A Possible Indictment?

This weekend clergy and lay Catholics should be aware that the Archdiocese of Washington is now, and has been under investigation by the State of Maryland Criminal investigators. If you have evidence contact the State investigators. These investigations originated because of the horrible, destructive and fatal sexual abuse or assault crimes committed by priests; and of course the decades old and ongoing denials and cover ups carried out by Church clergy and lay staff. Since the 1950s and 1960s and in the decades since then there have been hundreds of criminal actions carried out by our Catholic clergy and knowledgeable Lay Catholics.

Particular individual priests have faced possible criminal indictments. Of course auxiliary bishops, bishops and Cardinals have been or might be a part of past or ongoing investigations. Criminal cover ups require teamwork. For years priests, Laity and our Archbishops have known about the boy and girl— both trusting Catholic kids—-who were raped separately by two different priests in Southern Maryland. They were told to shut up and were falsely accused of being liars—- by the Archdiocese of Washington clergy. Both acts of denial and “accusing the victims” is an old traditional defense strategy used by the Catholic Church. Tragedy is clearly recognizable in the losses of these two kids who took their own lives.

Today’s clergy and maybe Church laypeople are deliberately stonewalling and covering up. The priest who heads the Archdiocese of Washington Archives and a Canon Lawyer, has yet to give State investigators access to the necessary Church documents. Lacking such access makes it nearly impossible for investigators to more thoroughly clarify matters, including the roles carried out by priests and laity in both past or ongoing cover ups. This can include the possible destruction of evidence concerning the above two kids. This Canon Lawyer has been unwilling to work in a more cooperative way with the State of Maryland investigators. He could willingly provide them with greater access to the Archdiocesan Archives. But he chooses not to do thus! Is this unwillingness a crime? 

 

To read the entire article from Fr. Michael's Newsletter, click here.  

Fr. Michael Briese on The Angry Catholic

 You can have a listen to Fr. Michael Briese, of the Archdiocese of Washington, reflecting on the bishops of Washington, his work with the poor, his faith and how we take back the Church.

 

http://theangrycatholic.libsyn.com/the-angry-catholic-show-episode-208-w-fr-michael-briese-and-gene-gomulka

 

+Gregory, National Press Club and the McCarrick Situation

+Gregory spoke at the National Press Club yesterday (Sept. 8th) and to take questions.  And no, I did not submit any questions in advance. 

Although there were a number of questions, there were the obvious ones regarding Mr. McCarrick and sexual abuse.  

 

Here is The Pillar's take on this: 

Clerical sexual abuse is “absolutely contrary to everything that I as a priest, my brother priests and bishops, should be pursuing, in terms of serving of our people,” Gregory said.

Perhaps surprisingly, the cardinal also talked about vicarious liability. He explained that bishops should not be held accountable for assigning abusive priests to ministry if they had no way of knowing about the acts of abuse or misconduct.

Gregory was direct on that issue: “I can only act on that which I know. And I do it clearly, honestly, straightforwardly, and I continue to do it.”

 

 To read the rest of their "take" on this, and it is good and only a couple of minutes, please go to The Pillar. 

 

Why is the Catholic Church Pushing Anti-Racism? (Updated 6/7/2020)

So, let's be up front about this.  

The killing of Mr. Floyd was a horrible thing and should not have happened.  The police officers involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  

Period. 

End of story.

Over the last few days, the Catholic Church has picked up the mantle of anti-Racism in a big way.  
 
Now, it is not that they should not speak out about it, as we are all brothers & sisters in Christ, but that this has become the overall focus over all else.  For example, you no longer hear about the pandemic.  The importance of social distancing, wearing masks, not holding Masses, has disappeared.

Why?

Why is this issue - racism - the biggest problem our country faces, among all of the others?

Over the last few weeks, I have spent a great deal of time reading Twitter, which I swore I never would. But it has been a learning experience.

And one of the things that I noticed, were marketing/communication themes pushed by the Church, via their various communications channels -- social media representatives, main stream Catholic media, etc.    They all seem to push the same set of stories and push the same ideas.

Here were the some of themes that I noticed being pushed:   

• Forming Consciences.  People were laughing at the USCCB.  It died.  
• DACA and Illegal Aliens.  Things were not going their way on this.  Worried about the lost of $$, which means a shrinkage of the SJW agencies.   
• The pandemic.  We need to keep everyone safe and we all obeyed the government officials.  The economy was dying but make certain that you donate.  Parish donations were drying up.  That too got lots of blow-back.
• Environmentalism & the Fifth Anniversary of LaudatoSi. Again, it did not gain any real traction, and push-back, no matter how many stories, quotes from +Francis, etc.  

Then came the death of Mr. Floyd.  Suddenly, this is the biggest problem that has ever been seen.

Why?

Why This?

So here are my thoughts...

1. Too Many Lost Members.  Like many organized religions, the Church has lost too many members over the last 30 years.  Some to other faiths, and many just simply are no longer interested.  They are using this to show the relevance of the Church again. 
2. Sexual Abuse Scandal.  Due to the Sexual Abuse Scandal, the Church has not only lost members but has lost a huge amount of influence and $$$.  Just when you think it is over, something else appears.
3. Donations Down.  Loss of members, means loss of $$$.  No $$$, means fewer parishes, schools, cut backs on SJW agencies, etc.  If the liberals win again, they will go to them and say: "See, see what we did!  Now, it is payback." 
4. Hatred for President Trump.  They hate him, in part, because (1) he is not as refined as they are; yes, he can say the wrong things at times, but see him as a low life; (2) they were hoping to get Hillary, even though she stands against our moral codes, so they can use it to excuse their failures; (3) the economy was doing good for most, not all, but most;  if that is the case, how do you fund your anti-poverty programs; and (4) finally, he does not like illegal aliens and the money that supports them, is a cash cow for the Church.

Then the death of Mr. Floyd happens (again, a terrible crime).  

They see how the main stream media picks up on this, how their are huge protests and BINGO, they see how they can become relevant again!  

This is what they need.  The need to show relevance to the world.

Suddenly, they (our prelates) are all over the issue, like "a cheap suit."   Every Catholic media person, every social media person, every radical leftist catholyc is on this.  Almost every story and every tweet is about the Church and their efforts.  

And, just as important, they ignore the rioters, anarchists and looters.  They ignore the destruction of neighborhoods, businesses, and the loss of jobs.  Why?  For two reasons.  

• First, because if they condemn it, they will be attacked.  So, they remain silent to keep in the graces of the leftists.  
• Second, and even more important, they are silent because it is a way of getting back at the President. Either the looting & rioting makes him look weak, and if he takes control, then he is a dictator.  Either way, they win.  And yes, the destroyed business, lost jobs, etc., they are just collateral damage.  Like they say, things happen in war.

This is how they get back into the good graces of the media and others,  and hide the sexual abuse scandals. 

This is how they redeem themselves to the mainstream media, the swamp, etc. 

Anti-Racism is their path to taking back the moral high ground, having everyone forget about the sexual abuse scandals, and electing a liberal, who will give them lots of contracts to take care of illegal aliens, homeless, etc.  

But they will not remember, that the "mob" loves you one minute.  Then, when you of no more use to them, they will simply abandon and ignore you.   If you make some perceived mistake, they will turn on you and destroy you.

Many may call me a racist, disgusting to think this way, etc.  (I don't care what you call me, as long as you don't call me late to dinner)

But I have seen this over and over.   It will come back to haunt them.  Not today, or tomorrow.  But down the road.  

As my father would say:  "Mark My Words."

Was McCarrick a Soviet Union Plant?

Very interesting.  It seems to me to be very plausible.  Watch the video by Church Militant.  

Does Cardinal Wuerl think he can fool us? Does he really think that we are that stupid?

Here is Cardinal Wuerl's letter to priests of the Archdiocese of Washington.  

Does he really think that the priests in the Archdiocese are that stupid?  Does he think that this letter would not get out to the faithful?

Does Chieko Noguchi, Director of Media Relations for the Archdiocese of Washington really think that we are buying this? 

Oh, and I have learned that the Cardinal's Appeal will not be called that this year.  It will be called either the "Annual Appeal" or "Archdiocese Annual Appeal." 

Maryland Jesuit's List Priests Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse

You can read it all on their website.

Maryland Province Releases Names of Jesuits Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

The Chutzpah of Cardinal Cupich

I normally try not to comment on things happening in other diocese, but this one takes the cake. 


Cardinal Cupich states that (1) the Pope has better things to do than to handle sexual abuse of seminarians and minors and (2) that those who think Pope Francis is wrong are racists.


What I have found is that when you have no other argument that you can make, calling someone a racist is your last hope.


He is another one who needs to go but I guess he is doing all he can to protect his benefactor.


Watch the television interview here from NBC Chicago.

UPDATE: Teacher Aide Arrested from St. John the Evangelist School (Silver Spring, MD)

February 29, 2014 Update

This information was updated on the Maryland Court records database, sometime yesterday afternoon/this morning.  The case is now considered closed.

On Feb. 10, 2014

COURT SENTENCES THE DEFENDANT TO COUNT #2, (ASSAULT-SECOND DEGREE ) A GENERALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE;

AS TO COUNT #3 (SEX OFF 4TH- PERS POS AUTH), A GENERALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE;

5 YEARS SUPERVISED PROBATION, WITH CONDITIONS. COURT COSTS ASSESSED. STATE ENTERS NOLLE PROS AS TO REMAINING COUNTS.

COURT ORDERS THE DEFENDANT TO REGISTER WITH THE SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRY.

*Please note that the defendant pleaded not guilty to Sex Abuse of a Minor.

+++++++++++++++

January 23, 2014 Update:

There have been a number of updates to the Maryland Court Records in relation to this case.  Please note the following regarding the January 6, 2014 Plea Hearing:

·         A Plea Hearing was held in front of Judge Boynton.  The State’s Attorney was Ms. Bridgford.

·         The Defendant (Ms. Gulley) appeared with her counsel, Mr. Delpino

·         The State’s motion to amend Count #2 and the body of Count #3 of the indictment were granted and amended.

·         The Defendant enters am oral plea of GUILTY to Count #2 and 3 (Second Degree Assault) and Count #3 (Sex Offense Fourth Degree – Person in Position of Authority).   My note:  It seems, but I can be incorrect as there are sometimes entry errors, that Count #1 (Sex Abuse of a Minor) was dropped.  However, I will check back at a later date to see if the record will be updated.

·         The Defendant continues to be out on Bond.

·         Sentencing will be set on Feb. 10, 2014 at 1:30pm by Judge Boynton.

(As before, please keep the child and his/her family in your prayers.)



++++++++++++++++++

January 8, 2014 Update

On Feb. 20, 2014, at 1:30pm, sentencing will take place in Courtroom 8 by Hon. David Boynton.

(As before, please keep the child and his/her family in your prayers.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++


January 1, 2014 Update

On Dec. 20th it was decided that the plea hearing would be postponed from Thursday, January 2, 2014 to Monday, January 6, 2014.

A Plea has been submitted.

On January 6, 2014, it is expected that a jury trial (four days) will begin but it should be noted that a plea has been submitted.  IMHO, no trial will take place if the Montgomery Attorney's Office accepts the plea, which it probably will.

(As before, please keep the child and his/her family in your prayers.)



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

December 12th Update

If I have read the court records correct, a plea agreement has been filed with the court.

On December 10, 2013, a plea agreement was filed with the court before Judge Boynton.  

CONSENT ORDER OF COURT (DEBELIUS, J.) TO SCHEDULE A PLEA HEARING ON JANUARY 2, 2014 AT 10:00 A.M., A DATE CLEARED WITH CHAMBERS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF TENDERING TO THE COURT A DISPOSITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLEA AGREEMENT, ENTERED. 




+++++++++++++++++++

Nov. 16th Update

On Nov. 13th, there was an agreement between the defendant and the county to postpone the pre-trial hearing until Dec. 6th.  This will be held in Court Room #15 at 9:30am with Judge Cheryl Mccally.

The trial is scheduled for January 6th.



+++++++++++++++++

Updated Tuesday Evening....

A meeting was held on Monday night (July 1st) at St. John the Evangelist School regarding the arrest and charging of a Teacher's Aide with sexual abuse.

According to my sources, the following were in attendance: the Pastor (Msgr. Pennington), the principal (Sr. Lanark), Thomas W. Burnford (Sec. of Education), Ken Gaughan (head of School Counseling Services), and Deacon Matthew Houle? (Youth Protection). Also, sitting joining but not saying anyting until the end was someone from the Communication Office. (Probably watching what they were or were not saying.)

No one from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) was invited to this meeting. And my source tells me that this was a bit of a sore point with some of those in attendance, as they wanted to know exactly what were the charges and the next steps.

The meeting started off with Msgr. Pennington speaking about the matter, as much as he could but that was really not much. He indicated that this inappropriate behavior was done outside of school hours, therefore, out of his bounds to comment on. He also stated that this was a closed meeting and not open to the press.

The Principal got up to speak and she was at times in tears over this matter.

Ken Gaughan spoke about how to approach the issue with your child and the resources available from the Archdiocese. Deacon Houle reiterated the point about the training received and the background check.

Questions were taken but had to be written on index cards. The most common questions asked were:

• How old was the child and what grade?
• Did it take place on school property?
• Why weren't they notified as soon as the police were contacted?
• Why was the entire parish notified about this?
• What are you going to do to ensure that it does not happen again?
• What type of communication will we receive in the future?

A couple of parents were upset that a letter was annouced from the pulpit regarding the abuse. Many had confused children and wanted to be forwarned.



+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Allyson R. Gulley (Kensington, MD) was arrested and charged with the following:


Charge 1:
Sex Abuse of a Minor -Statute: CR.3.602.(B)
The incident took place between April 1 and May 21, 2013
Complaint made by Police Officer K. Carvajal

Charge 2:
Sex Offense in the Third Degree - Statue CR.3.307
The incident took place between April 1 and May 21, 2013
Complaint mae by Victor Delpino Esq.  (Private Attorney)

Ms. Gulley is currently out on bail.   The hearing will take place on July 26, 2013 at 10am.

***Please note that this information is available to the public from the Maryland Court system and does not violate any privacy laws. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday, June 30th
According to my sources, a female teacher aide* from St. John the Evangelist School (Georgia Ave. Silver Spring), was arrested by Montgomery County Police for inappropriate contact with a student.

This sad news was announced by the pastor, who read a letter, at all Masses today.  In it, I was told, the Archdiocese had done all due diligence in background checks and reported it to Montgomery County Police, as soon as the allegation was made.

Please keep the student, the student's family and the larger St. John's Community in your prayers.

*This was a teacher's aide, not a teacher.  Correction from earlier posting.