The apostolate’s mission is to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing access to liturgy, sacramental preparation, and religious education. Nazareth House is funded by the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries, also known as Catholic Charities, with locations in Huntsville and Birmingham. Currently, the Birmingham location is hosted by St. Francis Xavier.

Unfamiliar with the program, Trotter’s mother searched online and decided to give it a try. For the last four years, Trotter has been attending the Saturday morning gatherings to help prepare him for his First Communion.

Roughly two years ago, though, the family was struggling to attend Sunday Mass as a family. Trotter’s mother explains: “Joey and I, honestly, had quit coming to Mass because Trotter really wasn't able to even sit in the cry room. He's all over the place, all the time. Obviously, we didn't want to disturb other parishioners.” She admits that she really needed her Church community, so wanting to find a way, she contacted Sarah Houser, Nazareth House’s program coordinator.

During a parish staff meeting, Houser mentioned the family’s struggle and advocated for an alternative for the Tudiscos. The idea of a sensory chapel was presented and the parish staff, Trotter's parents, and Dr. Mary-Kate Carey, a parishioner and psychologist, all collaborated to create a system where Trotter and other families could safely and comfortably participate in Sunday Mass as part of the greater congregation.

The collaboration resulted in a plan to use the parish’s chapel off the church’s vestibule, which not only provides a smaller, more manageable space than the nave but also features a large projector screen to support livestreaming the Mass. The close proximity of the chapel to the nave also allows for easy movement between the two, especially during Holy Communion.

“We were delighted to give it a go, mindful of families in the parish and community with children and adults who find traditional Mass challenging,” says Father Joe Culotta, pastor of St. Francis Xavier. Noting his affinity for the message expressed in the hymn “A Table of Plenty,” Father Cullotta likened the sensory chapel to that message, saying it offers “a place for all around God’s table of plenty.”

In June 2025, the first Mass was held in the sensory chapel, featuring a visual schedule showing the sequence of the Mass, flexible seating, and sensory tools. Most importantly, however, there was a warm and supportive environment with supportive worshipers present.

“It's been wonderful,” exclaims Trotter’s mother. “It definitely makes me feel more included and peaceful because I know all the people that are here understand and support us. They're not bothered by the fact that Trotter might start singing ABCs, which is his favorite thing, or running around. For me, it makes me able to participate. It makes me able to have that spiritual connection that we were lacking for many years.”

Since the first Sensory Mass, well over 100 people have participated in the sensory chapel either because they have a situation that makes attending Mass a challenge or because they have wanted to be of support.

The success of the sensory chapel proves a need is being fulfilled, and the Tudisco family, Sarah Houser, and the St. Francis Xavier staff want to get the word out to more families who may benefit. “I want to bring awareness to the special needs community within our Church,” Trotter’s mother points out, “and we would love to have more people join us to create a community of families that have children with special needs.”

As program coordinator of Nazareth House, Houser is available for consultation, willing to support other parishes and families who are interested in their own liturgical adaptations. To contact her, please e-mail sawisely@gmail.com.