04/05/2026
Last night’s Easter Vigil was honestly one of the hardest Mass experiences I’ve had in a long time.
The lights, the length, the sounds, the movement… for many families it’s beautiful and powerful. But for some of us — especially those raising neurodivergent children — it can be overwhelming, exhausting, and sometimes heartbreaking.
I found myself wondering: How many other families felt the same way last night?
Not because we don’t love the Church.
Not because we don’t want to be there.
But because the environment can be incredibly difficult for sensory-sensitive kids.
Many neurodivergent children experience:
• Sensory overload from candles, bells, incense, and music
• Difficulty sitting through very long liturgies
• Anxiety in crowded or unpredictable environments
• Emotional meltdowns when overwhelmed
And when that happens… parents often feel embarrassed, judged, or like they don’t belong.
But here’s the truth:
These families belong in the Church just as much as anyone else.
The Church is called to be a place where every soul can encounter Christ — including children who experience the world differently.
So I want to ask this honestly and openly:
How was Easter Vigil for your family this year?
Vote in the poll and feel free to share your experience in the comments. Your voice might help churches understand why sensory awareness and accommodations matter.
👇 Poll below
1️⃣ It was beautiful and peaceful
2️⃣ It was challenging but we managed
3️⃣ It was overwhelming for my child
4️⃣ We had to leave early
5️⃣ We didn’t attend because it would be too difficult
If this resonates with you, please comment and share. The more we talk about this, the more awareness we can bring to making Mass welcoming for all families.
