Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua

Breaking news from the Inquirer."Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 2011Excerpt from linked article:"A judge has set March 26 as the trial date for the first member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in the nation to be charged in a clerical sex abuse scandal and four codefendants.Common … Continue reading Court Orders Competency Hearing for Bevilacqua

New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure

The story linked below illustrates how Pennsylvania could and should give victims the opportunity for justice. A two-year window would out perpetrators and those who harbor them. Some argue that money can't undo the past. It doesn't, but our justice system acknowledges that victims need more than abstract apologies and relies on compensation. That financial … Continue reading New Law Gives Delaware Victims Closure

Criminal Plaintiff Files Civil Suit Against Archdiocese

"Plaintiff in Case Against Philly Archdiocese Sues," by David O'Reilly, The Philadelphia Inquirer, July 26, 2011 Excerpt: "His lawyers say church officials, including Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, exhibited "callous indifference to the safety and well-being of children" by ignoring a psychiatrist's recommendation that Avery not be given unsupervised access to children."

Breaking News: Chaput To Be Named Archbishop of Philadelphia

The official announcement is expected tomorrow morning. The new Archbishop's welcome wagon basket is chock full of grief. I won't begrudge him a cheese steak, but then it's time to get down to business. The faithful have laid out a to do list that can't wait. 1. Protect our children. 2. Renew the Catholic Church … Continue reading Breaking News: Chaput To Be Named Archbishop of Philadelphia

Justice4PAKids Launched by Coalition of Child Protection Advocates

Will our soon-to-be-named new Bishop fulfill the recommendations set forth by the Grand Jury? The likelihood varies with the candidates who have been rumored as replacements for Cardinal Rigali. I was hoping the assignment would be announced to Philadelphia's faithful during Sunday Masses. But it looks like this will be a media announcement. Spiritual healing … Continue reading Justice4PAKids Launched by Coalition of Child Protection Advocates

Summer Required Reading for Catholics: The 2011 Grand Jury Report

As practicing Catholics, it is our responsibility to read the 2011 Grand Jury Report on clergy abuse. Please read it. Pray on it. And, then most importantly, I ask you to act on it. No real solution can be found until the entire Church addresses this issue. Pedophilia can and does occur anywhere. What doesn't … Continue reading Summer Required Reading for Catholics: The 2011 Grand Jury Report

Happy Fourth of July!

Celebrate this great country of ours - where we can work toward legislation to protect children and offer justice to victims.   No new posts on Catholics4Change until next Thursday. Building Justice4PAKids.com. Thank you for your patience.

PA Parents Demand Justice For Kids

Editor's note: There is no statute of limitations on murder in the state of Pennsylvania. Why is there one for child sex abuse? It's soul murder. All parents regardless of religion must unite to get this legislation passed. Demand justice for all kids in Pennsylvania. Justice4PAKids.com coming soon. Our guest blogger shares important information on … Continue reading PA Parents Demand Justice For Kids