Safe Place, Sacred Space: Sensory-Friendly Mass Opens the Doors Wider

By Allison Mosier

07/16/2026

On July 12, a small group of families quietly gathered at St. Jude the Apostle Parish for something many had been longing for, a Mass designed to welcome individuals with sensory needs and developmental differences. It was a soft launch of what organizers hope will become a monthly sensory-friendly Mass, providing a place where families can worship without fear of judgment or distraction. 

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Diocese of Erie's Faith Formation Office, Father Mike Polinek and families of children with special needs. It is supported through a grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania. 

For Caitlin Rydberg, administrative assistant at Catholic Charities and mother of a son with Level 2 autism, the ministry is deeply personal. 

"My son, Carl, has Level 2 autism," she said. "It's sometimes very difficult to take him to Mass due to how he can react to crowds and overstimulation, especially during Christmas, Easter, First Communion and other larger celebrations. It's also difficult as a parent not to freeze or become stressed over the stares and comments from others." 

While Rydberg says her family has found tremendous support at St. Jude Parish, she knows many families have not shared that experience. 

"There needed to be a way that my son could attend a Mass that fits his needs and meets him where he's at, while allowing us, his parents, to enter into the liturgy fully without worrying about the environment around us," she said. "At Catholic Charities we are always asking where the needs of our community are. This was one need I saw that needed to be filled, and I knew it was possible." 

The inaugural Mass, celebrated by Father Mike Polinek, featured thoughtful accommodations designed to reduce sensory overload while preserving the beauty and reverence of the liturgy. Lights were dimmed, there was no music or amplification, and Father Polinek offered a brief homily in a calm, predictable setting. 

What stood out most to Rydberg, however, wasn't the environment—it was the families.

"The relaxed looks on parents' faces, including my own, and the way the kids were able to be themselves without judgment was incredible," she said. "Seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when they could move around without being told to stay still or stop making noise meant everything."

One moment, in particular, remains etched in her memory. 

During the homily, Father Mike reminded the congregation that everyone has ears and Jesus has ears, so he hears our prayers. Carl immediately responded, "And me!" Instead of feeling the need to quiet him, Rydberg simply smiled.

"He was able to be himself," she said. "We didn't feel the need to shush him. That's what made it so special."

Organizers emphasize that the ministry is not limited to individuals with autism. Families with loved ones who have ADHD, ADD, Down syndrome, sensory sensitivities, dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other conditions that make a traditional worship environment difficult are also encouraged to attend. 

Rydberg hopes the ministry reaches families who may have quietly drifted away from parish life.

"I understand 100 percent where you're coming from," she said. "I have heard so many stories and have had my own experiences to back up those feelings. But I hope this is one step closer to making people feel more comfortable and welcomed. I would invite them to come and experience it for themselves." 

The sensory-friendly Mass is one part of a broader effort to build connection and support for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Diocese of Erie. While families from St. Jude Parish worked with Father Polinek to develop the sensory-friendly Mass, the Diocese's Faith Formation Office had already been collaborating with Clint and Stacey Badowski, faith formation leaders at St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish, to expand support for individuals with disabilities and their families. As those efforts came together, what began as separate initiatives has grown into a shared ministry rooted in listening to families and responding to their needs. 

For Stacey Badowski, the ministry is the culmination of a passion that began in childhood.

"This initiative is very close to my heart," she said. "We have always strived to be inclusive and welcoming within our Faith Formation program, and this initiative helps ensure that every individual feels welcomed in our religious education programs while also equipping our leaders with the confidence and resources to adapt instruction for those with special needs." 

Badowski's passion was shaped by growing up with a sister who had special needs and later serving as a special education teacher. Although her family belonged to a welcoming parish, she saw firsthand how difficult it could be to adapt religious education to meet every child's needs.

After moving to Erie, a conversation with the parent of a child with autism confirmed what she had long believed. 

"That conversation led me to begin researching adaptive religious education curricula, inclusive programming, sensory supports such as fidgets and adaptive books, and other ways to better serve individuals with disabilities," she said. "I quickly realized that our community needed more."

As she explored those resources, she learned of a Catholic Foundation grant supporting disability ministry efforts. 

"It is amazing how God works," Badowski said. "As I was exploring these resources, I had a conversation with Aaron Kerr, who shared the wonderful grant awarded to his office through the Catholic Foundation. It felt like God was opening a door and providing the opportunity to turn this passion into action." 

Watching the first sensory-friendly Mass confirmed the need. 

"There were many moments when I thought, 'This is exactly why we're doing this,'" she said. "One child became restless and was unable to remain in his original pew. With a parent beside him, he walked around briefly while making some vocalizations. When he found a pew where he felt comfortable, his family simply joined him. Mass continued without interruption, and he was able to remain engaged for the rest of the liturgy. It was such a beautiful example of acceptance, inclusion and belonging." 

Badowski hopes the ministry continues to grow throughout the Diocese of Erie. 

"Five years from now, I hope this ministry's mission is woven into every Faith Formation program throughout our diocese," she said. "Everyone deserves to be included, feel wanted and accepted. I hope our sensory-friendly Mass continues to grow and serves as a welcoming place where individuals with special needs and their families know they are valued, accepted and loved. My prayer is that every person who enters our churches experiences what the Church is meant to be—a place where everyone belongs." 

The momentum continues with the Catholic Disabilities Networking Meet-Up, which brings together many of the same families, parish leaders and advocates working to build a more welcoming Church. The Diocese of Erie's Faith Formation Office and St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish invite families, caregivers, parish leaders and anyone interested in creating a more inclusive faith community to attend on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish, 147 W. 24th St., Erie. The gathering will offer an opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences and explore ways parishes can better support individuals with disabilities while celebrating the gifts and dignity of every person. Refreshments will be provided, and the event is made possible through the same Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania grant supporting these initiatives. Registration is encouraged. 

For Rydberg, both the Mass and the gathering share the same purpose. "I hope they leave knowing they are loved for who they are—or for who their children are," she said.

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