Music Keeps Maplewood Man With Autism Connected To Beloved Priest

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Ben Hack, a 22-year-old Maplewood man who's on the autism spectrum, was devastated that he couldn’t attend St. Joseph Catholic Church when services went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, his family said.

Not going to church meant not seeing Father Jim Worth, one of only a few people he really connects to. Father Jim missed Ben too, so he came up with a way the two could bond while apart.

Father Jim now hosts virtual concerts for Ben on Facebook Live that the rest of the congregation enjoys as well.

Father Jim plays Ben's favorite church songs and American standards, all while wearing orange, Ben's favorite color. Father Jim’s most recent concert is here.

"When Father Jim sings Ben’s favorite song, 'God Bless America,' " said his mom, Mary Beth Walsh, "it is amazing to see the smile spread across Ben’s face."

Walsh said it can be hard to find places to bring children with autism. Parents of children on the spectrum have expressed concerns over the lack of services when they reach adulthood.

"It can make all the difference in the world" for autistic children to feel welcome, Walsh said. "Families whose children have been stared at in the grocery store for their behavior or noises, need that extra outreach."

Father Jim said, "It’s important to include everyone around the Table of the Lord. Those with any kind of disability need some extra help feeling welcome. Being attentive to them and making them feel valued is certainly what Jesus would want. I’ve always felt a special bond with those who have difficulties in life."

Ben finally returned to in-person services two weeks ago, but Father Jim will continue the occasional virtual concerts.

“I hope his example inspires other priests and pastoral leaders to realize that parishioners with autism and other disabilities should be neither avoided, nor idealized, because of their disability," said Dr. Anne Masters, director of the director of the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office for Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities. "Too often individuals and families still struggle to feel they are appreciated or that they truly belong."

She added, "To feel like one belongs is what all people want."

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