The Belmont County Priest is Innocent?

Sometimes when an act like this is committed against a very young person, they don't come forward simply out of fear. It's a very scary place to be and the thought of having to tell ANYONE and explain in detail is even scarier....not to mention the thought that they may not even believe you? Anyway, I have been horrified by the Catholic religion for a long time. I was raised Catholic and as a young adult I realized that they change their beliefs depending upon how much money they can raise if they appease some people. I also think it's disgusting just how many priests have committed horrendous acts against children...and yet, I sit and think...the Catholic religion forbids them from EVER having a romantic relationship or ANY type of sexual activity in their lives. How would that effect most people? I mean if you REALLY...HONESTLY...sit and think about it, that is a lonely life, and I'm sure it could do a hell of a number on your mind REGARDLESS of your beliefs. It is not human nature to spend life alone.....no matter HOW devoted to God you are. I just think that the Catholic Church needs to rethink some of their rules and regulations for the clergy members and maybe.....JUST MAYBE....there wouldn't be so many awful incidents. Please don't feel as if I am criticizing anyone for being Catholic...these are just my views on these issues and everyone has their own.

I would like to comment to the people who think they don't understand why a victim doesn't come forward when the abuse occur. Will there are many reason for this, first depends on how young the victim is at the time, also some can't figure out what has happen to them until later because the abuse is so traumata that they don't understand what is happening to them only they know something happenthere bodies were hurt sometimes over and over, also you must know that people used to think of the Priests as God , so if they did try and tell who do you think would beleive them. people never read the Bible in the Catholic Church because they were told they coudn't understand it, who could't understand God plan of salvation that is all that is necessary to believed in order to obtain Heaven and if this is done all the rest will follow because you have made a committment to God and repented of your sins and ask Jesus in your heart and mind. One doesn't need to have the same ritual every Sunday just pray and try to do the right thing that is why we have a concious. I have a family member who was sexually abuse and he intend to carry it to his grave without telling anyone but another family member. until he could no longer keep quiet , he took drugs and nearly killed hisself many times. he was in his 40"s when he told us and it happened when he was 9 years old. yes your are right they do try and keep the abuse quiet, but I can tell you from experience that it is not the thing to do only after two years of therpy has this man been able to go on with his life . I can't tell you the Hell we went through as a family not knowing what was wrong with this member , we took him to the Cleveland Clinic when he was 10 years old to see what was wrong with him and they couldn't even tell us only that a very traumata thing had happen to him . so you see it is hell no matter how you size it up . If Gary Zalenski is innocent I say the truth will come out, I can't think Bishop Conlon would do anything to one of his Priests if there wasn't proof , He has did a lot of things I don't like such as not helping the one who has been abused by the Priests in the Steubenville area after the statue of limituation. What we need to do is let the law take care of this and be thankful that not another child can be abused .Unless a person has been abused No one can know what the horrible things that one goes through and the family as well , I know from experience you never get over it because the violation that has occur especially when you trust one of the Cloth is forever with you . Maybe our legislators will set up and take notice over this and realize it works both ways. That is why we tried so hard to get Senate BILL 17 passed . Wake up dear people of God we need to protect our children . Thank you Helen Schoeppner Co Leader of SNAP Marietta,ohio

Come on people. The Diocese of Steubenville has 8 million dollars for a new Cathedral. The woman's father is in prison. Do you not think that this would have something to do with her reporting him now? What about 2002 she was an adult? People were coming out of the wood work banning together against the priest that did them harm, why not come out then. No, she waits till there is 8 million in the bank. I have known Fr. Zalenski for many years. This has ruined his reputation and stopped a man who takes his ministry very seriously not to be aloud to practice until this is over. If this evidence is creditable then why would the Guernsey County Prosecutor say he has nothing to go on. The Bishop should have handled this in a different manner. Fr. Zalenski is a very honorable, ethical man who dedicates his life serving the people of God in a positive.

I do understand what you are saying; yes children do need to be protected. People are going by what was reported on the television not the full facts. I strongly feel the bishop was wrong in the way he handled this matter. Perhaps it is because of the way people automatically think a priest is guilty because someone gives accusation. Lets look at some of the teachers in the Ohio Valley a few years ago who were accused of child molesting and when they went to court the girl confess that the teacher did not pay attention to her and now she has his attention. This has happened to a teacher in Bellaire and Martins Ferry. If you knew Father Zalenski you too would know that he is innocent. If you had all of the facts you too may feel differently. People cannot and should not judge on a partial story, wrong conclusions are drawn from not knowing the full story. The people of Neffs want Fr. Zalenski back; do you know that the Bishop wants to close the little church in Neffs? Do you know there has been a struggle with the people not to close the church? Without a priest the church will fall apart, any church would fall apart without its leader. All we can do is pray that Fr. Zalenski returns before Christmas.

Rose and people of God, Just who is the leader in the Roman Catholic Church ?I think that it must be the POPE every thing goes to him he makes the laws in the Roman Catholic Church and he changes the laws. So therefore he must be your leader. Jesus said in the Bible do not take aways or do not add. The pope of many years ago decided that when you die you go to purgatory where ever that is I haven't found no mention of it in the Bible but here the Roman Catholic Church teaches it. sound good doesn't it just like a lot of false teaching to comfort people sound good. Why don't we just read the Bible and then we shalll know. and better yet , no one in there right mind would accuse a Priest of molestion if it weren't true, No way . with all the protection they have had and still have, Perhaps if we would let Jesus be the leader of the church we wouldn't have the problems we have , because Jesus is not in a building , nor would he be there for the blessed communion which they say only a Priest can do , do you think he would be with a Priest who is molesting a child, I think not. Helen Schoeppner SNAP co/Leader

Hi noface, I am so sorry that you were treated like dirt. You absolutely did not do anything wrong and you absolutely did not deserve such uncaring treatment. Of course you were silent, of course you were just a kid. I know exactly how the brainwashing worked, I also was raised to believe that the priest was god. Thank you noface, for your courage and for posting this message. I admire you. Stay tuned, and please contact me or the SNAP hot line, if you would like to talk. Your privacy will be respected. You are not alone, and now you are a brave adult who has the support of your loving husband and many, many other survivors who do believe you. We are here for you, if you wish. Your truth is the one thing that you have. Thank you.. you have no idea how much your message is appreciated by so many. Judy Jones.. SNAP. Southeastern Ohio, 636-433-2511 leader.http://www.snapnetwork.org/snap_regional_offices/snap_local_mid_us.htm#oh http://www.snapnetwork.org/

Press Release: For first time, woman who was molested as child speaks out publicly Man who sexually abused her is a recently suspended Catholic priest She files police report and urges others “still suffering in shame” to come forward Self help group assures others who are hurting that “you are not alone & you can heal” Anyone who has suspected or suffered abuse by clerics should call police, SNAP says WHAT At a sidewalk news conference, a clergy sex abuse victim whose perpetrator was recently suspended (from active parish duty as a Catholic priest) will --- disclose her name/identity and speak publicly for the first time, ----describe her experiences (including her just-filed police report), and ----urge anyone else who saw, suspected or suffered abuse by the cleric to come forward, get help, and contact law enforcement WHEN Monday, Jan. 7th, 11:30 am WHO A former southeastern Ohio woman who was sexually abused by a recently suspended priest along with two or three clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) WHERE Outside the Guernsey County Sheriff's Office, 601 Southgate Parkway, Cambridge in OH WHY In 1991, the then 12 year old girl was sexually abused by her then-parish priest, Fr. Gary A. Zalenski at St. Peter & Paul parish in Lore City. This past summer she reported that abuse to Steubenville Catholic officials. In November, Zalenski was publicly suspended from his assignment by Bishop Daniel Conlon. The victim and SNAP members urge anyone who has any information or suspicions of sex crimes or inappropriate behavior by Zalenski to come forward, get help, and call the police. SNAP has reason to believe that others were assaulted by Zalenski and have yet to break their silence. Zalenski also worked at Guernsey Central Catholic High School (1978) and St. Benedict Church (1978-82), both in Cambridge, at St. Mary Church in St. Clairsville (1983), at Corpus Christi Church in Belle Valley (1987-91), and St. Joseph Parish and St. Lawrence Parish in Ironton (1998). He was officially listed as ‘absent on leave’ three times, in 1985-86 at St. Anthony parish in Bridgeport OH, in 1992-93 at St. John’s parish in Bellaire, OH, and again in 1999. During at least one of his “leaves,” Zalenski apparently lived with his parent’s at 419 N. 9th. St., Martins Ferry, OH. For the last seven years, he’s been at Sacred Heart in Neffs. Zalenski, now 56, was ordained in 1977. The victim is a Columbus native who also lived in Cambridge and has been living outside the country. http://www.daily-jeff.com/news/article/2882911 CONTACT Judy Jones, Southeastern Ohio SNAP Director, 636-433-2511 home/cell Helen Schoeppner, SNAP Steubenville Director, 740-568-8213 cell David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314-566-9790 cell Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director 314-862-7688 home

Wait a minute... SNAP members are all concerned about protecting the ALLEGED victim's privacy, yet one of them posted Fr. Zalenski's parents' home address in a comment? Please stop acting like you're so compassionate and concerned about anyone. This witch hunt is painful. In grade school and high school, I had to interact with both the accuser's family and with Fr. Zalenski (working very closely with Fr. Z. at Sts. Peter & Paul while I was in high school). I will still say, all these years later, that in terms of stability, sanity, and credibility, Fr. Zalenski was and is the believable party and a wrongly accused man. He is the victim here.

Do not disrespect a past Bishop by calling him old Al. Than jump on your high horse about being a good judge of character. where is your character? You were raised better than that.

I find it very sad that people are bad mouthing the victim that was abused by Gary Zalenski, This beautiful young lady has been through enough with dealing with the abuse. Also I might add there is another brave person who has also been abused by Gary Zalenski. So bad that she was ran out of town with her childern, now do you people call this being a Christian ? You know you people sound like you are in the hills and don't know what is going on in the world . Priests and Nuns and Brothers, Deacons have been abusing kids for the last fifthy years or more. and the head of the mafita which is the Catholic Instution knew all about it. Plus they have been able to buy the Law off with your moneyHa Ha. Time will tell when it goes to court and it will then we will see who is the one lieing. Helen Schoeppner Co / leader of SNAP

As an added point of clarification, Amy, you can emotionally support this man without attacking the victim.

I meant SNAP members don't seem to want to hear from anybody who doesn't agree with them.

Perhaps I didn't express myself well. It seems to me that our viewpoint is the mirror image of "Woody", "Bystander", and Amy's; you seem very quick to condemn the victim, and just as quick to defend the priest. Any rebuttal to that?

I guess I didn't express myself very well, either. I wasn't trying to make anybody mad or come off as accusatory. I'm trying to understand why it's "OK" for people to defend the girl and her story but it doesn't seem to be OK when anybody wants to say something in that priest's defense. Really, can somebody help me understand that better? Thanks.

This blog was started by “admin” on 11/20/07 about a month and a half ago. The questions then were several and most have been addressed. What seems to be the bottom line is “who do you believe?” Persons close to Fr. Gary Zalenski feel an injustice is being perpetrated. Persons sexually abused by adults, or persons related to persons sexually abused by adults feel a criminal has been exposed and is about to face his consequences. Regardless of the camp you are in, there is a “truth” to be faced. Sexual abuse survivors and their supporters must face the fact that we are a society of laws and that accused persons are supposed to be presumed innocent until PROVEN guilty. And supporters of the accused must face the mounting facts of previous cases where the Catholic Church officials have been found to have obfuscated the facts, deliberately and insensitively intimidated victims and their families, and sinfully sought to preserve their “money lender” prominence in society at the expense of harmed and humiliated children placed into their trusted and loving care. Yes, Fr. Zalenski needs to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, but his record alarmingly matches that of previously found guilty cleric. The long history of Leaves of Absence curiously coincide with dates of reports of sexual abuse to the diocesan officials. Apparently the church hierarchy saw and heard enough information to have pause in their unwavering support of their emissary. As much as friends and supporters of Fr. Zalenski may wish to condemn the Bishop, the Church, even the Pope, for their apparent abandonment and condemnation of his career and mission, they need to know that the Church hierarchy is almost always in possession of far more information and evidence than any lay or mortal person. The Church hierarchy does not act frivolously nor precipitously. They can’t. If they did every priest would leave the Church because they would know that their employer not only does not support their work but in fact actively monitors their activities looking for something to “hang” them on. The Bishop and the counsels to the Catholic hierarchy are not faultless but they are struggling to take accountability seriously.

Well Amy, I'm all for reason and calm, heaven knows, but I didn't use the phrase 'witch hunt' or other inflammatory words, but we'll let that go. I'm sorry you felt talked down to and attacked; that was never my intent. It is obvious that you are justifiably distressed about these accusations, having served with this man. I don't believe every priest is guilty just because he IS a priest and I can (and have) entertained the notion that this man may very well be innocent. However, the converse is also true, and I find myself outraged by the past and present treatment of victims, not the least of which continues to be the almost constant, in almost every case, accusations of emotional instability and lying. There may very well be inconsistencies in her story, but there are also classic signs of trouble in this priest's ministry. I am able to see both of these sides and only seek to point that she may be telling the truth. It seemed to me that you were unable to entertain that idea. Also, and I really don't want to upset you further, but I feel I have to point out that even though you spent time alone with Fr. Z without having suffered a molestation, that may be because you weren't as vulnerable as others may have been. You may not have 'fit his profile', if you get my meaning. I mean this only as a possibility, that's all. By the way, I would be interested to know what happened in Byesville.

Amy, thank you for returning to this blog. Your input is very important. I would like to address something you posted earlier: ”This whole thing is so painful for me because I grew up in the Steubenville Diocese and saw firsthand what some corrupt priests got away with, mostly because they were friendly with Bishop Ottenweller. (Is anyone out there familiar with what occurred at Holy Trinity in Byesville for decades under that now-deceased pastor?)” Since the Boston revelations of 2002, the public has been able to witness first hand that the first, and apparently exclusive, response of all Bishops when confronted with criminal activities committed by persons under their “command” is to cover-up the actions and protect the “Church.” Keep secret the corrupt and abusive priests and the organization. The institutional church is all that is important, not the faithful members, not the “children of God.” This is the way they have handle it, and since you were raised catholic, you most likely know that nothing bad was ever to be said about a priest, nun, cleric or the church. These church leaders were most likely also taught this when they were young. This was done at all cost to protect their image and the image of the Catholic Church. I believe you when you say, corrupt priests got away with it. But we are living in a different, more open world today thanks to a free press and victim advocate organization like SNAP. SNAP’s mission is to stop this terrible abuse that has gone on for so many, many years. What could be more noble? Innocent children and vulnerable adults should never be harmed, used, abused nor threatened into silence ever again. SNAP tries to accomplish this through exposure of predators. Have you another, more effective way to bring a stop to a predator’s abuse? Victims of priest abuse say time after time…they do NOT ever want a child to go through what they have had to endure. Surly you do not want a repeat of what Beth Rocker claims happened to her? This is why she came forward to file her case; the Church told her that they had “handled” the situation. She found out otherwise last summer. Amy, you sound as if you want the same end result. If so, if you have any information of corruption or abuse by any priest, dead or alive, please come forward. Please contact police, please contact SNAP, we are all looking for a safer world for our children and protection from sexual predators of vulnerable persons. SNAP is working to let Catholics know the real truth of what they have been living with. It is hoped that when Catholics learn what has been secretly going on in their church, and I emphasize THEIR church, they will want to get the abuse of children stopped. Don’t be deceived. It is still going on. Very little has really changed in the way the dioceses have handled these charges, especially in the Steubenville Diocese. They keep ignoring victims’ reports of abuse, and they still move abusive priests to other parishes without notifying the new parish of the danger within their mix. All persons of good will need to ban together and help. We all want the truth, no gossip, only truth. As regards Judy Jones; I know Judy Jones. She grew up in Woodsfield, Ohio, was the oldest of 11 kids, 9 of those kids were girls, 2 were boys. Father Robert A Brown was the serial abuser in that town. His harm to children spanned over fifty years. Judy’s sister has been quoted as saying, “the only reason that we were spared from this man, was that we just happened to be girls.” Fr Brown abused boys. That is very sad, “the only reason that we were spared, is because we happened to be girls.” Judy says that she would have made the perfect victim for some priest. She fit one aspect of “the profile” to a tee: unquestioning faith in the virtue of priests. In Brown’s case she failed the gender prerequisite. Karen Nagey is right, Amy, you are very lucky. You did not fit Fr Zalenski’s “profile”, at least on all criteria. It may have had to do with what your parents and you said in confession; you may have been too much of a risk for Zalenski. You did say that “nothing inappropriate ever happened and if my parents thought there was even a chance of that, they never would have allowed me to work there.” Perhaps Fr Zalenski knew of your parent’s close monitoring and no nonsense view…who knows? For whatever reason, you were not targeted by a predator when you were growing up. Lucky you. But I hope you can accept, sadly, that not all children have been as lucky as you. I know it is very hard to have an open mind about your priest, so that is why it would be very good if this case goes to trial. If he is innocent, we all will know. If he is guilty we all will know. The Guernsey county courts will handle it. This is the best way for all. It is a rare occasion that any survivor OR perpetrator gets there day in court. The imposition of statute of limitations has prevented this. That is what is sad. Let’s look forward to the future of this event. Maybe we will all know the truth.

I went to Holy Trinity Elementary School in Byesville, Ohio and I knew Father Yontz too. He was a creepy person to say the least. I went to school with the victim. Amy M. is M part of your last name (married or non-married name?) or just middle intial? If you want to say of course that is? I was a member of St. Peter and Paul Parish is Lore City, Ohio too and I don't remember you or your activity in the Music sector of the church. Next, I do not see the correlation between having a parent in prision and the sexual abuse coming forward about it in public? It is unfortuante that in today's American society many children are forced into children's services or adopted because they have one or more parents in prision or have been murdered for some reason or another. It was not the child's fault? I doubt any child wishes these harsh facts on a parent? Further more, 8 million dollars for a new cathedral is crazy, how do you even know that this young lady is either still intune with the Catholic Church or how much they spend on their buildings? Besides the young lady didn't commit the murder of her mother that was her father's doing and sin and problem for the rest of his life sentence, so why would she need the money anyway? She is very successful, independent, world-traveled, well-educated, has also received numerous awards and national and international honors as well as student-athlete recognitions through high school, college, and post-college. She has been the keynote address speaker for many national and local organizations to fundraise and support children who have been traumatized or are "at-risk" kids. She has truely dedicated her life to helping others and compassionately, caring, endless amount of love and devotion, organized energy to the causes she chooses wisely in her life. Have you seen this incrediable young woman's resume or website lately? It's totally outstandingly awesome. To the next topic, I'd like to know who Rose is? what relation do you have to the victim, her family, church, etc.? Another thing I wanted to comment on is that this is the 21st century and there is www.whitepages.com for people's info such as: addresses and phone numbers, so anyone could have the access to Father Zalenski's parent's address,etc. not hard to come by these days thanks to technology advancements and the internet. Thanks and have a blessed day. Peace, Hope, and Love to all in the world. G-d we need it more than ever, please redeem us soon, with the next world to come. Amen. Halleyulah. Selah. Shalom. Salaam. Hotep. E Pluribus Unum. Latin for "Out of the Many One."

Amy is by as far as I can see the very same person that verbally Attacked me while she was working in a fast food store. In PUBLIC and in front of my two small children and other customers. No I take that back my kids were on the other side of the door, and only asked Mommy why was that girl yelling at you and why are you crying. And she herself admits to protesting against me in Lore City. (would a truely holy man ask people to do that, and I know for a fact F. Z did ) I too grew up in Holy Trinity, and have a COMPLETELY different take on Msgn Yontz. Should I yell and scream that Amy is a liar? NO BECAUSE I WASN'T THERE. Maybe Msgn did treat her poorly, how could I know for sure ? Just because my parents were married in that church by Msgn Yontz And think he was a great man. And my uncle, a special needs man was treated like a younger brother for 40 years, and welcomed into Msgn Yontz's home and made to feel important, and watched over, and personally checked on by Msgn if he missed a day in church, much to my families relief, Msgn Yontz had at times used his own car, and own money to take my uncle to the store, and at times to the Dr. He was an angel to my family, my Grandparents Still attend Holy Trinity and have been aided and supported by msgn Yontz on numerous occasions through the years. I have two older siblings that attended Holy Trinity each for 8 years as did I, and all my cousins as well, do any of them share in Amy's feelings NO. But is AMY a liar? How would I know? Would I ATTACK Amy in public, or at all? NO. BECAUSE I WAS NOT THERE and AMY NEITHER WERE YOU! An attacker does attack EVERYONE, just those he chooses, as said before Maybe you were just Blessed not to be his type. Take that be thankful and live and let live. My proof IS substantial , and I CAN BE PUSHED TOO FAR . I HAVE TAKEN A LIE DECTOR TEST, AND PASSED , WHY WON'T HE? Tried in the public there are many sides, taken to God there is only the truth. I have had enough from those of you who do not KNOW, yet allow yourselves to be brain washed. Has anyone ever said that everything the man has ever done was wrong NO, has it been said that the man has made mistakes and done wrong YES. Amy has every sin you have ever committed been witnessed? yet they are still sins, are they not?

I have just finished reading (actually instensely scanning) these blogs. It is only as I shift my attention from my reading, that I realize my stomach is churning and my pulse is racing. I witnessed much of what went on for many years in Byesville. Much like so many other parishioners at Holy Trinity, my parents and brothers and sisters bowed to the authority of the Church and the inherent respect believed to be due a priest. I also watched as that loyalty and respect were trampled upon, and witnessed the pain my family experienced from the events that took place over the course of some 50 years. Priests truly do deserve respect and admiration as they strive to live a life devoted to God and the people whose spiritual needs they vow to shepherd. In the case of Byesville, I feel that any good intentions of a man of God were superseded by the wiles and trappings of being a human being FIRST. People forget that there is more to abuse than the physical or sexual. Verbal and emotional abuse can wound a person spiritually, and cut more mortally yet remain secret (forever sometimes). There are many, many examples I could reference first hand because they did occur with my family. However, those events are in the past. My parents lived in a state of grace and dignity to the best of their ability; my brothers and sisters are all still strong in their faith and active members of the Catholic Church as am I. God the Father knows all and sees all. Let Him take care of any transgressions that occurred in the parish of Holy Trinity in Byesville. Pray for the victims and pray for the soul of a miserable and lonely MAN who sat on S. 5th Street for over 50 years. I also know Fr. Zalenski from St Benedict's and St. Peter & Paul. I find it very hard to believe the allegations brought against him recently or in those of many years ago. I do recall the some of the other leaves he took, but not that there was any inkling they were because of impropriety on his part. Fr. Zalenski is also a human being FIRST before being a priest. Just as a priest can fall into or create bad situations for themselves and others, they must care for those obligations in their personal life. Fr. Zalenski's parents have been mentioned in more than one of these blogs. Did anyone ever stop to think that he may have taken a leave from his responsibilities as a priest to care for them in an illness or tragedy? Has anyone every considered that Fr. Zalenski himself may have been ill? Fr. Z is a man of a quick dry wit, fair logic, intelligence and great compassion. I am very familiar with the accusers. (I use the word accusers, for that is the only thing that is certain for now. Being a victim is a claim.) In turn, Fr. Z is the accused (that is also the only thing we know for sure) not a predator as he has been publicly labeled. In my recollection, I found the accusers to be troubled individuals, one expressing bitterness and defense as of a wounded animal, the other somewhat disturbing and unsettling to be around because you could sense that something was very much awry in their life. I'll express no other opinion, because that too is what it is. I pray for all involved in this situation. For SNAP, that they never lose sight of what their true mission should accomplish. For the accusers, that they find peace in the rest of their lives. For Fr. Zalenski, that a good man and a good priest be cleared. And finally, for true justice and the grace to accept the truth when it has been determined.

Amy, I admire you...I can not speak for noface, but she definitely deserved to hear your words of acknowlegment. This too was needed. Keep up the discussion, and please keep an open mind. Especially since you too, have children. We all have our truth, and we all need each other. Thank you, Judy

cut and past this web link (below) into your url. and then get educated, this is outstanding. Tom Doyle is outstanding. http://reform-network.net/?p=1318

Amy , I apprieciate your attitude. You have matured so much and should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments, I am proud of you, I know how hard that intrespection can be. I am sorry for any pain you ,may have experienced at holy trinity, I know that good memories, as well as bad are sometimes just luck of the draw. It sounds to me as if You were a very good organist, and didn't deserve any sad moments for your labor for the Lord, only praise that you were willing to help. Even though I do not hold the same memories I do not rule out there possibility for you. Now, your were behind the counter at your work place, customers, no customers, I could not dare to say, for all I could think of were those lillte ones who couldn't understand why since they ate, now they couldn't go back in and get their ice cream , that was our deal , now we ate, and the rules change? So I took them down the street to get their ice cream, a deal is a deal. However not to belabor that point. I , after all these years was brought to tears by your post. Thank you. Not that I think you feel any differently, but that you acknowledge me as a person , you were young and lacked judgement that comes with age. I too was young, when all this began, and that is how I think that I fell into this trap that has tried to curse my life and has caused so much pain in my life. I am an adult, and I see it for what it is. Or Was. People make mistakes, people sin. I sin , but we all have the same goal, Heaven and to be with our Lord. There is grace, that is why Christ died for all of us. All of Us , the sinners and the saints. There is no glory in this. Why would anyone believe it to be a lie. It is a painful road. why would I or anyone else choose this? I still only 2 months ago was snubbed by someone who I went to school with for 12 years of my life. whom I admired, whom I played basketball, volleyball, and softball with, and now I am nothing. I feel she probably wrote one of the above posts. I so looked up tro her and thought of her as a friend. And now I don't have all the memories that other people take for granted. class reunions? No I do not get invited to them. Or family wedding vow renewals I do not get invited to those . Even funerals I am an out cast. I suffer every day while this goes on and I would of all people love for this to go AWAY. I ran away, just to make it stop, I moved away to make you so called ( Christians? ) go away and try to make a life for my children. And only when it stopped did I move back. I deserve my family too. I want to live here where I grew up, where my family is. But in peace and not be attacked. I thought it safe, or I never would have returned to this place where so called Christians say such terrible things about one another. Did I want this to happen, NOW? NOW that I am happy? NO. NO I did not. I died all over again when I saw the newpaper. The paper that my husband hoped I would not have to see. I cried , I screamed. I begged God to take this cup from me. But Beth Suffers and she has a right. no one else. She is a person and She has a right I have never met Beth in person but I know her pain and if this is what she is brave enough to do, than I stand behind her. I only feel remorse that I am was not as strong as she. And that I permitted myself to be bullied at that time in my life. If I had stood up when I should have , this would not have had to happen to her and her brother. And for that I am truely sorry. and I beg her and her brothers forgiveness, And for All the others that could have been spared. I know I was not the first, and I'll bet Beth was not the last. I do not look at anyone poorly , I know that there was limited information available to you, and at times almost deceiving information. I love and forgive anyone, and everyone, who has ever intentionally or unintentionlally ever caused pain.

Noface, thank you so much for sharing your painful story with us. We all needed to hear it, and you may feel guilt for not doing more when you were young, but please don't beat yourself up any more. Noface, you have been beat up enough in your life, and it is time to give yourself a huge hug. A person can only come forward about being abused by a priest when they are ready, not a minute sooner. Too many victims of priest abuse have committed suicide, not so much for the original abuse, but later because of the re-abuse, of not being believed, of being shut out, of being ignored, and of being told that they were the only ones, by the church hierarchy. Noface, Beth, and any survivors of priest abuse only deserve our complete respect, nothing less. We were all raised to worry about WHAT people thought of us. Appearance was everything, and if we didn't look pure and holy and obedient we for sure would be chastised and treated like dirt. I had to move away from Woodsfield, Ohio when I was 18 years old in order to grow up. I have learned that it just doesn't matter about appearances, and what people think of you. It only matters what you think of yourself. This was a very hard thing for me to learn. I had to undo a whole lot of brainwashing. Ellie214, I can tell you that Karen Nagey was right in asking for any info about Yontz. For some reason people think that since a priest is dead, it doesn’t matter anymore if they have done something illegal. Please keep in mind, it doesn’t matter how long ago something happened, it should still be reported to law enforcement. No one wants gossip, we/SNAP only want truth, but please, it is those who have been quiet who have enabled all this abuse to continue. We are working to stop kids from being harmed. Please, the secrets have got to be told in order to stop the corruption. Please read the links that I have posted before. Fr Tom Doyle has dedicated his life to victims and the protection of children. Please don’t stay silent, especially about abuse or anything illegal, it all connects. Most often the victims of anything illegal are still alive and suffering. Thanks to all, Judy

correction 1981, I was so upset while typing that last note I didn't take time to proof read for type errors

Again, I apologize for my having offended you. I am not referring to either of you after what happened. I am referring to what I recall from being in grade school with you, long before 1981. My contact with Beth was later and I was an adult, but it was some time before her mother was klled. There truly was no malice in the comment.

No Face. I think that a better way to describe how I remember you when we were kids was defensive. It probably didnt' help that I don't think we ever really liked each other all that much either. I truly do wish you peace and healing.

who are you ellie214? how do you know Beth? And yes Father Zalenski did have several housekeepers.

I have been trying to post on this blog today.. but can't seem to make it work. Judy

Hi IAP, your bringing up the question about Zalenski housekeepers is interesting to me. And it sounds like that Zalenski must have had several housekeepers. This brings up several memories for me. While I was growing up in Woodsfield, our priest, Fr Brown had a housekeeper. I remember her name as Rose, she was always alone, sat in her seat in church, seemed quiet, and must have lived and died carrying many, many secrets to her grave with her. If I am correct, she lived at the rectory, so I can’t even imagine that too much passed by her unnoticed. I do believe that back then, it was a common practice to let things seem to go unnoticed, but for sure were kept silent. Judy

Tepes, are there certain characters or words that are not allowed to be posted? I'm still having trouble posting..Judy

As much as I know most all the older Priests had housekeeper, Some of them played a great role in the Priest life as well as the members of the Church. The understanding I had that they were the next thing to there wifes, Oh boy I had better watch out what I say here.

Tepes, there seems to be a small window of opportunity for posting. Something is not working, wondering if you have an address that I can send my post, so that you can post it on this blog? Judy

Tepes, is this blog done? I hope not.. Judy

Tepes.. Oh good.. this blog has become very important and kind of a life-line for survivors.and many who have been carrying a whole lot of bagage for many years... thanks for your help...and wishing you the best to rid the bugs.. so we continue.....Judy

I was not aware that this blog became so important and a life line. Doesn't the SNAP Network have support forums and blogs like this to help survivors cope? I am glad I can offer a place for people to come and vent anonymously but I never imagined it was so important to people. I will do my best to get the bugs worked out and continue to offer this BLOG to whoever needs to vent or get something off of their chest.

Glad I can help and glad this blog has managed to get peopel to open up in our area. I will gladly keep this running if for no other reasosn than to help with this issue. If the blog helps at least one person then it was well worth it.

For anyone wishing more infomation about 'SNAP' these are some web sites for you to check out. http://www.snapnetwork.org/ http://www.steubenvilletruth.org/ Also, I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is a survivor, family member or a supporter of victims of sex abuse by clergy, to attend our monthly support meeting on Monday evening, Feb 11th at 6-8pm. The location will be at the Cambridge Library, Crossroads Branch. This is a confidential self help group meeting. A great opportunity to meet others who have been through the same ordeal, and to obtain healing. We all need each other, and it helps to know that you definitely are not alone. Judy 636-433-2511

Peek a Boo, would like to know where Gary Zalenski is now? Does anyone know ?

My email address is: snapsteubenville@gmail.com tks, Judy

Peek a Boo, would you consider emailing me? snapsteubenville@gmail.com Tks, Judy

Announcement: SNAP Support Meeting, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests will hold it's monthly meeting. Date, Monday, Feb 11... Time: 6-8pm... Location....Cambridge Library, Crossroads Branch. Survivors, family members, and supporters are welcome to attend this confidential group support meeting. Contact: Judy Jones 636-433-2511 or Helen Schoeppner 740-568-8213 for details.

No Judy I do not want to emails you as I feel I need to stay out of site I know to much stuff about the catholic church and I need to stay in the dark and will come out when I find out rest of all the evil things that are going on in the Catholic church and all the pedephille priests names. when I find out all rest of the stuff. I will sure let you know also you keep on going .

Two weeks ago, I called Beth Rocker in Jerusalem to apologize for not having reported when she informed me of the abuse by Fr. Gary Zalenski when we were cleaning out her home place after her father had been sentenced and taken to prison for the murder of her mother. A detective and Beth's grandfather were assisting with the process, but he was a distance from Beth and me when the conversation opened about the abuse. I had mentioned the small boat that was there near the garage, and Beth suddenly said something about that not being the boat. Clearly, she was having a flashback of something horrible that had happened earlier in her life. She spoke about being in the water and being attacked by Fr. Gary, who tried to molest her; that her brother helped to fight him off, and that they both swam as fast as they could to safety. I was shocked to hear and asked whether she had told her parents at the time. She said that she had, but that her father had worked out a deal with Father that he could use Father's boat, if he didn't go to the authorities. So, I did nothing. There seemed no recourse, no way of making right the wrong. I assumed that now that her grandfather had custody of her, he would protect her and would file necessary charges if that seemed possible. I was and am a devout catholic. And, I believed that her grandfather would handle the matter, that surely she had told him, as I wrote earlier. Beth and I did not talk about the abuse again until I had moved away from the area and called Beth one day to see how she was doing. I asked about Fr. Zalenski, whether that was ever dealt with, and Beth said he was no longer a priest, but it was because of something else. When I moved back to the area and began receiving the Steubenville Register, there to my astonishment was Fr. Zalenski's picture in an issue last summer or fall ('07. I called Beth to let her know he had apparently been reinstated. I have no doubt that Beth was abused, to what extent the groping may have been I do not know, or would have been had she not escaped. I do know that the flashback that she experienced that day was a very traumatic memory for her. This priest needs to come forth and ask forgiveness, wear ashes, whatever will allow us to know that he is penitent, having heard so many of our confessions. And, how can confessors commit such grave sins against their parishioners without fear of punishment in the hereafter. Even if he is not convicted, surely he is incarcerated within the walls of a very sinful organization that protects its priests and victimizes its adherents. My deepest regrets for not having reported Beth's abuse. How many other children might have been spared similar pain. Caring too late 2-13-08

Just so every one knows, there is another Blog Entry that pertains to McCallister and the Wheeling-Diocese of Charleston. You can read the entry here: http://www.ohiovalleyblog.com/index.cfm/2008/2/8/John-Doe--Sexual-Lawsuit-against-the-Wheeling-Charleston-Diocese-and-Rev-Charles-E-McCallister This does not pertain to Jefferson County directly, but all things considered it does not matter where the viloation took place, all the survivors should stick together. I have never been invloved with any such thing thanksfully but I can only hope that this blog helps those victims in some way. I wish those that have been affected the very best and hope their road to receovery is swift as possible.

I cannot--for the life of me--juxtapose these allegations against Father Zalenski with the priest/man I've come to know!

Judy, are you still searching?

That's good to hear, Judy. Somehow I got the impression--and correct me if I'm wrong--that I was only seeing the truth as long as I considered this man a pedophile. Otherwise I was "settling" for something less than the truth. Frankly, I don't know whether he's guilty or not, but I do know that there is good in him. And that opinion of mine isn't any less valid or "truth-full."

Can a person, professional or otherwise, be held responsible for not reporting when the abuse was reported. Caring to late.

Thank you, Shocked.

Childhood is not a listed criteria by American Psychiatric Association's D.S.M.IV-TR, 4th Ed.

Shocked, your question about 'if pedophiles have been abused as chldren?'..is something that I have thought about a lot. It would be nice to get an answer from a professional who works with those who have sexually abused someone else. It is an intriguing thought. I do know from having worked with survivors of sex abuse, the biggest percentage take their abuse out on themselves, at least until they get some help. Most end up on drugs, alcohol, and even suicide. But there is a small percent who choose the other road, and take their abuse out on others. But when it comes down to it.. it is a choice. A good documentary to see is: "Deliver Us From Evil" by Amy Berg... this is the most powerful video that I have ever seen. You can google it, I think you can now even rent it on Netflix. I do know that pedophiles can NOT be around children, EVER... there is no cure. And if it is so that pedophiles have been sexually abused themselves, then for sure we have got to stop this abuse of kids. it is already exploding, and it will only get worse. That is why we urge and insist that the diocese and church hierarchy needs to stop protecting and hiding these abusive priest. They are not helping the priests nor are they helping kids.. That part of this mess is what has caused this huge epidemic of priest abuse. The secrets, the church documents and knowledge which the diocese quietly contains is the answer to getting a grip on keeping our kids safe. As long as they continue to protect themselves and their image of the church, enstead of doing the right thing.. this abuse will never stop. I fear that the secrets will never come out unless the statute of limitations is removed for sex abuse crimes. That is the only way the catholic hierarchy will ever do anything which will really protect kids. They are masters at covering up their crimes and protecting their images, especially in the Steubenville diocese. It was a shock to me when the diocese reported Zalenski and removed him. There must be a ton of complaints and evidence against this guy, because they do NOT freely acknowledge sex abuse in this diocese. They do not come forward with any abuse, unless the are force into it. I know of several survivors who have been abused in the Steubenville diocese, their complaints have been ignored, dismissed, and they have been flat-out refused help, even when they acknowledge themselves that the abuse took place. If it is so, that pedophiles are also the victims of childhood sexual abuse, then we need to stop creating more abusers NOW. It is a monster, and it just keeps on growing. Judy

Judy, you are absolutely right about the revidivism rates. Though we do not know exactly how many were abused as children, we do know from the DSM-IV that the rates of recividism with those who abuse males is "roughly twice that for those who perfer females." And, "pedopilic behavior often fluctuates with psychosockal stress. The course is usually chronic, especially in those attracted to males."

correction in the sentence since the Catholic institution does not permit preists to marry Peek a Boo

I am glad that you all are reading you bibles, and that is something we all have to do to ensure that we are being lead properly. But please please find a bible following, bible believing church and attend. Take a chance you may be sitting beside, or God forbid being taught by a sinner.(because we all are sinners and fall short at times) But God knows our hearts and I would rather sit by them now then in hell. We are commanded to fellowship with one another. God is good People are at times bad. I no longer attend catholic church haven't since I was very young. But I attend church and do my best to follow the bible and I do not blindly believe any thing I check it out in God's word for myself. I wasted a lot of life being bitter. Please Please do not be bitter and stop attending church maybe God is pushing you in another direction but I know he isn't pushing you away so don't push him away everything that is good comes from him and we have to cling to that, togther. God's love to all

Dear No Face, I appreciate your thoughts, though, and it's your right to have found a faith that sustains you now, and that's hope for the rest of us, who feel anhiliated or betrayed by the church. The spiritual entity of a person is equally as vital as are the emotional, physical and psychological components. So, if you've found what works for you, and if you aren't afraid there, then, by all means embrace that with all your heart. Just, be careful, for I've been psychologically abused and very severely and blackmailed by religious figures that I really looked up to. You've already had enough hurt at the hand of religious. I applaud you for daring to trust again. Shows more courage than I have at the moment. And, yes, I have also given testimony to the Sheriff's Dept. regarding this case against this priest. I feel in my heart that there are others, and I hope that they soon are able to overcome their own fears and with concern for protecting other vulnerable children, they will move to go to the authorities.

Dear Marsh, Sorry I have taken so long to answer, Institutions are structures of social order governing the behavior of a set of individuals according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. As mechanisms of social cooperation, institutions are manfest in both objectivity real, formal organizations, such as the US Congress, or the Roman Catholic Church. Both goverment and religious institution make and enforce rules and laws regarding marriage and family, create and regulate various concepts of how people relate to one another, and what their rights and obligations and dutes may be as a consequence. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS AN INSTITUTION. I REFUSE TO BE CONTROL BY THE DEVIL WHICH I FEEL IS IN CONTROL OF THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTION Peace and love and understanding Peek a Boo

Dear Judy, I have pondered this same question.In matters of the faith, I rely on the Counciliar Documents of Vatican II, Lumen Gentium and The Holy Bible. Vatican Council II reads on p. 363, "The whole body of the faithful who have an annointing that comes from the holy one (cf. I John 2:20 and 27) cannot err in matters of belief. This characteristic is shown inthe supernatural appreciation of the faith (sensus fidei) of the whold people, when, 'from the bishops ot the last of the faithful' they manifest a universal consent in matters of faith and morals." The sensus fidei refers to the instinctive sensitivity and discrimination which the members of the Church possess in matters of faith.(from the Translator). So, I think we would assume that the longstanding traditions and beliefs of the Church have endured and will endure, regardless of the crimes of those in Apostolic Succession to St. Peter, whose behavior at times was an affront to himself and to Jesus. We must follow our own hearts and God's, but we must stop the criminal abuse of our children by those who claim to be the called to share Christ's "prophetic office" of Holy Orders. There is no holiness in sin so disreputable, so destructive to society as sexual abuse. A Church built upon and protective of such immorality will surely soon perish. We must report the abuse. We must protect our innocent children.

Wondering, your question is not trivial, it just makes us realize that pretty much everyone, who has ever been catholic, has been affected by the sex abuse and the abuse of power that has been taking place within the catholic church. tks, Judy

Wow, after reading all the previous blogs, I can only come to an obvious conclusion. This "SNAP" group seems to be using this case to get there name out. What I find hilarious, is that they are using this blog to post thier meeting times. With that said, I will move on to the next issue. I have been attending Sacred Heart Church in neffs, Ohio for years. I have become close to Father Gary. He has helped me out with many things in the past. He also baptised my children. He has been like family to us. He is a good man, who has brought my family into the catholic religion. I refuse to believe any of this garbage is true. I think the real victim in this case is Father Gary. There should be a support group created for those who have been falsely accused of sexually assaulting individuals. Furthermore, I think the only reason the diocese is taking this seriously is to make an example of Father. What better time then after all the allegations arose in the media. I also think the diocese has a secret agenda to close down Sacred Heart church and what a great start they have. They have made inconvient times for mass services and have eliminated a few. As for the allegations made, people should know the whole truth. I hope it comes out soon. This is stemming from an emotional disturbed young lady who has a hidden agenda to discredit Father. O and where is her proof? hmmmmmm I hope this all gets resolved soon and Father returns to where he belongs. To our parish. It has not been the same without him. I will continue to keep Father Gary in my prayers.

It seems the group snap is heading a witch hunt. It is like they have become the authorities and experts on this situation. It is really sad that they are trying to expliot an innocent man to make their organization look good. I understand support gruops should exist. But only to those who really need it. Last time I checked Father Gary has not been tried or convicted. So peace to be toyou snap who are trying to drag a man's reputation through the mudd for their own selfish agenda :)

More information about sexual abuse: this is posted on The leadership Council web site...http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/res/csa_myths.html I will copy onto next post: tks for caring, Judy

Myth 2: People are too quick to believe an abuser is guilty, even if there is no supporting evidence. In truth, people are too quick to believe that the accused is innocent, even if there is plenty of supporting evidence. According to Dr. Salter, " Normal , healthy people distort reality to create a kinder, gentler world than actually exists" (p. 177). She notes that in order to find meaning and justice in everyday life, most people assign victims too much blame for their assaults and offenders too little. In truth, it is hard for most people to imagine how any person could sexually abuse a child. Because they can't imagine a "normal" person doing such a heinous act, they assume that child molesters must be monsters. If the accused does not fit this stereotype (in other words if he appears to be a normal person), then many people will disbelieve the allegation, believing the accused to be incapable of such act.

I am trying to post all 8 myths, but blog won't take rest right now.. I will try later, or go to the web site posted above to read the rest of myths.. tks. Judy

Judy-she has nothing to gain-lol what planet are you from? I think she has a lot to gain from this. Would you like me to start the list. As far as Father Gary being a danger-again that is garbage. I am a mother of 2 young girls and if for one minute thought he was a danger, my children would have never been around him nor would I be writing in his defense to you. If she was so concerned about the welfare of children then why did it take so many years? Why now? I can tell you why but you wont want to hear it because your in denial of the truth. So with that said, I again will keep Father Gary in my prayers and hope others do to.

o marigold do you have your phd in psychology? Dont tell me how I feel. I dont think I am the one who needs to come to an accurate realization. There are plenty of cases out there where people have their own agendga who have falsely accused others of sexual assault. I hope this matter gets cleared up and Father returns to our parish. My children are well protected so I do not need any parenting advice from you.

sm do you call over 5000 Preists that is documented that are pedophile,"A FEW"??????????? that is not counting the nuns brothers deacon you might not think all priests are bad but there is more bad out there in hiding that we don't know about, no one is judgeing all we want do to protect the children . I am going to tell you that I have a PHD in psychology and I don't need it to know what is going on in the The Roman Catholic Church. just open your eyes and ears Peace to you sm Peek a Boo

Beth has a lot to gain. The story will come out soon enough. As far as noface , were you aware the charges were dropped? His name was cleared of that. It is just not in the catholic church, other religious figures have been commiting the same crimes. It is not just religious leaders, it is teachers, and other people our children look up to. People just love to blame priest. I cannot defend anyone else. But Father Gary has been my priest,and my friend for many years. He has helped me out through some very tough times in my life. He has always been professional and has brought my whole family back to the catholic church. He has buried my grandfather, married my mother, baptised my children and forever will be a big part of my past. I have been alone with him on several occasions and he has never been inappropiate in anyway shape or form. He is a man who loves GOD. Everyone needs to remember that these are just allegations that a troubled girl has made. I wish it would go to court so his side can be presented and people will know the truth. They would able to see her motives clearly. Church has not been the same without him. Our parish greatly misses him and we continue to keep him in our prayers.

Sure no problem mrs tyrant. I would be glad to clarify. First, the previous accuser was found to be false by the gurnsey county prosecutor. He was cleared of that accusation. That girl was caught in many lies. Has she taken you up on your offer to attend snap meeting? Were you aware that she too had a lot of issues. Do your homework judy. As far as what Beth has to gain. Here it goes. First, she can keep her dad in prison by discrediting father gary so he would not be able to speak on his behlaf, second she can make her book more interesting, third she needs attention.It has also been mentioned by family members of her own that she needs to take medication. Sounds like she has very good motives. As far of this blog go-is snap the pitbulls of this site? Do you not have a life. Does this make you ffel better by putting someone down. Do you enjoy destroying an innocent man's life? I can see you too seek attention as well. That is why you have to be in the spot light as well and the watchdog of this blog. So lets have your response b/c I am sure you are dying to get in the last word.

Okay it is obvious what all of reasons are being on this site. Marigold are you reaching for anything. You are not interested to hearing the truth. You just want to drag this mans reputation through the mudd. That is clear. O and another lie. Someone said she came forward when she heard that he was working with a youth group and did not want anyone else to be hurt. There is no truth to that. THERE IS NO AND NEVER HAS BEEN A YOUTH GROUP AT SACRED HEART SINCE FATHER GARY HAS BEEN HERE. I should no b/c I have wanted one for a few years. Also I have a HUGE problem with these so called witnessed that she allegedly went to. They were adults , so why would they have no went to the authorities? Why are they coming forward now? They should be charged with child endangerment of some sort if this was true. If a child came to be and told me they were molested I dont care who they were, I would not hestitate to go to the police. They should have charges brought againist them as well if this ever goes to court!!!! All of you people need to have peace with you. Who are any of you to judge Father Gary. I thought there was only one judge we had to answer to. Passing judgement is frowned upon.

Protect againist what? TheseARE ONLY ALLEGATIONS!!! I did not judge Beth, just putting out the truth. Which nobody wants to hear. What does not make sense to you? The fact that her dad is going to be up for parole soon and father would have been a creditable witness on his behalf? The fact she wants to keep him behind bars, so she will stop at nothing to discredit Father? O or what about the obvious little lies that have been put out there by mrs. rocker. About her motive to even come forward now. Because she heard that he was working with a youth group. Lies, Lies, Lies. I know first hand b/c there has never been a youth group that he has been working with. I attend church there. About the medication I was pointing out, how unbalanced she is. A lot of be make false allegations to get attention. So You can chill..... Pray for father Gary

Dear Noface or shoould I say Lori, if the gurnesey county prosecutor new of the allegations and no charges were persued something looks fishy with your story. If there was enough evidence he would have been prosecuted then. Your trying to beat a dead horse.

Attention SM: would you like to disclose your real identity? It is up to G-d if my father gets out and how do you know what I am thinking in my brain? I don't care if my father gets out for your enlightended information. Get your sources right : ) Second, of all check out my website: www.geocities.com/swimisrael2000/mypage.html You can see how successful I have been. I have no agenda. For your information the diocese seems to think you had a youth group because the article that was featured about church less than a year ago said that. Since you seem to be in the know ... please tell me WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE SAID THAT I NEED TO BE OR HAVE BEEN ON MEDICATION? I AM NOT ON MEDICATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION. I'd like to hear what other so called truths you have to offer?

You tell'm No face You stand for the truth and I am one hundred percent behind you. needn help let me know Peek a Boo sm if Zenlski was such a creditable witness for Mr Rocker something shady must have been gone on, because Mr. Rocker ended up in the clinker after all.doesn't say very much about Mr Zenlski creditabilty now does it?

there was a youth group at sacred heart. they went on canoe/kyack trips for one or two years. they did other things during the year, also. please get all the facts correct. even the statments about sacred heart and the parishoners. thanks.

Lots of innuendo, speculation, finger-pointing, rumor, accusation, arguing.... What is clear is that one man's acts OR one woman's accusations have served to besmudge one Body of Christ. We--all of us-- are members of that Body. Each of us can have his/her stance regarding Father Zalenski's guilt or innocence. Each can express his/her opinion. And each can do so with respect for one another. Can't we?

I agree-everyone is allowed to have their own opinion. But since I have signed on, it seems that the only opinion one is allowed is againist father gary. I am done argueing. I have better things to do with my time. What good comes out of this argueing back and fourth. I just wanted everyone to realize that there is sometimes more to a story then what they are told. That these are allegations made by an individual. That there is no charges filed at this time. That the truth will come out. I also agree that when anyone who is around children is accused of such a act, that they should be removed until the matter is cleared up. I am just going to keep father in my prayers. I will keep members of snap in my prayers. They seem to be one of the most viscious groups of people I have ever met. They are so full of revenge againist all priest, and that is not the anwer. HOw sad that is to live like that. No need to respond to this b/c I am done blogging. I am done dealing with toxic people. I have a life and agrueing on this blog is not it. I will not log onto this site anymore. So peace be with all of you.

Hmm...It appears to me that the viciousness and toxicity did not come from SNAP, it came from you, sm--that's called projection. However, if you are no longer visiting this blog, I don't know who I'm saying this to. Everyone else, I suppose.

Karen, I'm not certain that sm was trying to be either "vicious or toxic," in her remarks defending Fr. Gary. If, indeed, she was "projecting" her own pain onto us who believe that he's guilty, do we not at least owe her our empathic and compassionate understanding, which must underpin the efforts of any successful counseling. Our criticism and diagnosing will not help her to see the larger picture. Actually, she probably does see, but admitting is very painful when you love someone. Priests are next to God, and when they fail us or our children, the wound requires careful attention, not with abraisive words. All we can do at this point is trust that she is safe and cared for, far removed from the one who has deceived her. She is a deeply caring and devoted person, the most vulnerable type. Are there other sm's out that who need to vent, as well? And, if so, we must all ow them to do so. And, are there other victims who need a safe place to unload the pain? Hopefully, this is the purpose of the blog

Wait a minute. Back in January, mmouse007 said she had gone to school with Beth and referred to Beth in the third person. Now in more recent posts, it's clear that mmouse007 IS Beth. She refers to "my father getting out" of prison, among other things that reveal who she is. It's also ironic that she wants "sm" to disclose her true identity when she lied about who she is.

Be careful, IAP, you're blaming the victims again, judging with very caustic words. Their pain is only exacerbated by such careless language. Be grateful you've never been abused; or have you been? Your criticicm of victims does not reflect the impartiality of jurors or judge. If you're searching for facts, look more closely at the all of the writings of this blog, and surely you can better connect the dots. Trying to prove innocent by conjecture or reasonable doubt, when at least two women's testimony and my own indicate reasonable guilt, will not clear him of these wrongful acts. The Gary Zalenski who presents himself to you and to a handful of others is not the man who behaved in a criminal fashion with a handful of others. That he carefully planned his actions is apparent. Sure, h e would not behave so shamefully in church; who would. Wake up, realize the truth. Don't blame those who have already suffered greatly for many years. It could have been you, afterall!

By the way, another anwswer to a question. If you click the names in red, they will link to that person's web site. You are able to link your name to your web site, on your account to this web blog... tks, Judy

Ok it is obvious this so-called victim is a little mentally disturbed(to say at the least) After viewing the past blogs , I have one question. Who refers to themselves in the third person? MMouse which we now know who she is posted "Further more, 8 million dollars for a new cathedral is crazy, how do you even know that this young lady is either still intune with the Catholic Church or how much they spend on their buildings?" Now, it was also said that that she read in the paper that father zalenski was working with a youth group and that is why she had to come forward. So it is obvious she has followed the catholic very intently. So basically I dont think she can remember what lie she is telling from time to time. With my further observation it seems that this group "snap", needs to "snap" their mouth shut!!! Attacking people who do not have the same viewpont as they do is the only thing they keep accomplishing in this blog. I did not know support groups were supposed to act in such a way. I have never seen such poor actions come from one group. Maybe they are so hellbent to destroy this priest b/c they have their own motives . It could be b/c they were assaulted and now in their eyes all priest are bad. Or maybe they are in it with the victim so they can get in the money that she may very well be after. Everyone who is not snap or whoelese can draw their own conclusion. Just read all the past blogs and you too will see what I am talking about.

Judy, who are the priests still active in the diocese that have been accused of abuse?

Wondering, I wish that I could tell you all of them. In fact I had wished that I could put their names on that last posting that I made, but I can't because of confidentiality toward the victims. The diocese nor the victims have made these names public yet. The diocese most likely has the names of a lot more abusers that I even know about. They are the ones who need to make those names public. For information about the priests who have been made public, they are posted on our web site....http://www.steubenvilletruth.org/Photos_Page.html tks, Judy

I am not getting any response????????????????????????????????? Why?

I can't imagine why that young lady would be somewhat mentally disturbed, what with being sexually molested as a child and her mother being murdered by her father. This, however, does not necessarily mean she is lying about the priest, you know.

Correction: Next to last line should read, "while the perpetrator."

Thank you, Judy, I appreciate your help. My children are adults, but I've never told them. It's so degrading, demeaning, but it's always there in the back of your mind, never goes away, buried but not deep enough to go away. Maybe it will now.

To themusicman, your inaccurate and callus statements do not even deserve a response. You are incorrect on ever word that you wrote, except for maybe that fact that you have known Fr Zalenski all of your life. Judy

sounds to me like iap IS zalenski so why hide?

Some confusion needs to be cleared up.. mmouse007, who has let herself be known, is Beth Rocker.. click her signature name on this blog which will link you to her web site. Beth is the one who has reported her abuse by Zalenski which ocurred in early 1990's, she reported it on Jan 7th, 2008...she lives in Israel. noface is another victim of Zalenski, which she has posted on this blog, her abuse started in 1981, as she has stated above. These are two differenct survivors of Zalenski.. with several years distance between their abuse. mmouse007 and noface are being missmatched and confused on this blog... and for the sake of these survivors, I am trying to clear up this misunderstanding. Judy

Who cares::::::::: I care because I don't want him abusing some other victim. and if you had any knowledge of the sexual abuse in the Catholic relegion you would too because it is still going on. that is why I care. don't you listen to the news and read the paper and don't you know any victim? For God sake there are a lot of them in your back yard and you are to stupid to know it.

Did it ever occur to you that you can know someone all your life and not really know them. you only what the person wants you to know about them ." think about it"

Responding to noface's posting on 3/3/08...I am so sorry for the mistreatment that you received from the diocese, and also from your Ohio catholic community. You never deserved such disgusting treatment. We at SNAP have worked with many survivors and we deal with diocese cover-ups constantly. I have just checked with other SNAP members, and they have never heard of a facility for treatment for abusive priest that is located in Arkansas. Has anyone out there ever heard of such a place? It amazes me the lengths to which the catholic hierarchy will take to keep priest abuse quiet. Judy

Re: the various comments regarding knowing someone your whole life yet only knowing what that person wants you to see... So, those of you who raise that question think it makes more sense to believe the allegations of people you don't even know (the accusers) than it makes for us who do know Fr. Zalenski to believe in his innocence? I feel the accusers are more likely to lie to anybody who will listen and buy into their stories than that man is to lie to people who know him.

To Who cares --------Are you saying your Bishop is a liar also?

This posting is for those of us who find it painful to believe that one of our priests would ever harm one of our children: I respectfully request that you rent the documentary "Deliver Us From Evil". As a matter of fact, you don't even have to go that far; just type that title into any search engine and just watch the movie trailer. It follows the career of a very likable, personable priest, Father Oliver O'Grady. I will warn you that if you do elect to watch the entire movie, you will find it extremely disturbing, but we as Catholics have a responsibility to know the truth. I believe I would have trusted this man, too. We must face this problem down without flinching, because the solution lies within the laity, not the hierarchy.

Karen, I am all for rationality and I wish others on this blog were, too—particularly those who chose ranting and raving over clear, concise, reasonable communication. (For one thing, I can barely read some of these posts for all of the misspellings and bad grammar. It’s nearly impossible to understand quite a few of the messages.) I will admit that some of my early posts were more heated, but you should also know that I almost stopped posting here a while ago because I got tired of being “jumped” for defending Fr. Zalenski. I saw early on that there was little rationality coming from some posters to this blog. So, Karen, I truly hope your message to “behave in a rational and civil manner, or sign off,” is directed at ALL who choose to be illogical and unreasonable, not just those of us who you feel are uncivil because we defend Gary Zalenski. Where is the “Christianity” in the people who make it clear they have no interest in considering that Father’s life is ruined? I am still in touch with him and was stunned in our conversation last week to hear how close to broken he is. This is destroying him physically and emotionally. And please, everyone, refrain comments along the lines of, “He’s done this to himself.” It is of the utmost importance to remember that ANYONE accused is innocent until PROVEN guilty. An accusation is not proof.

Thank you Amy for coming back to the blog. We need to hear your pain also. Thank you Karen, I agree with you, you are so logical and you have so much common sense. I also agree with what 'know to much' is trying to say, who is asking about the bishop? He is the one to removed Zalenski from his parish, he is the one who says there are credible allegations. The bishop of Steubenville does not do that freely. My position is always with the victim. I have yet to ever find out that any of these victims have lied about being abused. There is way too much stress and pain to deal with by coming forward and reporting that a priest has abused you. We need the prosecutor to speed up this investigation for two reasons, for the victims sake and for Gary Zalenski sake. That is the only answer to this sad situation. tks for listening, Judy

I would like to state a careful observation of the facts: Beth Rocker, whose father murdered her mother when Beth was still a child, has accused Father Gary Zalenski, who has recently lost his own father, of molesting Beth Rocker as a child. Ms. Rocker filed a police report, not a lawsuit. Everyone is now waiting for the grand jury to convene on this case. Both of these individuals deserve our compassion and heartfelt prayers. Amy, I don't believe that your opinion on Bishop Conlon's reception of your concerns is only 'speculation'; I believe you are correct in your assessment, if only because of what I understand was his response to SNAP's repeated requests for an audience. I don't agree with your opinion on Conlon's motive of "making an example" of Zalenski, and it seems to me that he is taking plenty of heat for removing Zalenski. You are, however, entitled to your opinion. I would ask that we all extend others that same courtesy.

dear karen nagy, hello, i was just wondering what type of heat Conlon is taking for removing Zalenski? didn't he follow the norms set up after Boston in 2002? if he had information that he felt was credible, he had to remove Zalenski according to the norms. i feel this was to protect both Zalenski and everyone else.

dear musicman, I was born a Jew for your information and raised in both religions because I went to Catholic Schools. Father Zalenski did not befriend my father either. I did not just run off to Israel and turn my back on the church. I go tmarried and moved to Israel with my husband. I never said publically that I would ruin anyone's life that befreinded my father, don't know what station you listen to or watch new from? I don't throw temper tatrums. I do come to SNAP. I have looked Judy Jones in the face. I AM NOT LYING. FOr such a Catholic Music Man telling people to BURN IN HELL is NOT CHRISTIAN AND MIGHT CATCH UP WITH YOU SO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR AND SAY TO OTHERS. Love your brothers and sisters as yourself and the golden rule-Do unto others as you would want done to you. LOVE, PEACE, AND HOPE TO ALL IN THE WORLD.

Just because you believe she is lying does not mean she is actually lying. You do not make her a liar by calling her one, you know.

Well, you should be charged with a crime. If this situation really happened which I highly doubt, and you had knowledge of it, you need to be sitting behind bars!!!! You are an adult that did not report abuse. I am half tempted to print all of your blogs out and send it gurnsey county with a letter of concern about your actions and why you are not being charged with a crime. What kind of person are you?

I am troubled with the complete and total lack of compassion on the part of "guided". Who in the world is guiding you?? I don't believe it is our lord. All of the individuals involved in this case deserve our loving compassion: Beth, who lost her mother at a very young age and in an extremely horrifying manner, and this priest, who has recently lost his father, and also, if he is guilty of these allegations, lives in a twilight world which is now crashing down around him. Can any of us imagine the compulsion which drives such people to do such things? If he does do these things, they were probably also done to him, which opens up even worse vistas. Marigold/caring too late also deserves compassion. No one should add to this person's guilt and remorse, which are so clear in past and current postings. "Guided", you should be asking YOURSELF "What kind of person am I, that I feel so angry that I need to kick an injured person when he/she is down? Who am I allowing to guide me?" Surely, in this most holy week, we can all extent compassion to one another as we were commanded.

I'm not so sure it's your morals guiding you. Christ was very clear about the penalty for judging others. We are only able to do this fairly when we have all of the information, which is not contained in this blog. I would respectfully ask you to withold judgement until you have all the information you need to make a valid judgement, and try to remember the admonition to "Love one another as I have loved you." If your morals are guiding you, you would behave in a more compassionate manner.

Earlier today, guided accuses mmouse of lying about her abuse. Now, she belives that I'm guilty of the crime of not reporting that abuse. Seems quite paradoxical in the sense that one thought contradicts the other. And, what about the earlier incident that was suppressed by Bishop Ottenweller or at least that treatment in Arkansas was promised for the offending priest, and the family of No Face were ostracized from the community. Does guided actually believe that anything would have been done if I had reported, and to whom would I have reported at that time. The record shows that several children that I have reported as being abused both physically and sexually in this community were never followed up in such a manner as to protect them, until it was too late. Far as reporting to the church, that would only have resulted in my being asked to remove myself to another parish, as happened to one of my close friends, who later committed suicide. Before we completely judge each other to the exclusion of truth and fact, yes, we must have all the facts. We do have enough to establish credibility of the victims and doubt as to the veracity of the accused. I wish it were otherwise, for this man was my priest for several years too, but I think that in the end the facts will speak for themselves. If guided feels in control of the situation by making me the scapegoat, that's fine. My shoulders are broad. I regret that there was not someone I could have reported to that might have taken some action at the time, but there was not. And, apparently, her guardians did not report. And, as mentioned earlier, her father may have been part of the coverup. If so, that would account for his relationship with Father, but there again, we have conjecture and the word of the victim, which you refuse to believe. The tangled web of this priest's crimes is pretty apparent, and I'm not thinking we can defer that guilt to another, though I will help him carry the load by praying for him, as I have been. Guided, better help the rest of us carry this cross, for it's heavy enough without piling on more weight.

I do not recall saying I was catholic Judy Jones. As far as everyone else. How dare any of you question my morality. I am not the one who withheld "alledged" child abuse. How could oneself look into the mirror everyday knowing they did not report it. If that is not unlawful, it sure in the heck is unethical. I will be the first to admit that I do not believe a word of this "alleged victim". That is my opinion and I am entitled to that without further justification. But, what really bothered me the most if this would have happened, why an adult like marigold would not report it at the first minute she had knowledge of it.

Self-righteousness can often masquerade as morality.

Call me names all you want marigold, but you cannot hide the fact that you broke the law. Any person who fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect, as required by § 2151.421, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. So hopefully your day will come to court as well. You make me sick

I would also like to point out that Marigold was not "hiding" anything; if Marigold hadn't shared with us on this blog the experience that corroborated Beth's story, you'd never known about it at all, would you? Ah, perhaps that validation is what makes you so angry?

I did not make ONE COMMENT ABOUT BETH BEING A JEW!!!!!! I COULD CARELESS WHAT RELIGION SHE IS. FURTHERMORE LET ME MAKE MYSELF 100 PERCENT CLEAR TO YOU. THERE IS NO CONFUSION ON MY END ABOUT FATHER ZALENSKI. I BELIEVE HE IS INNOCENT. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY FOR HAVING TO GO THROUGH THIS AWFUL MESS. BUT THINGS DO NOT MAKE SENSE TO ME. LIKE MARIGOLD NOT GOING TO THE AUTHORITIES IF SHE REALLY BELIEVED BETH'S STORY. MARIGOLD POSTED EARLY LIKE SHE WAS A HERO FOR COMING FORWARD TO AUTHORITIES ABOUT THIS CASE. WHEN ACTUALLY HER PLAN BACKFIRED AND SHE LOOKED LIKE A COWARD. NOT REPORTING "ALLEGED ' CHILD ABUSE IS A MATTER TO BE TAKING SERIOUSLY. JUST SHOWS WHAT KIND OF PERSON SHE REALLY IS.

i hope everyone has a blessed Holy week and Easter. remember God's forgiving grace. let us all pray for all those involved.

Wow, Marigold, I appreciate your gracious comments about Fr. Zalenski on 03/19/08.

The same to you, Guided.

Ok, that was random.

And, we need to be sending our blessings to Beth, as well, during the Passover (Pesach), which began last Saturday, I believe. May you continue to feel peace and the Shabbat worship of last evening and today be a holy time of great hope for you, as you anticipate freedom from the pain of this past grief. Peace, love, and hope to you, Batya and Moshe, as you serve G-d with gladness today!

To all who have participated in this blog discussion, those who have spoken truth and those who perhaps have spoken untruth, I would say on this Holy Day of Easter that we should carefully examine our consciences and look for the truth there. That we be very certain that we have not fabricated any information, and over time come to believe it. That we have not shared with another information that we knew to be untrue, manipulating them into our web of deceit in the hope of incriminating any innocent person, which could be any of us. The projecting of traumatic events onto another more vulnerable victim, whether a shepherd or one of the flock of faith may bring peace to the troubled mind for a time, but eventually when the truth is uncovered, and certainly it will be now or in the hereafter, the consequences can be even more painful than the precipitating event. As I began to carry this cross as instructed by my priest last week, I began to pray more for all of the victims, and primarily for the shepherd who is accused. I have asked God to show us the truth, to heal the wounds, that innocent blood not be shed again, as was over 2000 years ago. My conscience is clear toward those involved. But I have great concern for the pain of this priest. If I have been misled and thereby participated in the judgment of an innocent man, God forgive me. And, if he is guilty, he certainly knows the path to the confessional. However, there may be those who are guilty of 'bearing false witness,' and breaking that commandment is just as great a mortal sin as murder. Thus, we all need to undergo careful scrutiny of our hearts and minds regarding all of the testimony that has been given, whether on this blog or to official sources, both legal and diocesan. Purjury is a great crime. Maybe all those involved should submit to lie detector tests. As oil rises to the top of water, so will the truth rise to become visible when this case goes to trial. Let none of us be guilty of crime by association by participation in deceitful acts. Have a blessed Easter!

Gaining knowledge: We have posted an excellent KMOX special news series broadcast ( which is airing all this week here in St Louis). Just cut and paste the web link (below), and on front page (left) you can click and listen to the segments of this report: "They Will Stop at Nothing, Child Predators" - We will be posting each segment of this story on our web site, as it comes out each day. -- http://www.steubenvilletruth.org/ --

this blog has died out since 3-21-08 when peek a boo stated that she/he was watching all of you. what's up?

Amy, wish we could talk face to face.

I agree, Judy. Far as anyone knows, Fr. Zalenski is in Martin's Ferry, caring for his seriously ill mother. The father died before Holy Week. Does he know about the blog? Most of my friends know nothing of it. But, this is Guernsey Co. Many people do not blog. This is my first experience and hopefully, my last. No Face has taken a lie detector test, by her own admission, and Father declined. That concerns me. And, we have two completely different cases here. And, perhaps, there are many who will eventually come out into the light and share their pain. We may never know the truth, for this case may never go to trial, unless more victims come forth. Are there other victims. Is Beth a victim? Is the priest hiding or just waiting for the Grand Jury to decide if there is sufficient evidence for conviction? Many questions, few answers. Perhaps, we will soon know the truth. His guilt or innocence is not related decided upon because 5000 other priests are guilty. It will depend upon the facts, which hopefully have been honesty presented and not skewed by the myriad of other painful experiences in a victim's live,(or victims' lives, if there are others. And, again, only this priest, if in fact he was there, knows the truth. And, certainly God was there, not smiling but weeping over the pain of these children, abused by those he's called to Holy Orders. It's very sad if it's true. We need to know and we need to know sooner than too late for others, vulnerable to clergy abuse.

Good question shocked, we are wondering the same thing. What is the delay? I worry that someone is stalling or stonewalling. According to our information, the prosecutor has asked for an interview with Zalenski... and several weeks ago prosecutor subpoenaed the Steubenville diocese for the Zalenski's files. Beth has gotten an answer from prosecutor that they are receiving cooperation, yet she has not gotten an answer to her question of whether they have yet received the documents or if there have gotten their interview with Zalenski. Also, there is no mention about the previous victim who filed a report. We are very concerned about the delay in getting this to the grand jury. Does anyone out there no what the hold up is? Beth is getting very concerned, and so are we at SNAP. Judy

http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/502577.html?nav=5007 ....... Marietta Times: POSTED: April 10, 2008 Save | Print | Email | Read comments | Post a comment "SNAP wonders about delay in assault case" On Nov. 17, the Steubenville diocese removed Father Gary Zalenski from his parish in Neffs because of credible allegations of sexual assault of a minor in 1991. Also, on Jan. 7, 2008, Beth Rocker reported that abuse by Zalenski to the Guernsey county sheriff. Since then, the Guernsey County prosecutor has subpoenaed the Zalenski documents from the Steubenville diocese and he has ask Zalenski to be interviewed. Also, there is at least one other previous victim of Zalenski who filed her report to the prosecutor and the diocese in early 1990’s. SNAP, “Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests” has learned that the previous victim passed a polygraph, yet Zalenski refused to take one. We at SNAP are very concerned about the delay in charging Zalenski. We are wondering if the delay is because the diocese has yet to turn over the Zalenski documents to the Guernsey County prosecutor. Bishop R. Daniel Conlon does not have a credible history when it comes to dealing with victims of priest abuse within the Cincinnati diocese, where he was working before he was made bishop of Steubenville. This is very concerning to us and to the victims of this accused priest. Could it be that somebody is not taking these allegations serious or is somebody stonewalling? If this is the case, we would like to know why? Judy Jones, SNAP director Southeastern Ohio Marthasville, Mo. Subscribe to The Marietta Times

the morning paper stated that the pope was ashamed and that he would put in place the needed stops to never ordain a pedophile. The paper(Intelligencer 4-16-08)stated that Benedict pledged that pedophiles would not be priests in the Catholic Church. The paper qouted Him as saying, 'I am deeply ashamed and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future'. He goes on to state, ' We will absolutely exclude pedophiles from the sacred ministry. It is more important to have good priests than many priests. We will do everything possible to heal this wound '. So this is a step in the right direction. A very positive statement released today. This quote from the pope then answers the last posting. It also is the opposite of what was posted about side stepping and hiding. Let's hope that this visit to USA will forever change what has been done in America in the past in regards to procedures regarding the abuse. let us all pray that the pope will initiate his words immediately.

A priest should be removed after molesting just one child, not 33 or 3

just wondering, I don't know for sure, but according to David Clohessy, SNAP National Director, if any clergy have been accused and found to have been a false accusation, that case never makes it to trial. It is more likely that victims will not come forward with there abuse, there is so much fear of being chastised and treated terrible. It takes tremendous courage to be able to speak their abuse and accuse their preditor, it is easier to stay silent. The percentage of accusations that are found false is extremely low, and is weeded out before it even goes to trial. Tks for your question. Judy

I do not know Father Zalenski, nor do I know Beth Rocker, but from much research on the internet and many thoughts on the supposed events, I am not so sure he is guilty. He especially isnt guilty until proven so in a court of law. Has SNAP, in their radicalism forgotten that basic American right, INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY> They have tried, convicted and locked him away or worse for something No One except he and Beth know for sure or not whether it occurred. I know you mention in passing, Protestant and Jewish clergy, but let's face it, this group is on a Catholic priest witch hunt. Of course, we know they have had some bad ones, but who hasnt? And that doesn't make them all guilty. And who decided this poor girl is so honest and telling the absolute truth? By the way, when is she publishing her book and is Fr. Z a chapter in it?

to doubter, that is why this must be looked at by the county prosc. and decide if it goes to the grand jury and then poss to trial. this needs to be done for both parties involved. and for everyone else involved at many different levels. I agree with you, if gary zalenski is found to be innocent, it will be difficult for him to come out of this ok. if he is guilty, the justice system will then take over. if the alleged victim is telling the truth, she should be given all the help that she needs from everyone to heal, if that is possible. if she is found to be not telling the truth, then she must be dealt with by the court system and she may experience what he must be going thru since this started. tell us more about this book.

it was good to hear that pope met with some of the many victims of Boston archdio. two of the victims have said that they felt a step in the right direction and that the pope showed emotions. this is great for all involved. i understand he met and gave strict directives to his USA bishops about pedophile religious

Results of Pope's visit: (cut and paste to read article )...... ------http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lisnap215658711apr21,0,3987390.story------ "Group: Pope visit prompts new claims of abuse by priests" .... Victims of priest abuse are beginning to feel safer and more validated, therefore they do not need to be silent any longer. They also wish to be counted, they deserve so badly to be acknowledged for the burden which they have been dealt. Judy

Just wondering, I have no idea. What we do know is this: Prosecutor says it is still under investigation and that they are receiving cooperation. We have not gotten a clear answer as to whether the diocese has turned over the Zalenski documents which were supposedly subpoenaed over 2 months ago. We do not know what this means. We are just hoping with hope, that the prosecutor is doing all that he can, and that the diocese has turned over the documents. This is very important, because the diocese knows how many victims have accused Zalenski of abuse. They have the records. We are getting very concerned about the delay? Tks for inquiring, Judy

I sorry, but I can't give out that information.. tks, Judy

just inquiring, you have read this blog, and you most likely have read what has been made public in the news. You have made your conclusions from what you have read, I assume. If you wish to know more, you might try asking the prosecutor or the diocese these questions. There is no way that I would use this blog to jeopardize the confidentiality of any victim of abuse. SNAP does not do that. Like you posted before:.... "To doubter, that is why this must be looked at by the county prosc. and decide if it goes to the grand jury and then poss to trial. this needs to be done for both parties involved. and for everyone else involved at many different levels."..... I totally agree with you on that statement... Judy

judy, i did not ask for the release of names. i would never want a name released without that persons ok. i was just taken by the statement that there are other people who may be victims. other than the two people mentioned in this blog. i guess i am a lot suprised that there may be more. but, with all that in mind, please tell us how many more could be involved. i think people should know. like i said before even one child abused in unacceptable, but how many more? God forbid that there are many more. This must be stopped.

just inquiring and just wondering are not the same person just in case you were just wondering or just inquiring , just in case we all need a little humor today. ha ha ha.

Well, if just inquiring (uses all lower case) and just wondering are not the same person, they certainly seem to have very similar adendas, which are expressed very similarly. I'm not sure there's any concern for these victims. If they're reporters or church officials, they should go interview the alledged perpetrator again.

Marigold, Just because we have the same first name doesn't mean we are the same person. I beleive the word victims sounded greater than two in a prior entry from Judy and that stirred my interest. I have not heard of more than the original two and was asking Judy to clairify. Agenda, I have no agenda but to see this case have a conclusion.

I still would like Judy to tell us a number. as i have stated before, even one child is unacceptable. i think people need to know how many people have accused this priest of wrongdoing.

Judy, Timeline seems somewhat complete, I wonder how this compares to other Priests? Still wondering what you meant in previous entry.

Judy, What does SNAP do when someone comes forth? What happens if they don't want to go to the police to make a report?

judy, i respect your desire to keep confident info presented to you. that's admirable and as expected from a person in your capacity. it allows the program to work. with that in mind, i won't ask for a specific number. i will however let you know that now i am thinking that there are indeed more than two people who have accussed this priest of wrongdoing. i am sad, very sad. for a lot of reasons. victims especially. i will however hope that they are untrue. because if they are true, i have a hard time understanding why the church allowed for assignments all along. i am assumming that these more than two victims came forward since ordination. Is this correct to assume?

I've never heard that she accused other priests either, and I've known her most of her life.

destroying records should be a crime. but i guess not if they are property of the dioc. maybe there are no records to turn over.

Please let me clarify that I didn't say Beth accused other priests. My question was do the secret records contain the number of times a "victim" has accused other priests in her past. I would have no way to know if Beth has a track record of accusations. My point was that a (competent) Prosecutors investigating team will look for a pattern, to see if one exsists. Make sense now? Sorry for the confusion!

Sure! What I mean by looking for a pattern is examining BOTH sides of the coin. It is a given that the accused will have his/her background investigated. Surely you people don't think an accuser isn't under the microscope as well? The accuser's witnesses are also investigated to see just how credible they are. I'm not saying Beth is a habitual accuser, nor am I suggesting her witnesses are shady, but a COMPETENT investigation into past records of all complaints these people have ever made would only be the fair thing to do. Justice for all, remember?

For those of us who find it difficult to believe that our Church would destroy or refuse to release incriminating documents, I would like to inform you of a canon law whose (Godawful Latin) title escapes me, which states, in effect, that canon law supercedes civil law. This particular law allows church officials, with good conscience, to withold any and all documents or information that may 'bring scandal' to the Church. What church officials LEGAL standing is on this, I do not know. I know what I believe the MORAL position is; I think our way is clear, which may be also why some documents in the past have been released. There are well documented instances in RECENT history of the Church covering up charges of murder, with law enforcement's aid, as well as child molestation. Read "Sin, Shame, and Secrets: the Murder of a Nun, etc". Excellent book.

Dear All, ....It appears that everyone is forgetting one really, really urgent and important concern about this issue. Since last November 17th, when I learned that this priest was removed from his parish in Neffs, for credible allegations of sexually abusing a child, I worry so much that this man is still free and he is still free to abuse again, right now. My concern is for the young innocent kids who are still potential prey. I fear of learning about another victim who is being abused while we are arguing back and forth on this blog as to who is guilty or not. I am hoping that angels are watching over these kids. If I sound over zealous and concerned, please listen to the KMOX radio report that is posted on our web site. Then you will get a clue as to what I am talking about.....http://www.steubenvilletruth.org/..... tks, Judy

I beleive credible is a word the means something different in legal terms. The 3 biggest problems with this case are the length of time that has passed, the lack of additional victims and Beth's childhood. How many people must be monitored on accusations? How can we lite a fuse under the Prosecuter? Judy, have SNAP approach the Prosecuter again, ask what hold-up is.

Just let me jump in here. Again..... Is this man being convicted before being tried. Priest or not. He has not even been charged and you want him locked away so he doesn't "hurt any other kids" and we don't even know that he ever did anything. REMEMBER... innocent until proven guilty? I thought this was a bunch of priest bashers, but now I think it's Catholic bashers. There were many wrongs committed by some bad priests, but every priest, even every one that is accused, is not bad. Don't forget about some of the other denominations and their clergy. How about that nut Jeremiah Wright, who in my opinion should be tried for treason As for the book Beth is writing, maybe Zalenski is an interesting chapter. Problem being... Is the book fact or fiction?

For those of you who do NOT believe that the abuse within the catholic church is a big problem, please go to this web site..(below) click the 'data base' of accused priests. This is the list of priests who's names have been made public. It doesn't even include those accused priests are have not been made public. You will notice that there are not many who have been charged or spent time in jail. The only reason for this is because of the expiration of the 'statute of limitations'. The statute of limitations creates a predator friendly environment. ......cut and paste web site: http://www.bishopaccountability.org/

Just Wondering, I found the following article on a CNN link below that may answer some or your/our questions, below: Four percent of priests serving over last 50 years accused of abuse By Agostino Bono Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- About 4 percent of U.S. priests ministering from 1950 to 2002 were accused of sex abuse with a minor, according to the first comprehensive national study of the issue. The study said that 4,392 clergymen -- almost all priests -- were accused of abusing 10,667 people, with 75 percent of the incidents taking place between 1960 and 1984. During the same time frame there were 109,694 priests, it said. Sex-abuse related costs totaled $573 million, with $219 million covered by insurance companies, said the study done by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. It noted, however, that the overall dollar figure is much higher than reported; 14 percent of the dioceses and religious communities did not provide financial data and the total did not include settlements made after 2002, such as the $85 million agreed to by the Boston Archdiocese. The study, released in Washington Feb. 27, was commissioned by the U.S. bishops' National Review Board, which also released its own report at the same news conference on the causes of the clergy sex abuse crisis that has rocked the church for the past two years. The review board, named by the bishops and composed of prominent lay people, is monitoring compliance with the U.S. bishops' policies to prevent clergy sex abuse. The John Jay study concentrated on providing statistics about the nature and scope of the crisis. The study said the sharp decline in abuse incidents since 1984 coupled with the declining percentage of accusations against priests ordained in recent years "presents a more positive picture" than the overall statistics. It said that 68 percent of the allegations were made against priests ordained between 1950 and 1979, while priests ordained after 1979 accounted for 10.7 percent of the allegations. For the entire 52-year period "the problem was indeed widespread and affected more than 95 percent of the dioceses and approximately 60 percent of religious communities," said the study. The study was based on detailed questionnaires returned by 195 of the 202 dioceses, Eastern eparchies and other ecclesial territories tied to the United States. This 97 percent compliance was "an extraordinarily high response rate," said the study. The study also contains data from 60 percent of the religious communities in the United States representing 80 percent of the religious priests. At the news conference, Gerald Lynch, president of John Jay College, said the study was "accurate and comprehensive" regarding child sex abuse in the church. "This was not a sampling. We had an entire population," said Lynch. Karen Terry, John Jay principal investigator for the study, said that "it is possible the bishops are not giving us everything." But based on the data and church requests for help in getting information to researchers, "this was a good faith effort to provide information," she said. The number of permanent deacons accused was 41, about one-quarter of 1 percent of the permanent deacons ordained during the period. The number is so small that the survey includes the figure in the overall total for priests. Child sex abuse was more prevalent among diocesan clergy. Allegations were made against 4.3 percent of the diocesan priests and 2.5 percent of the religious priests, said the study. Of the total clergy accused, 929 were religious priests, it said. Regarding substantiated allegations against priests in ministry at the time, the most common action by church authorities was to send the priest for medical evaluation or treatment, said the study. No action was taken against a priest in 10 percent of the allegations, and in 6 percent of the allegations the priests were reprimanded and returned to ministry, reported the study. Other actions included suspending priests involved in 29 percent of the allegations and placing priests involved in 24 percent of the allegations on administrative leave, it said. The study listed the main characteristics of the sex abuse incidents reported. These included: -- An overwhelming majority of the victims, 81 percent, were males. The most vulnerable were boys aged 11 to 14, representing more than 40 percent of the victims. This goes against the trend in the general U.S. society where the main problem is men abusing girls. -- A majority of the victims were post-pubescent adolescents with a small percentage of the priests accused of abusing children who had not reached puberty. -- Most of the accused committed a variety of sex acts involving serious sexual offenses. -- The most frequent context for abuse was a social event and many priests socialized with the families of victims. -- Abuses occurred in a variety of places with the most common being the residence of the priest. "Like in the general population, child sex abuse in the Catholic Church appears to be committed by men close to the children they allegedly abuse, many appear to use grooming tactics to entice children into complying with the abuse, and the abuse occurs in the home of the alleged abuser or victim," said the study. Enticements included buying the minor gifts, letting the victim drive a car and taking youths to sporting events, said the study. The concentration of abuse was among a small percentage of the accused priests while most of the priests accused, 56 percent, had only one victim, said the study. A further 27 percent had two or three victims, it added. Slightly more than 3 percent of the accused priests had 10 or more victims and these 149 priests accounted for abuse of 2,960 victims, representing almost 28 percent of the allegations. Although most of the incidents occurred before 1985, two-thirds of the allegations have been reported since 1993. Regarding the drop-off in reported incidents after 1985, Robert Bennett, National Review Board member, said at the news conference that it was in part due to bishops becoming alarmed about the situation in the 1980s and '90s and starting to take preventive measures. John Jay's Terry, however, was cautious about the statistical drop-off. She noted that there is generally a lapse of several years between a sex abuse incident and the making of a public allegation. She said many allegations about events in the 1990s may not have been reported yet. The John Jay study said that pedophilia, an attraction to pre-pubescent children diagnosed as a psychiatric disease, was a smaller part of the sex abuse problem. It said that 22 percent of the victims were under 10. It added that 51 percent were 11 to 14 years old and 27 percent were 15 to 17 years old. Regarding offenses, the study cataloged more than 20 ranging from verbal harassment to penile penetration. It said that most of the abusers engaged in multiple types of abuses. Only 9 percent of the accused performed acts limited to improper touching over the victim's clothes, said the study. Slightly more than 27 percent of the allegations involved a cleric performing oral sex and 25 percent involved penile penetration or attempted penile penetration, reported the study. Most of the allegations involved touching over or under clothing. The study said sexual abuse "includes contacts or interactions between a child and an adult when the child is being used as an object of sexual gratification for the adult." It added that the abuse does not have to involve force or genital or physical contact. Almost one-third of the accused "showed a history of substance abuse, questions about his 'fitness for ministry' or behavioral problems," said the study. Almost 7 percent of the accused were reported to have been abused as children, it added. Regarding action by civil authorities, the study said that "3 percent of all priests against whom allegations were made were convicted and about 2 percent received prison sentences." The study said that the data gathered will be used for more detailed future reports and analysis on aspects of the clergy sex abuse situation. END -back to John Jay series main menu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service http://www.catholicnews.com/data/abuse/abuse09.htm

For those of you who are wondering about the Bishop's 'Secret Archives'... I have just spent about 2 hours reading this document which has just been posted on Bishop Accountibility, 'Abuse Tracker'.. I have heard of this decree which was sent to all Bishop from the vatican in 1962, on how the Bishops should handle that sex abuse issue. I am so angry, I can't even begin to say how I feel. The vatican has known about the abuse for so many years, and this is a decree that was issued to keep it secret, to protect the 'image of the church'.. there is NO mention of protecting those 'innocent little kids'. You will need some time to read this, and most likely it would take a cannon lawyer to completely understand all of it.. but it makes me cringe to think about. No wonder the diocese would NOT want to turn over these documnents to law enforcement....This order from the vatican is called..."Crimen Sollicitationis"...the link is below. You will need to cut and paste into your web address.... http://www.bishop-accountability.org/resources/resource-files/churchdocs/CrimenEnglish.pdf .... ick, Judy

If any of that stuff is true it will be uncovered and exposed in the investigation. What is the name of the book Beth wrote? I'll read it if there is one.

And, I would ask you, cthruyou, what was your relationship with Andy? I did not have one, but I bet from your defensiveness and your effort to blackmail someone to exonerate this priest that you had some sort of clandestine relationship with one or the other of them. My hands are clean. Are yours?

Marigold Marsh-You said you have known Beth most of her life..is there a book or not?

blog entries, like the one about a book that, according to judy, doesn't even exist can only make this terrible problem worse. this complaint needs to go to trial for closure. has anyone heard that fall this will all be over?

Is there a book being written or that hasn't been published?

To OhioGrandma, as to my knowledge, no, there has not been a book published. Judy is correct.

According to "Doubter/cthruyou," there is. She seems to have the only copy of the manuscript.

Oh please, the rantings haven't been coming from SNAP--what does Reverend Wright have to do with anything here on this blog?? I didn't read anyone from the SNAP group saying Zalenski should be locked up before a trial, just that he should not have access to children until there is a trial, since this accusation was considered a credible one. What's so 'radical' about that?

Thanks, Doubter, I found this website just now with the information that follows. Clearly, the book is unpublished and as one can read, the hope of the author to share the life of this childhood victim with others vulnerable, to establish a foundation for the protection and enrichment of their lives. The extracted quote follows the photo of an honors program for Beth and nine other Ohioans at Columbus State University. May her dream be achieved. May all children one day be safe! http://www.cscc.edu/update/Past/3.5.07.htm "Beth Rocker was in the eighth grade when her life was turned upside down by her mother's murder. She hopes to earn a Ph.D. in childhood trauma and resiliency, to publish her autobiography, "A Child's Voice," and to start a nonprofit foundation for children"

Personally, I would be ashamed to admit I am a liberal and even more ahsamed to admit I had ANYTHING in common with Jeremiah Wright. You people are dangerous radicals. More dangerous than the priests because you wreak havoc on more people. I exit this blog. I have patriotic Americans to communicate with.

I am a patriotic American, received my chaplain's training (A.C.P.E.) from Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Being patriotic is not syonomyous with being ignorant of all the facts which surround an issure. Below is an excerpt that best describes the historic patriotism of Dr. Jeremiah Wright. We may not agree with his defense of the system as he sees it, but if Dr. Martin Luther King were living, he might resound similar words, for all are not treated equal in 2008 anymore than they were in 1964. The abused and vulnerable seem to have no rights at against those who call themselves, patriotic, but are actually self-seeking individuals with much to gain from opening their minds and hearts to all the news, not small bytes of skewed, biased reporting. "Education and military service Jeremiah Wright (second from right, behind I.V. pole), in 1966, as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman. He is tending to President Lyndon Johnson, for which he was commended (see letter superimposed on photo).From 1959 to 1961, Wright attended Virginia Union University,[2] in Richmond. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's 1961 challenge to "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,"[11] Wright gave up his student deferment, left college and joined the United States Marine Corps and became part of the 2nd Marine Division attaining the rank of private first class. In 1963, after two years of service, Wright then transferred to the United States Navy and entered the Corpsman School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center.[12][7] Wright was then trained as a cardiopulmonary technician at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Wright was assigned as part of the medical team charged with care of President Lyndon B. Johnson (see photo of Wright caring for Johnson after his 1966 surgery). Before leaving the position in 1967, the White House Physician, Vice Admiral Burkley, personally wrote Wright a letter of thanks on behalf of the United States President.[13][14][15] In 1967 Wright enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1968 and a master’s degree in English in 1969. He also earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago Divinity School.[7] Wright holds a Doctor of Ministry degree (1990) from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he studied under Samuel DeWitt Proctor, a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr." [16] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Wright#Education_and_military_service

To Ohio Grandma. Yes, I knew about the book a couple years ago. I do not have a copy of it, nor did I reall the title. There would be no reason to include me in the book, for I was not part of the abuse. If the story is "The Cry of a Child," according to the Columbus State article, that would best describe the author's experiences of pain. Remember, the priest allegedly molested her at around age 10 and 11. And, that abuse may have set the stage for a life of pain, trying to understand why someone she trusted would so brutally attempt to force her into a compromising situation. The book would not be an attempt to dramatize the situation and thereby gain an audience, as some might want to believe, but a sharing of the pain of clergy sexual abuse that needs to come to light, in order to help other victims face and deal with their similar situations. And, then, the hope that any proceeds might help with the establishment of the fund set forth in the article, to benefit children. Beth has suffered great emotional and physical trauma, but she has survived, as many victims do, but in a very determined fashion, having received many accolades nationally and internationally, which may be viewed at her website. She is a credit to our community, not someone to be looked down upon and trampled on because she has revealed a chapter in her life that involved being the victim of Gary Zalenski. And, she will rise even higher after the hearings are past and the man is charged and serving his time, if he is found guilty. And, regardless, Beth will survive, for there are those who love her and feel her pain. And, many more survivors will come forth, as they feel less threatened, following Benedict's statements. I know this was a circular answer, but there is much that I do not know, and what I do know is sufficient to care deeply for the goals and hopes of this survivor and for her right to bring to publication her work. And, like you, I will read it soon as I can get my hands on it!

cthruyou, I will reiterate, I do not have even a page of Beth's book. Sorry. Beth knows who has those couple CDs, and I do not have anything related to the book. Guess you must have been one of a select group of two or three who received one.

Sad, patriot, that you would see liberals as being communist. Better check your dictionary for a better definition.

Don't claim liberals are the only ones concerned, I'm sure liberals are equally guilty of this crime. One more thing, Reverand Wright is not on the same page as Dr. King was, he's not even in the same book.

Karen, thank you for your words, and I think that they truly reflect what I have felt today, with the lack of compassion and understanding that is shown to victims, which was the original purpose of this blog: that victims might have a safe venue through which to express their pain and perhaps be encouraged to seek legal intervention. Instead, it's become a mudslinging arena, and I feel that enough mud has been thrown my direction today to last a lifetime. I will still support those who need my guidance, prayers, trust and direction, but to longer be a scapegoat for those who seem aligned on the side of the accused, totally blind to the facts. And, so with this message, I conclude my participation on this blog. I will no longer be reading the entries, for I have other more essential work to complete for others who need and respect my services as an editor, advocate and friend. Blessing and prayers for all who have expressed your pain and your angst. And, Peace!

Thomas Jefferson stated that the first duty of the patriot is to question the government; please remember that, while not very many of us (white people) may agree with Wright's statements, he remains free to make them. Calling for his expulsion from our great country does not make you a "patriot", and you remain off topic for this blog. I was unable to read any defense of Wright's statements in Marsh's comments; what I interpreted in them to mean was that Wright is a complex individual. Unclench, already.

sounds like this is getting really hairy. i think we should look to God for foregiveness and let's try to be a little nicer in this blog.

Does Zelenski get a free lawyer from the church to defend him or does he have to hire his own?

Ohio Grandma, I advised and encouraged Marigold privately to sign off this blog permanently because of the cruel responses to many of her posts. It was not her job to "balance" unbalanced people's comments, nor should she be expected to return to endure such treatment. As an added pooint of clarification, she knows exactly what is in store for her if there ever is a trial, but I believe she has the inner strength to endure it, and she will have my support and encouragement throughout, if she needs or wants it. Heaven knows, people here haven't supported her.

We are all free to express our opinions here; my own hope was that we would be able to do that in a civil manner, while staying on the topic. If you are able to read some of these past postings and consider them to be balanced as well as civil, and defend them as such, then I'm not certain that you understand the definitions of the words "dangerous" or "radical". However, if any of you feel better after calling others names and vilifiying them, by all means, go ahead and do so. Just don't expect others to continue to tolerate it and attempt to call them back for more of the same treatment. We were admonished by our Lord to love one another, and this is what I am attempting to do. It is my fervant hope that you will all do the same.

Does what make sense, Karen? Your belief that this case won't ever go to court? Let me say I did go back and scan through alot of YOUR postings since you suggested I may not understand the meanings of "dangerous" and/or "radical." And after doing this, I will stand by my opinion that your thinking may absolutely prompt a comment like "dangerous radicals." You can't encourage people to offer compassion and heartfelt prayers to BOTH the accused and the accuser and then turn around and question whether someone with an opinion other than yours is truly being guided by their morals---after they have said that they are! Radicals cross the line. Dangerous radicals cross the line and go straight to the extreme to make their point at all costs. Good Grief...you even remind the bloggers that Christ was very clear about the penalty for judging others! Perhaps you should be practicing what you are preaching. If you believe this case won't ever go to court, then why are you here?

Angry? No, just trying to stay on the centerline of the field, Judy. My belief system is not being jeopardized in any way. Is it that difficult to believe that a person can remain in the middle until the facts are in? When did I say anything to intimidate or berate Marigold? And what on Earth did I say that would make anyone think or feel like my punching bag? I have not called anyone names and I am certainly not taking anything out on Karen. If drawing her attention to things SHE has said has upset her, then you should be asking her why. I don't doubt she has good reason to think the way she does...I figured so. Now, YOU breathe! Let me say once again, I don't know Zelenski. And no, I'm not being affected by him or another priest. But I will continue to believe in our justice system, and that there MUST be enough evidence against the guy before a jury finds him guilty. He deserves a FAIR trial.

No, hello...I have never been anyone but OhioGrandma on this blog.

OhioGrandma, if you don't know Zalenski or anyone who is connected to hin or this topic, why are you posting on this site? Why waste your time on something that you really do not have any knowledge or interest in...? Judy

It's all right Judy, I'm not upset, but I do believe I've upset HER. That really was not my intent; I believe that we are all entitled to express our opinions here (in a civil manner), whether we can agree with each other or not. Ohio Grandma refers to me questioning 'guided's opinion; that was not what I was doing. I simply objected to 'guided's tendency to club Marigold Marsh over the head with his/her opinion. I would have thought that was clear.

Letter to editor, published in Steubenville Herald ------ May 2nd --- <http://www.hsconnect.com/page/content.detail/id/502223.html?nav=5007> ----------"Hurt runs very deeply"------------- To the editor: I have followed the articles and letters to the editor about parishioners in the Diocese of Steubenville who have become very upset, frustrated and even angry with Bishop R. Daniel Conlon’s decision to go ahead and build his new mega cathedral. I also read about his decision to close schools and churches which our families have worked so hard to create. I now read about your disgust with this bishop’s decision to move dedicated parish priests whom parishioners have grown to love and cherish. I am writing this letter to all of you who are feeling the pain of deceit, the pain of lack of trust, the pain of being manipulated and the pain of being used and abused. Now you feel just like the victims who have been sexually abused, manipulated and then re-abused by the leaders of this diocese. Now you know the painful feeling of realizing that this bishop does NOT care about his flock. You now know the pain of being dismissed, and the anger that this bishop seems to only care about himself and his legacy. I like the quote from a letter that appeared April 26 (“People praying for guidance”): “What example is the bishop giving to the youth? If you don’t agree with the bishop he will get rid of you? Is that what a good shepherd does to his flock?” This quote also connects with those victims who are being ignored, those victims who’ve been refused help and those victims who are still afraid to speak up. This quote can also affect those good priests who are serving in the diocese. Those priests most likely have been told to keep quiet about the sex abuse crises, otherwise they will be demoted, or threatened with punishment. Could this be the reason that there are no priests in this diocese who have ever spoken up or have shown compassion toward victims of abuse? Along with being moved out of their parishes, do these priests feel trapped and have no freedom of speech? There must be some good, honest priests within this diocese who care, who feel for the victims, who wish for the secrets to stop, who even have witnessed abuse of a child, yet not one ever speaks up in the victims’ behalf. Why? I am writing on behalf of the many victims who feel just like you loyal parishioners: Betrayed, angry, untrusting, depressed and abused. We are listening to all of you, and we feel your frustration deep in our souls. We too, are hoping that Conlon was paying attention to the pope: “It is your God-given responsibility as pastors to bind up the wounds caused by every breach of trust, to foster healing, to promote reconciliation and to reach out with loving concern to those so seriously wronged.” (From the pope’s text to the bishops, Washington, D.C., April.) I speak and write this letter for all of those who have been hurt so badly by this bishop. Judy Jones Director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests of Southeastern Ohio Marthasville, Mo.

Excellent letter, Judy--you go, girl. I was very heartened by the Holy Father's statement to American Bishops, exhorting them to bind up the wounds, etc. I was also (pleasantly) surprised that he met with victims. I wish he had gone to Boston, though. It would have been a nice gesture, too. I am feeling cautiously optimistic about things changing for the better.

I commented on Dr? Wright. I disagreed with Marsh and Jones and had the nerve to express an opinion. And I (God forbid) even expressed the fact that it could be Rocker lying rather than the priest. I was blasted and more or less told that I was off the subject and invited off the blog. Sorry, I'm back. Marsh is not. She can't take her own medicine. Did Ohio Grandma run her out? Can she not handle other opinions? Can she not handle the truth? Since we are supposed to stay on the subject, I assume thast means all of us, which is "The Belmont County Priest Is Innocent?" Correct? Then get off the subject of the placement of priests and the new Catholic Cathedral. What has that got to do with Rocker/ Zalenski? Follow your own rules. Unless you are Catholic and a member of the Steubeniville Diocese , what goes on with these topics is none of your business anyway, at least not on this blog.

Hi Patriot, your statement: "Then get off the subject of the placement of priests and the new Catholic Cathedral. What has that got to do with Rocker/ Zalenski? " and “ Unless you are Catholic and a member of the Steubenville Diocese, what goes on with these topics is none of your business anyway, at least not on this blog.”-------- I believe placement of priests and new cathedral subject might have a lot to do with Rocker/Zalenski. Since I got involved with SNAP in 2003 and have gotten to know survivors of priest abuse, I have learned a lot. 1.) If the Bishop did not have some darn good evidence to remove Zalenski from his parish duties because of a credible allegation of abuse of a minor, do you think that he would dare lose another priest? The churches are closing because of a shortage of priests, at least that is what he says. He needs all the priests that he can get. 2.) Also, I have never seen such anger and mistrust of the Steubenville catholic community about their Bishop. But I have seen a lot of anger and mistrust among Steubenville survivors who have tried like heck to get this Bishop to even listen to them. After reading so many news articles and letters over the past few months about this topic of ‘new cathedral and church closings’ and ‘the way the bishop is handling this diocese’, I could see that same feeling of pain and frustration with the Steubenville catholic community. They now finally know what it feels like to be treated so badly by a bishop who just does not care. I have talked with so many victims of abuse, that it would make your head spin. Yet, when I learned of Conlon’s press release that Zalenski was removed, I was totally shocked. I did not know anything about Zalenski or Beth before that day on Nov 17th. This was a new one. Now, we are wondering what the hold up is in getting this case to the grand jury. The diocese has everything to do with this case. They have the answers. A new cathedral is about the last thing that this diocese should be thinking about, they have a lot more problems that should be taken care of NOW. This Beth/Zalenski case is only one, there are many who are watching this and waiting to see what happens. There has not just been one incident of abuse in this diocese, I know of many. There are also those who still will not speak up, and they are not helping themselves or others.---------Several months ago, we/SNAP tried to buy a ad in the church bulletin to reach out to victims who were abused by Fr Robert A Brown. This priest had harmed many, many young boys. When we requested to buy an ad in the church bulletin, we were flat out refused. We were not at all asking them to do the ad for free, yet they still refused. WHY?... So now, if you drive up Hwy 7, near Bridgeport, you will notice that SNAP has now purchased a billboard. We received a sizable donation from an unhappy catholic who wanted to help us to reach out and find all the others who are still suffering in silence and shame. My letter to the editor (that I posted on this blog) was a way to let parishioners know that we need your help and we also feel your pain. We ask all who care about victims who were manipulated, coerced, and abused by the worst kind of predator, a holy priest, to help. We also ask all parishioners to help to uncover the secrets in this diocese, otherwise there kids are still not safe. If the secret structure within does not change, the abuse of kids in the church will not change. It still continues as we speak. I grew up in Woodsfield, Ohio.. went to catholic school, and even got married in this diocese. I have many family members who still live in the Ohio Valley. I have many relatives who were sexually abused in this diocese. That is what I have to do with this issue. That is why I will do whatever I can to get this abuse stopped. I hope that this helps you to understand. Tks, Judy

What's wrong, patriot, did FOX news go off the air?

And this is Peek a Boo and I am still waching you and all the arguing going on, Oh what fun we have when the heat gets on, Grandma you are to old to be shouting your opinion about anything. And you are wanting Marigold to come back on well I need to tell you all Marigold is a very educated Lady and I mean Lady, and she doesn't need this in her life nor does Judy or Karen all we should want is the truth and our dear Bishop does not care about the kids or the truth if he did he would have sent the necessary papers and we would be in the court right now Just thought I would let you dear souls know this is Peek a Boo signing off until it gets real hot again

Judy, I wonder why Grandma persists in misspelling Zalenski's name. She also seems to be moving further and further from her stated position in the centerline of the field. Maybe she could let me know what I think/how I feel about that. Just curious.

Nagy.... The only word for you is nasty. Judy.... Your word is class. Marsh.... You are distrubed...

I think you meant FAUX News earlier.