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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 (such as anxiety, PTSD, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease), 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?

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.
How do we host a sensory-friendly Mass?

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
Upcoming sensory-friendly Masses
  • Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
  •  Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Sunday, October 18, 2026 at  10:30 am, at Ss. John and Paul Church,, 1401 1st Ave. S. Altoona, IA 50009
  • Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263 
  • Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263 
  • Sunday, December 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm,  at Boniface Church, 1200 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, IA 50263
  • Saturday, March 26, 2027 at  5:00 pm, at Ss. John and Paul Church,, 1401 1st Ave. S. Altoona, IA 50009

For additional details of the Masses, please go to the Diocese Event page and Deaf and Disability Ministry category.

Is your parish interested in hosting a sensory-friendly Mass? Contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org

Free Sensory-Friendly Mass Guide

Author Shannon Farrell shares all the steps parents or lay leaders need to take to set up a sensory-friendly Mass at their parish - it’s easier than you think!