A Journey of Faith and Perseverance
Margaret Ann Mary Moore, a devout Catholic with cerebral palsy, has shared her struggle to receive the sacrament of confirmation after being denied due to her disability. In an article for America magazine, she details the barriers she faced and calls on the Catholic Church to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Her journey highlights the need for inclusivity in religious education and sacramental preparation.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion in Religious Education
Moore explains that her childhood parish held confirmation classes in a basement inaccessible to wheelchairs. Despite her family’s dedication—they physically carried her and her 400-pound wheelchair to classes—she encountered resistance when seeking confirmation as a high school sophomore. Though cognitively capable and excelling academically, she was placed in a seventh-grade classroom simply because the sophomore classroom was not accessible.
Lack of Communication and Missed Recognition
Moore’s challenges extended beyond physical barriers. She describes how her parish’s confirmation coordinator failed to facilitate her participation properly. Her name was never called at a mass to bless confirmation candidates. Despite her attempts to signal the coordinator, the ceremony ended without her inclusion. The moment left her feeling unseen and deeply hurt, reinforcing the emotional toll of exclusion.
A Call for Change in Church Practices
Through her article, Moore urges parishes to adopt more flexible and accommodating attitudes toward individuals with disabilities. She recommends offering religious education in accessible spaces and maintaining open communication with families. Her story serves as a plea for churches to update their structures and attitudes to ensure full participation in the sacraments for all.
Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Confirmation
Despite the difficulties, Moore’s perseverance paid off. In 2016, she finally received the sacrament she had long sought. The experience was transformative—she describes feeling an “immense positive energy” as she was anointed. Her story is an inspiring testament to faith, resilience, and the ongoing need for greater inclusivity in the Catholic Church.
Source:
Faith Tested: A Woman’s Fight for Inclusion in the Catholic Church
Photo by Romain Virtuel on Unsplash
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