Accessible Mass Visual Story - Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay

What is a Visual Story?

Visual stories are written in an easy read format and use pictures to provide greater accessibility for everyone.

They are used to prepare people for a new environment or situation, helping you become more familiar with an event and know what to expect before you attend.

What is an Accessible Mass?

Attending mass can be overwhelming, stressful or confusing for some people because there are lots of people, sounds, smells and rules! An Accessible Mass means that this mass has been adapted to make it calmer, and easier to participate. This includes:

Providing this visual story to help you know what to expect
Holding the service in a quieter room with more space
Changing lighting and sound levels
Relaxing the rules, so you can move around, make noise and ask questions if you would like

About the Accessible Mass

Holy Cross Church, South Kincumber

Who

The Diocese of Broken Bay & Holy Cross Parish, South Kincumber is offering an Accessible Mass as part of its commitment to welcome and inclusion, creating a space where people of all abilities can gather in faith.

Where

Celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Kincumber, in a familiar and supportive parish setting. Care is taken to ensure the environment is calm, flexible, and attentive to the needs of those who attend.

Why

Holy Cross Church is a place where the community comes together to worship God. The Accessible Mass offers a gentle and welcoming space for individuals living with disability, neurodiversity, or additional needs, along with their families and carers, to participate safely.

What & When

What: The Divine Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest form of worship, celebrated by a priest and the people attending (like me!).

When: The accessible Mass will be celebrated on the second Sunday of the month, at 10:30 AM. Mass will finish around 11:15 AM.

What to bring

I can bring sensory items, or other things that help me feel calm and safe. Things I might want to bring:

Sunglasses & Hat

Headphones

Water Bottle

Fidget Tools

Something nice smelling

Weighted Blanket or Cushion

Sensory Information

During Accessible Mass, I might have different sensory experiences:

Sights

There might be very bright areas like the altar, and there might be dark areas like the seating area.

Sounds

I might hear the noise of chanting and prayers.

Smells

I might smell things like incense and perfume.

Crowds & Breaks

I can choose to line up at communion time. It might get crowded. There are other areas within the hall where I can take a break if I need.

Touch & Movement

There will be times when I can move, touch and feel things including: giving the sign of peace, passing the collection bag, or touching statues of Our Lord, Our Lady or the saints.

Important: I am not allowed to touch the altar or any items used by the priest during mass.

Who will I see?

Fr Yuhanna Azize

Maronite Catholic Priest

Altar Servers

They will assist the priest at the mass. This includes helping with the cruets and any other tasks the priest may need help with.

Getting There

Driving & Parking

Street parking is available and free on Humphreys Road. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park.

Note: Access to the Church is via Humphreys Road.

Church Exterior

The oldest Catholic Church on the Central Coast and the fifth oldest Catholic Church in continuous use in Australia, Holy Cross was completed in 1843.

Map to Church

The sandstone church is at 9 Humphreys Road, Kincumber South NSW 2251

Parking Lot Map

There is parking within the church grounds and on Humphreys Road. There is also wheelchair accessible spaces in the church grounds.

Public Transport

From Woy Woy Station: Bus Route 64 runs to Kincumber. Get off at Empire Bay Drive / Mackillop Oval. Short walk to Humphreys Road.
From Gosford Station: Connect to Bus Route 64 toward Woy Woy/Kincumber.
Community Transport: Pre-booked escorted transport available via local councils for older people or people with disability. Phone: 13 22 32.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are available within the Church grounds. Enter the courtyard and proceed towards the rear of the Church on either the left or right-hand side.

Step 1

Enter the courtyard

Step 2

Proceed towards the rear of the Church on either left- or right-hand side.

Step 3

Enter the accessible toilet

How Accessible Mass will work

What to expect step-by-step from arrival to dismissal.

Before Mass Starts

1

Everyone will sit facing the altar. It is OK if I need to get up and walk around.

2

I will turn my phone off or on silent so there are less unexpected noises for everyone.

3

I can prepare for Mass by praying or meditating.

4

I will try to keep quiet when waiting for the Mass to begin, but it's OK if I make noise.

Introductory Rites

The Entrance Procession

All: My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor.

Priest at Sanctuary

The priest proceeds to his place on the sanctuary. All stand (if you are able to).

Sign of the Cross & Greeting

Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

The Penitential Act

Priest: Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

You were sent to heal the contrite of heart:
All: Lord, have mercy.

You came to call sinners:
All: Christ, have mercy.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us:
All: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

The Collect

Priest: Let us pray... Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

All sit.

Liturgy of the Word

Note on Scripture Reading

Someone will read scriptures. I can follow along to the words. I don't need to read out loud.

The First Reading

A reading from the book... The word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

The Lector will give you the response to the verses.

The Second Reading

A reading from the letter of... The word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

All stand.

All: Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ! Lord, you are truly the Saviour of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!

The Gospel & Homily

The priest or Deacon proclaims the Gospel.

The priest gives a short Homily, explaining the Gospel. I will listen to the priest as he gives his homily.

The Creed

All stand.

The congregation recites the Creed: "I believe in God, the Father almighty..."

Prayer of the Faithful

All stand.

The response is: Lord, hear our prayer.

All sit after.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts

The Offerings are presented at the Altar.

Priest: Blessed are you, Lord......

All: Blessed be God for ever.

Prayer over the Offerings

All stand.

Priest: Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.

Eucharistic Prayer & Preface

Priest: The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

Priest: Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right and just.

Holy, Holy, Holy

All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

All Sit or Kneel.

Mystery of Faith

Priest: The mystery of faith.

All: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

Communion Rite

The Lord's Prayer

All stand. We will all say the Lord's prayer out loud together (the Our Father).

Priest: Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil... and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

All: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever.

Sign of Peace

Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always. Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

How to do the Sign of Peace:

I can receive the sign of peace by shaking hands with the people around me.
I can choose to complete it without anyone touching me, by placing my hands on my chest or holding my hand up.
I can say the words "peace of Christ" or "peace be with you" as I do this.
I can choose to exchange the sign of peace or not.

Breaking of the Bread

All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

All sit or kneel.

Communion

Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

About Receiving Communion

Communion is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.

I can receive Holy communion once I have made the Sacraments and my First Holy Communion.
To take communion, first I will line up and wait for my turn. I will then approach the priest with my hands elevated (non-writing hand over your writing hand) and receive communion in my hands. I immediately consume the Eucharist in the presence of the priest. I return to my seat to give thanks and pray to God.
I immediately consume the Eucharist in the presence of the priest.
I return to my seat to give thanks and pray to God.

Receiving a Blessing instead

If I haven't been baptised, or don't want to take communion, I can receive a 'blessing' instead. I can line up and wait for my turn. I will have both hands crossed over my chest, touching the opposite shoulder. The priest will give me a blessing. He won't touch me.

Concluding Rites

Thanksgiving

We will all stand up together. It's OK if I can't stand or don't feel like standing. The priest will say prayers after communion.

Blessing and Dismissal

[Announcements may happen here]

Priest: The Lord be with you.

All: And with your spirit.

Priest: Bow down for the blessing. (All bow their heads).

Priest: Go forth, the Mass is ended.

All: Thanks be to God.

Mass Concludes

The priest dismisses the congregation and leaves the altar. Mass is finished. I can choose to stay and pray quietly, or I can leave.

Important Terms & Objects

Learning about objects used during the Mass.

Altar

The main focal point of the Church where the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated.

Holy Gospel

This book contains the Holy Gospel readings for each Sunday. It is carried in procession by the priest.

Chalice

The vessel or cup used at Mass which holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ after consecration. This is only to be handled by the priest or those given permission.

Paten

A shallow dish which holds the Holy host (bread) which becomes the Body of Christ after consecration.

Sign of the Cross

The sign of the cross is a form of confession of faith, a renewal of our baptism, a sign of being a Christian, a defense against evil and a way to unite ourselves with Christ.

1. With your right hand, touch your forehead and pray, "In the name of The Father."
2. Touch the center of your chest and pray, "and of The Son."
3. Touch your left shoulder and pray, "and of The Holy..."
4. Touch your right shoulder and pray, "Spirit, Amen."

If the priest does the sign of the cross, I can copy him.
I can also choose to do the Sign of the Cross when the priest says "Father, Son and Holy Spirit".

Thank You

We look forward to seeing you at Holy Cross Church, South Kincumber.

Questions?

To contact us with any additional questions, please call the Mission Broken Bay Office.

02 8379 1634