JACKSON – The Saint Aloysius Parish have posted a statement on their Facebook page regarding a situation between them and a family whose child was allegedly denied First Holy Communion.
It started when Nicole LaCugna wrote a post on Facebook explaining how her eight-year-old son Anthony was withheld from participating in First Holy Communion due to having autism.
Her post further explains that the church told the family that Anthony could not join in because his disability prevents him determining right from wrong.
The post generated a lot of traffic and concerns, many people reaching out and contacting the church about the issue.
The Saint Aloysius Parish have now posted a statement to their Facebook page addressing how the issue was a misunderstanding.
The church wrote “While we had tried to adapt our preparation process to accommodate the child’s special needs, there was an unfortunate breakdown in communication that led to a misunderstanding. A delay in receiving the Sacrament was discussed until readiness could be assessed; there was never to be denial of Communion to this child.”
The post further affirms that they distinguished a way for the boy to receive First Holy Communion without any delay. The church claims that the family was allegedly aware of this progress, and that Anthony will continue to be welcomed in the program and will be able to receive First Holy Communion this year.
The post concludes by saying all special needs children and adults are welcomed into the church’s religious education programs.
Jersey Shore Online has reached out to the parents for comment.
