Click here to read, "Prosecutor: Priest failed polygraph tests," by Mensah M. Dean, The Daily News, March 7, 2014Excerpt: The Philadelphia Catholic priest on trial for allegedly molesting an altar boy in 1997 was suspended from ministry in 2011 after he twice gave deceptive answers during polygraph tests when asked about touching children's genitals, a … Continue reading Priest’s Polygraph Test Indicated Deception

Click here to read: "Pope Francis on abuse -- a disappointment," by Thomas P. Doyle, National Catholic Reporter, March 6, 2014Excerpt: "Three months ago the Vatican announced it would establish a commission of experts to study the problem, yet to date nothing has been done. The pope doesn’t need another commission and more experts to … Continue reading Thomas Doyle: Pope Francis’ Efforts on Abuse

Rah, rah, sis boom bah. Are you feeling it? The Archidiocese of Philadelphia hopes so. They will be announcing the details of the World Meeting of Families for September 2015 during a press conference later today. I'm sure they want this to serve as a pep rally for area Catholics beleaguered by the priest pedophile … Continue reading Archdiocese to Announce Hopeful Papal Visit Amid Deep Disappointment

Click here to read: "Witness says priest's conduct made him 'uncomfortable,'"  by Joseph A. Slobodzian, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 5, 2014Excerpt: Adam Visconto read the card to the jury. On it McCormick wished the boy luck in an Easter church pageant, apologized "if I did anything to hurt you," and asked for contact when the … Continue reading Witness Didn’t Experience a Hallmark Moment

One of our site members, "Catholic Mom," noticed that Father John Roebuck's name still appeared on the archdiocesan clergy list this morning with his contact information changed to "care of the clergy office." The list details the assignments and affiliations of priests with full faculties (currently in ministry). The names of those with restricted faculties … Continue reading Clergy List Confusion

Words are not enough. This fact is highlighted by the following excerpt from an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer on September 25, 2005. It relays Father John P. Paul's words to his congregation after the release of the 2005 Grand Jury Report. The archdiocese removed Paul from ministry this past weekend.Excerpt: Just before Mass, the … Continue reading And the Oscar Goes To…

Please tune into "Frontline," PBS' award-winning news program, tomorrow night (Feb. 25) at 9 p.m. for "Secrets of the Vatican." The documentary directed by Antony Thomas and co-produced by Jason Berry. Check your local listings for scheduling variations.

The culture of the archdiocese becomes crystal clear through the lens of this article. Odd that Brian Tierney, the late Cardinal Bevilacqua's spin doctor during the 90s, would go to bat for a teacher accused of misconduct but not a principal with a great track record. Hopefully the trial will answer those questions. Click here … Continue reading Note to Philadelphia Archdiocean Employees: Shut Up and Smile

Click here to read: "Gag order imposed in latest trial of a priest," by Joseph A. Slobodzian, The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 24, 2014Excerpt: Prosecution and defense lawyers were barred by a Philadelphia judge on Monday from making public comments during the upcoming trial of Rev. Andrew McCormick, the Catholic priest accused of sexually assaulting a … Continue reading Lawyers Barred From Making Public Comments In Latest Priest Trial

Click here to read: "Phila. archdiocese removes two priests," by Jeremy Roebuck, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Feb. 23, 2014Excerpt: "As has been their practice, church officials offered no further details of the allegations against the men, except to say both involved 17-year-old victims and occurred decades ago. In both cases, local authorities had declined to pursue … Continue reading Irregularities In Weekend’s Philadelphia Archdiocese Priest Removals