For years, Percy Losardo, a 14-year-old with autism, couldn’t attend Mass with his family — until now. Thanks to the Still Waters Sensory Room at St. Joseph Church in Maplewood, N.J., Percy and many others like him have a space where they feel safe and welcomed.

Opened in December 2024, the Still Waters room is the first of its kind in the Archdiocese of Newark. Designed by the nonprofit Together We Bloom, the room offers calming tools like a glider, weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys — helping neurodivergent parishioners manage sensory overload during worship. Painted a deep blue to complement the church’s vibrant stained glass, the space feels, as designer Kimberly Takacs puts it, “like walking into a hug.”

Inspired by a local panel on neurodiversity, Pastor Father Jim Worth made inclusivity a priority. “We want everyone to feel they belong,” he said. “This isn’t just a church initiative — it’s a community one.”

Other families, like that of Pavitra Makam, have also found comfort and belonging. Her two children use the room regularly, experiencing faith in a way that meets their needs. The church’s commitment extends beyond Mass: the room is open daily, and plans are underway to make the parish even more accessible.

The initiative echoes Pope Francis’ call for greater inclusivity and reflects the heart of Catholic social teaching — ensuring no one is left behind.

As more churches take notice, the message is clear: creating spaces for all to belong doesn’t require a fortune, just intention and compassion.

To learn more about starting a sensory room in your parish, visit Together We Bloom. This post originated from a story in Jersey Catholic.