Sensory-Friendly Mass
A Sensory-Friendly Mass provides a safe, comfortable, and stigma-free setting for children and adults with sensory challenges, mental illness, or any kind of disability to feel engaged and experience Mass in a meaningful way.
All are welcome!
What should I expect at a Sensory-Friendly Mass?
If you have felt unwelcome at Mass or found it challenging to participate because of the disability of yourself or a child, you are not alone. This Mass creates a safe space where parishioners can make noise, stand, sit, move around, and be invited into meaningful participation in the liturgy.
A sensory-friendly Mass lasts 30 minutes and has low lights, no bells, no music, no incense, a short homily, and spoken (rather than sung) prayers. The Mass uses the Children’s Lectionary and is celebrated in the main church so that families can spread out. Gluten-free hosts are offered. The priest utilizes the microphone so that parishioners can connect to the LOOP system, if available.
Parishes offering a Sensory-Friendly Mass
St. Vincent de Paul Parish
1502 E Wallen Rd, Fort Wayne
Sundays, 1 p.m.
If you would like to bring a Sensory-Friendly Mass to a parish in your community, contact us. Masses may be added to the regular schedule or offered during an existing Mass time. Parishes may offer these Masses weekly or monthly or may partner with neighboring parishes to offer a Sensory-Friendly Mass on a rotating basis.
As other offerings are available, they will be listed on this page.