretty spry for a man well into his 70’s!
Since then, I’ve ridden at least once a month with the group and made several friends. I also learned a lot more about this very holy and blessed parish priest. It’s been a real blessing. Healthy body and healthy spirit… you can’t beat it.
So, for those who can ride a bike and may find themselves without another way to get to Mass for whatever reason, consider a bike. Even if you do have a car, think about biking to Mass once in a while, especially if the weather is pretty. You might just find yourself showered with extra blessings. And God would certainly approve-- after all, we do have a patron saint of bicyclists, Our Lady of Ghisallo.
Just an idea… hope it helps someone else.
Blessings!
~Spoken4
I rode my bicycle!
Now, I know that not everyone has a bike or can ride one to church, but if a person can do it, it is an option, and perhaps one that might be overlooked. For me, it opened some doors to new friendships. For others in some parts of the world, especially the poor, a bicycle might be the only means of transportation anywhere. I now ride to Mass every chance I can, when the weather allows, which is most of the year as I’m in a moderate climate here in Texas.
My church is about 4 miles away with a route that is (to me) bike safe. It takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to ride there. I dress in some cycle-compatible clothing and pop a change of slacks and shoes in my backpack, and allow some time to cool down, freshen up and change. I’m also in the choir so I also carry my music.
As I was leaving Mass after my first bike trip (having changed back into my cycling clothes and helmet), our pastor spotted me and was grinning from ear to ear. Turns out that he’s a cyclist as well, and rides out at our local lake trail once or twice a week on his day off and as his schedule allows. He invited me to come out and ride with the group from our parish-- I never knew that there WAS such a group! I took him up on the invitation and we had a wonderful time. We rode around one time, about 10 miles, and when we got back to the start point, I saw him looking down the trail again. Then he said, ‘I’m almost thinking about going again…’ but decided against it because he was having lunch with some of his family. Pretty spry for a man well into his 70’s!
Since then, I’ve ridden at least once a month with the group and made several friends. I also learned a lot more about this very holy and blessed parish priest. It’s been a real blessing. Healthy body and healthy spirit… you can’t beat it.
So, for those who can ride a bike and may find themselves without another way to get to Mass for whatever reason, consider a bike. Even if you do have a car, think about biking to Mass once in a while, especially if the weather is pretty. You might just find yourself showered with extra blessings. And God would certainly approve-- after all, we do have a patron saint of bicyclists, Our Lady of Ghisallo.
Just an idea… hope it helps someone else.
Blessings!
~Spoken4
