Sensory Friendly Mass

On Saturday, Jan 13, 2024 at 5pm The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley’s AIM Ministry (All Inclusive Ministry) hosted a sensory friendly mass at St. James in Pennington. A sensory friendly mass provides a welcoming and stigma-free environment for people with sensory-processing issues, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and their family members – allowing everyone to experience Mass in a meaningful way. Accommodation includes softer music and lights, no bells, shorter and more literal homilies, and the availability of gluten-free hosts. Rev. Roy Ballacillo celebrated the mass assisted by Deacon Rich Hobson. Many of our AIM members assisted in the mass as altar servers, ushers, gift bearers, greeters, after mass hospitality assistance, and even an after mass piano solo. AIM’s Mission Statement: To embrace, support, and include individuals with disabilities and their families at Mass, in the Parish, and in the community. The AIM ministry meets once a month on the third Wednesday of each month at St. James. During our meetings, we may do a community service project, discuss a topic, do a craft, play games, enjoy some snacks, and socialize with each other. Participants find the fun meetings useful for learning about resources in the community and forming new friendships.