Father Kerrigan reaches out to a parishioner in dire straits. Having to cope with his frail, elderly mother prompts Kerrigan to reflect upon the conflicts in society and question how much of an impact he can have.
Father Kerrigan counsels an enigmatic gambling addict, while a devoted mother is desperate for his help after her mentally ill son suffers a psychotic episode. New parishioner Roz confesses a dark secret to the priest.
The events of the night leave the community in shock. Father Kerrigan comforts P.C. Powell, who is being pressured to back up his colleague's questionable version of events. Roz remains determined to go through with her plan.
Given 24 hours grace before the police are called over her embezzlement, Roz makes vital plans for her children to cope without her. Helen leads a vigil outside the police station, where P.C. Powell contemplates what he has done.
Father Michael has to mediate when Helen's devout brother, Daniel, clashes violently with her gay neighbour, Carl, as all try to come to terms with Vernon's death.