Off My Knees – A Blog by Michael Baumann
Standing up for myself and other victims of sexual abuse by clergy.
I don't get much feedback from those who come to this blog. There are times when I think it would be easier to drive to Virginia Beach (I live in Southeastern Virginia) and yell at the tide rolling in than to write posts (and rewrite them repeatedly). Two weeks ago, I wrote a piece on… Continue reading I am not the only militant talking about Bishop Bambera.
Earlier this week, I was interviewed on The Angry Catholic for their weekly Podcast. This is my second time on-air with Kris and Paul (The Angry Catholic). The first time was in March 2020, after another survivor and I crashed a panel discussion at the University of Scranton to listen to representatives of the Diocese… Continue reading Another Round with The Angry Catholic
Forty years ago, I was a Senior at The University of Scranton. I had to let that set in when I was on a Zoom call with everyone involved in bringing this event together. I am heading back one more time for a conversation that I believe is long overdue. Joining me to have a… Continue reading Truth and Reconciliation
In March 2020, I attended an event at the University of Scranton where I challenged officials from the Diocese of Scranton on their lack of honesty when dealing with victims of Diocesan priests. I wanted to point out that survivors have a voice, a story to tell, and the right to be heard. While I… Continue reading Another Road Trip to the Electric City this November
From the Diocese of Scranton's Media Page. Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton I was surprised to find out that Bishop Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton held a Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse. At this mass, “he acknowledged and again apologized for the pain of survivors of sexual abuse.” Wow, what… Continue reading Bishop holds mass for survivors but didn’t invite them…
I do not believe in accidents when it comes to justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. So when I heard last week about the “mistake” made in the process of bringing an amendment that would extend the timeline retroactively for victims to file civil actions against the predators that abused and raped them, I… Continue reading Justice Denied by Clerical Error? I Think Not!
I was going through kitchen cabinets tonight looking for one of my old Navy mugs when I stumbled on a University of Scranton Orientation '81 mug. It was a thank you gift for the student volunteers who made Orientation go flawlessly for the class of '85 during Labor Day Weekend, 1981. I was one… Continue reading Questions, I Have So Many Questions
During 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, Reconciliation, and Hope. It looks like there… Continue reading Empowering Survivors to Come Face to Face with the Vicar General
I want a conversation, not a confrontation.
Let me state at the beginning that I am a graduate of the University of Scranton. I think I can say that I began the process of healing at the U during my time there (1978-1982). I loved my school while I was there and still have many friends with whom I keep in contact.… Continue reading The University Of Scranton to Host Diocesan Offices Complicit in Sexual Abuse Coverup
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 