Returning from an event in Northern Virgina, I decided to call the Diocese of Scranton and get confirmation that Robert Gibson had died. I identified myself and asked for the office that could help me confirm that a priest, formerly of the Diocese, had passed away. I was transferred to another office and, once again,… Continue reading Confirmation of What I Knew Already
Tag: Brodheadsville
Assuaging their own grief…
I have to admit that sometimes I get really angry over some of the comments that are sent in that, on the surface, seem to want to offer me encouragement but, in fact, are supportive of either the man who raped and beat me or others like him. They are most likely sent by well-meaning people who… Continue reading Assuaging their own grief…
NDHS Class of ’78
There has been a flurry of emails in the past couple of weeks from some of my classmates at Notre Dame. My blog was discovered by a friend from NDHS class of '78 and she has been spreading the word. I alluded to her email a few posts ago. She thought that she may have been… Continue reading NDHS Class of ’78
Only Four, I Think Not…
Four. That is the number of victims of Father Robert Gibson to which the Diocese of Scranton has stipulated. Four. I don't get it. I cannot believe that the Diocese of Scranton continues to stubbornly stick to that number. I have corresponded with survivors, family members of survivors, classmates of survivors, as well as friends. I have spoken to… Continue reading Only Four, I Think Not…
Fund Drives and the Ghosts of Pedophiles Past
I received a letter in the mail not long ago from the "2009 Annual Campaign" for Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The campaign has a theme, "Celebrating Today... Preparing for Tomorrow". As with all fundraisers, the letter came with a glossy brochure full of information on projects to be accomplished, scholarship assistance… Continue reading Fund Drives and the Ghosts of Pedophiles Past
Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School
The business model is reflective of the Catholic Hierarchy, but it is not very Christian in its practice
Threats and intimidation
Over time, Gibson became much more controlling and aggressive. He was less likely to "soften" me up with alcohol and much more forward when he had the opportunity to get me alone. His initial caring words and expressions of god's love and understanding that what we were doing was good and right and part of… Continue reading Threats and intimidation
First descent into hell
I knew something was wrong. I was supposed to spend the night at the rectory. The reason for the stay has long ago left my mind. Instead of getting on the East Stroudsburg School District bus in front of Notre Dame that would take me to East Stroudsburg High School to allow me to transfer to… Continue reading First descent into hell
An Open Letter to Bishop Joseph F. Martino, Diocese of Scranton
At some point it stops being about God, doesn’t it?
Fear and Doubt
Thirty-five years later and I still have moments of terror. He had shown up in my life while I was in college and caused me to panic, the flight instinct kicking in and sending me into a spiral. He was always there in the back of my head and in the forefront of my… Continue reading Fear and Doubt
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 