When I look back at decisions I have made and actions that I have taken throughout my life thus far, I am struck by the primary, secondary and tertiary effects of those decisions and actions. (note: if you are a diocesan spokesperson, tertiary is defined as third rank of order or importance, please try to… Continue reading Second and Third Order Effects
Tag: Diocese of Scranton
Drafting a Letter to Bishop Martino
I am working on drafting a letter to Bishop Martino to address the particulars of my "experiences" with Father Gibson when I was 13. This has been a difficult letter to write because it not only addresses the nature of the abuse but because I want to also ask him why no investigation has ever been conducted… Continue reading Drafting a Letter to Bishop Martino
Adrift
I was reading some of the blogs that come from others who share a similar experience. One in particular struck me with a word that I no longer wish to use in my search for answers. The word is adrift. Please excuse an old Navy man for taking exception with this term. Adrift implies that… Continue reading Adrift
Kelly in Marquette
Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. Blaise Pascal Kelly, I read your blog posts for December. I want more people to read it. I want people to read all the blogs of all the people that are still struggling with the damage caused by these… Continue reading Kelly in Marquette
From the “You have to be kidding me” file…
A company called Sacros, formerly known as Patmos, based in Shohola, Pennsylvania is selling a Child's Missal. The publishers of this missal use of a photo of a priest accused of being a pedophile and allegedly banned from ministry by the Diocese of Scranton in the book. Throughout the book, a guardian angel appears who… Continue reading From the “You have to be kidding me” file…
Out of pocket
I have not posted in a little while. There are many reasons for this. Obviously, a glance towards a calendar would indicate that it was the holiday season. This time of year comes with some real challenges. The message of the holiday season and the focus on religious services sometimes can be an overwhelming reminder… Continue reading Out of pocket
Florida, not the happiest place on earth…
Near the end of my 8th grade year, Father Gibson made an offer to take me to Florida for a vacation. While most 13 year old kids in 1974 would have jumped at the chance to go to Disney World I knew what I was in for. He made the suggestion to my parents, who… Continue reading Florida, not the happiest place on earth…
Shameful Legacy
The current Bishop of Scranton and his predecessor have a dismal record of dealing with the issue of priest sexual abuse. While these men should have been working hard to tend to their flocks and drive the wolves from the church, they seem to be proud of the fact that they have kept the financial… Continue reading Shameful Legacy
Investigations of Abuse Claims Are Optional?
One would reasonably think that the Diocese would be interested in either vindicating a priest accused of criminal activity or document his activity in an effort to remove him from any environment where he could repeat his behavior.
An application for an apology….
Spin is very important for an organization as large as a Catholic Diocese. In addition to the army of lobbyists they employ to keep legal avenues closed to victims of sexual abuse at the hands of some of their priests, they employ a communications director who serves as the mouthpiece for the organization. What this… Continue reading An application for an apology….
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 