At St. Pius X Catholic Church, inclusion is the name of the game with the recent opening of a sensory room! This thoughtful initiative is designed to help parishioners with autism, Down syndrome, and other sensory needs enjoy the Mass experience without the usual hiccups. Equipped with dimmable lighting, soft seating, and sound insulation, this room is all about creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It’s a refreshing change from the usual “real estate for rent” vibes you get in many churches!

Tim Wheeler, the director of religious education, knows the importance of this space from personal experience. He mentioned that many families were hesitant to attend Mass together due to sensory challenges. Now, those families can worship side by side without feeling pressured to conform to typical church norms. Families are saying things like, “Are we actually in church right now?” and “Is that Jesus singing or is it just our kid enjoying communion?” This is what divine intervention looks like!

With the increasing need for such inclusive environments, it’s hoped that other parishes will follow suit. After all, wouldn’t it be great if every community space could cater to everyone, no matter their sensory needs? It’s a step toward making faith accessible to all, and who doesn’t want to be part of a community that values everyone? What changes have you seen in your community that made a big difference in people’s experience?