On April 19, 2009, Mary excitedly prepared for her First Communion, a significant event in her life. The white dress, the carefully styled hair, and matching shoes all contributed to the anticipation. Having observed her older sister Kaitie and stepbrother Shane experience their special days, Mary eagerly awaited her turn.
The day, Sunday, April 19, 2009, started ahead of schedule to ensure Mary wouldn’t feel rushed. She had been attending the same church since infancy, making her First Communion even more meaningful. Seeing her friends arrive dressed up added to the day’s charm.
However, just before the service began, the priest summoned Jack to his office. There, he received shocking news. The alienator had called the priest and expressed her disbelief in the Catholic faith. She also disagreed with her children being raised in the church.
In the Catholic tradition, both parents must approve of their children’s religious upbringing. This devastating revelation meant that Mary’s long-awaited First Communion in the Catholic church would never take place.
Main picture above: Mary (left), Kaitie, Liam. This picture is taken on the day Kaitie attended her 1st Communion in 2006.
Picture Below: Shane’s 1st Communion. The alienator is holding Mary. Jack is holding Kaitie. Shane is taking his 1st Communion.
Below: Letter from Shane’s dad (Jack was his stepfather) stating he was not informed of the alienator’s decision to have him baptized into the Catholic Church.
For more information about our story and why we speak: