 In 1961 Paterson, New Jersey, divorced mother Catherine Spages visits Father Tom with her two daughters, nine-year-old Karen and twelve-year-old Alice, who both attend St. Michael's Parish Girls' School.Karen is preparing for her First Communion, and Father Tom gives her his mother's crucifix as a gift.A jealous Alice puts on a translucent mask, frightening Father Tom's housekeeper, Mrs. Tredoni.