Since my last post on an event sponsored by the University of Scranton’s Healing, Reconciliation, and Hope Task Force, I have corresponded with a member of that task force and exchanged emails with other Diocese of Scranton Survivors and their supporters. The event will feature Monsignor Thomas Muldowney, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Scranton, Kathleen Bolinski, Safe Environment Coordinator, and Mary Beth Pacuska, Victim Assistance Coordinator. The topic for the evening is Clergy Sexual Abuse: Lessons Learned in the Diocese of Scranton. Because I am curious about what the Diocese of Scranton has learned, if anything, I am planning to make the trek north to attend and ask questions to the panel.
I am assured, by a member of the Task Force, that this event is open to the public. I want a conversation, not a confrontation. I will keep it civil, but I have no intention to throw softballs to the Monsignor. The offices of the Vicar General and the Victims Assistance Coordinator have been complicit in protecting the Bishop of Scranton in covering up sexual crimes committed by priests in the Diocese. I do not think they should be permitted to speak on the matter of clergy sexual crimes in the Diocese without being challenged.
I invite other survivors to participate and ask direct questions to the panel. If you cannot be at the event, send me your questions. I will ask as many questions as they will permit me. I will be honest, I am still wondering if the Diocese will attempt to limit access to this forum.
The event will take place on March 5, 2020, in Leahy Hall, Room 235, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Leahy Hall is located on Jefferson Avenue near the intersection with Linden Street. I would like to pack the house and let Monsignor Muldowny try to sell the Diocese’s line to actual survivors.
A road trip to the Electric City to question the minions of the Bishop of Scranton in March, what could possibly go wrong?
Let me know if you are going to be there by leaving a comment or email me at mbbaumannblog@gmail.com.
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 
[…] the last week, I have heard from several survivors from the Diocese of Scranton responding to my call for people to come and engage the Vicar General of the Diocese in a forum scheduled for March 5, 2020, by The University of Scranton’s Task Force on Healing, […]