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Sensory Friendly Mass
In an effort to embrace and welcome the members of our church with Autism, Down Syndrome, Developmental/Intellectual and other disabilities, the Diocese of Des Moines encourages parishes to consider sensory-friendly adaptations to an existing Mass or to celebrate a sensory-friendly Mass.
A vast majority of Catholic families with members with disabilities do not attend Mass for various reasons. They may feel stigmatized or fear being disruptive. They may have had a negative experience while attending in the past. They may feel that it is just too difficult. Regardless of the reason, having a Mass that is specifically welcoming to these families is an essential step in bringing them back into the Church. A sensory-friendly Mass does not require a tremendous amount of change on the part of the parish.
By dedicating a liturgy (even just once a month) to individuals with disabilities in the community, parishes can create a more comfortable environment for families. This approach reduces stigma and enables these families to fully participate in the liturgy.
| What is a sensory-friendly Mass? |
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These typically last 30-40 minutes and have lower lights, no bells, quiet or no music, no incense, a shorter homily, and spoken prayers. This is very similar to a Low Mass, which is a simple celebration of the Eucharist where the liturgy is spoken by the priest with minimal singing. In a Low Mass most, if not all, liturgical parts are spoken rather sung. When approaching your priest about a sensory-friendly Mass it may be helpful to reference the Low Mass, as the priest will be more familiar with the term.
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| How do we host a sensory-friendly Mass? |
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A sensory-friendly Mass requires three main criteria: a welcoming, stigma-free environment; an informed community; and a few special accommodations to help reduce instances of over-stimulation.
- Prepare the community ahead of time with pulpit & bulletin announcements and signs on the church door.
- Train hospitality ministers in explaining the sensory-friendly Mass so they are prepared to answer questions and inform people who may be unaware that it is happening
- Invite people with disabilities to assist in hospitality functions and serve as Mass servers and lectors
- Adapt the liturgy by using the Children's lectionary for the readings
- Provide a variety of adaptive faith tools like sensory kits, fidget materials, wiggle seats, or noise-softening headphones
- Reduce or skip the music (similar to a Low Mass)
- Dim the lights in the church and provide a calming/quiet area for when behavior becomes disruptive
- Tailor the homily to the audience by shortening it and focusing on personal stories or using interactive questions to engage the community
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