A mother, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has requested that her child’s upcoming First Holy Communion be postponed for one year so that she can attend.
In the Family Law Court, the mother shared with Judge Alec Gabbett, “This is such a significant day, judge”, expressing her desire to be involved in the preparations for the occasion, reports RTE.
Judge Gabbett responded to the woman, who is in her 30s, stating, “You don’t need to explain how important this is to me.”
The mother is not scheduled for release until May, and following her conviction in January, the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, secured care orders to place several of her children into care, reports RTE.
In relation to another assault case the woman faces, Judge Gabbett said, “The First Holy Communion should be the least of your concerns, to be honest.”
Tusla’s solicitor, Kevin Sherry, informed the court that the woman’s children are flourishing in their care arrangement, adding, “My client is eager to move forward with this,” reports RTE.
The mother told the court that the First Holy Communion “holds great significance in this family’s life”, mentioning the preparation of dresses and the ceremony leading up to the day, reports RTE.
Her solicitor, William O’Keeffe, explained that “my client wants to be a part of this and acknowledges her responsibility for her current situation, but she wishes to be involved in the preparations for the First Communion.”
Mr. O’Keeffe further shared that his client has not had any contact with her children since her incarceration in January, stating, “She hasn’t had the chance to hear her children’s opinions,” reports RTE.
Judge Gabbett observed that preparations for the First Holy Communion are already well underway, adding that “it would be a pity to delay it.”
The judge also mentioned that he must consider the children’s perspectives, noting that “the children are likely very religious, and their views are significant, especially when it comes to school preparations,” reports RTE.
He warned the mother that if it became known that she did not wish for her child to celebrate the First Communion, it could make matters worse.
Judge Gabbett also advised against having the woman’s young children visit her in prison to discuss the First Communion. He remarked, “They would never forget that, and it would be a harmful experience for them,” reports RTE.
The judge asked the woman to “think carefully about bringing them to prison—do you really want them to experience that?”
He also noted that it would be unpleasant for an eight-year-old to witness their mother confined in prison.
The mother replied that she felt the need to have that conversation, and Judge Gabbett suggested this could be arranged via video-link.
Finally, Judge Gabbett requested the child’s independent representative, the Guardian ad Litem, to gather feedback from the child’s teacher and adjourned the case until 27 March, reports RTE.
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