by MICHAEL BAUMANN from his blog "Off My Knees: Standing up for myself and other victims of sexual abuse by clergy," April 14, 2014 “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” - Socrates An article on the Vatican Radio’s Website  reported on  a request from Pope Francis for forgiveness for the priests who … Continue reading A Papal Request for Forgiveness Begs Clarification

During the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy lunch on April 11, awards were given to those who go above and beyond for victims of crime. Detective James Dougherty won the Barbara McPherson Award/Police Personnel Award. Here's an excerpt from the program book: "...He worked with compassion and diligence on the clergy abuse cases resulting in … Continue reading Detective James Dougherty Honored for Work On Philly’s Clergy Sex Abuse Cases

Click here to read: "Pope Francis asks forgiveness for priests who sexually abused children," by Daniel Burke and Laura Smith-Spark, CNN, April 11, 2014Excerpt: "The church is aware of this damage, it is personal, moral damage carried out by men of the church, and we will not take one step backward with regards to how … Continue reading Pope Pledges to Penalize Clergy Who Harm Children

The same story everywhere....Click here to read, "As a Kansas City detective is honored in the Shawn Ratigan case, the diocese is castigated," by Judy L. Thomas, The Kansas City Star, April 9, 2014Excerpt: “When it becomes clear at the outset of the investigation that the entire hierarchy of a centuries-old religious denomination does not … Continue reading Law Enforcement and Victims Make It Safer for Kids – Not Kansas City Diocese

Join Kathy and myself on May 3rd at this second annual event organized by Justice4PAKids, a non-profit that raises awareness and provides education on protecting children from sexual abuse. It's a choice of 5K or a 1 mile walk managed by Chester County Running Store. It's a great way to meet each other. Ask for … Continue reading Join C4C in Justice4PAKids 5K or Mile Walk

Click here to read: "On the same page with Francis?," by Will Bunch, The Philadelphia Daily News, April 4, 2013 Excerpt: Indeed, the raw feelings caused by the abuse scandal has some local Catholics saying that Chaput could still be even more humble. One group calling itself Catholics4Change questioned the cost of the recent donation-funded … Continue reading How Would You Compare Pope Francis and Archbishop Chaput?

Click here to read, "The Fight to Reveal Abuses by Catholic Priests," by Clyde Haberman, The New York Times, March 30, 2014Excerpt: The conditional nature of the apology, a style favored by innumerable politicians caught with hands in the till, was not lost on many listeners. Nor was the cardinal’s use of “mistakes” to describe … Continue reading Many Bishops Need to Work on Penance and Apologies

GUEST BLOG BY BETH I am at a loss for words after I meet one of our survivors and/or attend a vigil. The most recent vigil/protest outside the cathedral was no different. I always leave these events, if you can even call them that, changed - as if in peaceful mourning or as if I … Continue reading One Concerned Catholic’s Take on the Healing Mass

Click here to read, "Alleged victim targets accused pedophile priest 30 years later," by Jason Sickles, Yahoo News, March 28, 2014Excerpt:"...the Philadelphia Archdiocese conspired to shield Brzyski and 62 other priests who had molested hundreds of children over three decades. The hierarchy "excused and enabled the abuse" by burying reports and "covering up the conduct...to … Continue reading Former Altar Boy Fights for Better Sex Abuse Laws