An Accessible Mass has been introduced at a New South Wales Central Coast church to welcome people of all abilities, including individuals and families living with disability, neurodiversity or additional needs.
At its heart, this Mass is about belonging. It is a simple but important reminder that every person has a place at the Eucharistic table and in the life of the Church.
Holy Cross South Kincumber Catholic Church is holding the Accessible Mass on the second Sunday of every month.
The Mass is celebrated in a supportive and flexible environment where people can participate in ways that feel comfortable for them, with a particular focus on providing support to those with neurodiversity and sensory needs.
The aim is to create an atmosphere where families, carers, and support workers are invited to attend, participate, and feel at ease.
Mission Broken Bay, along with Catholic Schools Broken Bay, is developing strategies and resources to support this initiative and to help families prepare for their attendance and support their participation in the Accessible Mass.
An example of this is the Accessible Mass Visual Story, which is available on the Broken Bay Diocese’s website.
Visual stories are used to prepare people for a new environment or situation, helping them to become more familiar with an event and know what to expect before they attend.
The Accessible Mass visual story is written in an easy-read format and uses pictures to describe and explain what happens in the Mass.
It is hoped that this Mass will encourage parishes across the diocese to consider offering something similar or adapt resources for their own community’s use.
Details: Accessible Mass Visual Story – Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay.
FULL STORY
Accessible Mass Reaches Out to Everyone (Broken Bay Diocese)
