Written by OWLFAN This past week has been a whirlwind for survivors such as myself with the news that House Bill 1947, which passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in April, would be going to the Senate for hearings in June.  The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has begun circling the wagons in anticipation of this … Continue reading A Survivor’s Take On Pending Legislation

Click here to read: "With abuse bill looming, Chaput calls priest meeting," by Maria Panaritis, Philly.com, May 16, 2016 Editor's note: This bill would protect all children in Pennsylvania from child sex abusers who have escaped the justice system due to the current statute of limitations. This is not limited to clergy sex abuse cases. Many … Continue reading Chaput Calls Priest Meeting On Bill

Click here to read, "Newall: A long overdue quest for healing and justice," by Mike Newall, Columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly.com, May 11, 2016 This bill could help so many... Excerpt: "Like James Spoerl, who was 44 and lived in Northeast Philadelphia. He suffered through years of depression and addiction stemming from abuse he … Continue reading Progress in Harrisburg Proves Hopeful

Broken Silence by Victoria Cubberley So enormously disappointed in human kind. Their choice to deny: live in fear, abandon the most innocent whose childlike eyes seek our refuge. In their helplessness, you chose to look away, turn your back on such screaming pain. A thousand years and still you chose to hurt. This history forever … Continue reading A Survivor’s Poem

Click here to read: "As Pennsylvania Confronts Clergy Sex Abuse, Victims and Lawmakers Act," by Laurie Goodstein, The New York Times, April 4, 2016 Excerpt: “Enough is enough,” said State Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone, a Democrat from Berks County, after reading the grand jury report, which he called “revolting.” For years, in his position as … Continue reading Caltagirone Changes Mind On Child Sex Abuse SOL

A couple of years ago, Kathy and I had the honor of meeting a devoted mother whose son was a survivor of clergy abuse. That son has recently passed away. We are asking for you to keep their family and friends in your prayers.  

WRITTEN BY KATHY KANE Essential Norm #12 From the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People "No priest or deacon who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor may be transferred for a ministerial assignment in another diocese/eparchy. Every bishop/eparch who receives a priest or deacon from outside his jurisdiction … Continue reading Does the Hierarchy Even Know?

By SUSAN BLUM, guest writer for the YORK DAILY RECORD, March 11, 2016 The recent cover story on child sex abuse and the statute of limitations struck a raw nerve. Obviously, Gerald Grimaud must never have been a victim himself if he can state that "testimony becomes less trustworthy over time." I wonder if he … Continue reading Abuse By Clergyman Was Her Own 9/11

Click here to read: "Lynn fights attempt to block a new trial," by Justine McDaniel, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 23, 2016 Excerpt: In court documents filed Tuesday, lawyers for Lynn, who was granted a new trial in December after being convicted for his role in supervising Catholic priests who molested children, contend that there are … Continue reading Lynn’s Lawyers Fight Appeal

Click to read: 'I only answer to God. Bishops don't bother me,' by Maria Panaritis, Philly.com, March 22, 2016 Excerpt: "It was like the roots of a tree spreading out," Foster said. 'I realized, if I'm just a lay person and just asking a few questions, I'm getting all this information, how widespread and deep … Continue reading Answering to God – That’s Different