Former Marist Teacher Charged Part 2 - Kostka

That is a very long Hypothetical question. I’ll take the first bit:
“Stonefish or – anyone who has an opinion – HYPOTHETICALLY speaking; if a young female (+16yo) had a “voluntary” ongoing (for years) sexual relationship with a priest in a small clerical community, and at least SOME of the other members of the community were aware of this relationship, could that awareness and acceptance go towards supporting the current Lyons’ victims’ claims that there was an ongoing, across the board cover-up of all things dodgy?”

The relationship between the young lady and the priest was consensual, and she was not underage. Although morally wrong, what they did was not criminal. Lyons etc were in another category altogether. The priest had a sexually mature partner. Lyons, Kosta etc had underage victims.

I’d be surprised if Mr Parkinson would consider your situation of assistance, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask him.

Firstly, I empathise with the anger and pain and feelings of isolation left as a result of the abusive situations which have tormented so many of you guys from MCC, despite the recent cases of these abusers finally coming to light. I can’t help but draw the literal imagery of the b@stards being dragged out from behind the cassocks of the provincial superiors who covered them up for so long. My comment may be of no help whatsoever, and I hope to God that it doesn’t create more angst for me or anyone else, but I will never know if I never do it. This is a huge risk which I am still not comfortable with but I feel I must say something if it can help expose the ones responsible for giving him safe harbour and leaving a woman with a past which is unbearable to acknowledge.

Stonefish or – anyone who has an opinion – HYPOTHETICALLY speaking; if a young female (+16yo) had a “voluntary” ongoing (for years) sexual relationship with a priest in a small clerical community, and at least SOME of the other members of the community were aware of this relationship, could that awareness and acceptance go towards supporting the current Lyons’ victims’ claims that there was an ongoing, across the board cover-up of all things dodgy?

If this young female, while still at college had mentioned details of relationship to another priest (not in a confessional situation) would that priest have been bound to report it to somebody – anybody?

If members of said community were aware of ongoing indiscretions of said priest, ie consumption of alcohol while in charge of minors as well as aforesaid relationship/s while being a teacher receiving an allowance (which would indicate to me a sure sign of being “employed”), would it be of any benefit to the victims regarding the Lyons case or would it simply be muckraking for the sake of kicking the b@stards while they’re down?

If a lawyer helping these victims were to track down this fraud-priest, who, after his subsequent relationship with a married female teacher which went kaput, left the order, relocated, married and now has a collection of unknowing christian admirers on facebook; would it be possible for this ex-priest to be forced to shed light on his actions and who knew about them?

If a lawyer helping these victims were to locate OTHER members of the clerical community who were present at the time, and who apparently came to physical blows with another priest over alcoholism, and perhaps, other matters; could his ‘confession’ help these victims prove there was a policy of blind indifference if not specific denial?
Or would it all be pointless?

All hypothetically speaking, of course.

At one point in 92/93 a clergy abuse case of an affiliated brother, which had/has still managed to slip under the public radar, was being discussed in the presence of “My Friend”. My Friend (MF) made the comment that it was common knowledge amongst the students of the time of the events that these incidents were occurring. The response, from the ‘partner in grime’ was along the lines that, “…there’s no way XX would do anything like that…” (MF thought to herself; why not? You kinda are.) The irony.

I acknowledge that this situation pales in comparison to the disgusting, horrendous torment inflicted upon you guys. I am embarrassed to think that perhaps it is only unresolved ‘issues’ and vengeance that has given MF the balls to say anything at all. BUT, these abusers belong to the same club and they knew. At least SOME of them knew. Even if they were in public denial – THEY KNEW. I acknowledge that some of you might be tempted to say, “big deal, you asked for it” but for those who can accept whatever help ensues from MAYBE sending the right people in the right direction to ask the right questions, MF is just trying to help – and maybe ease her conscience at the same time.

She has to live with the guilt that she helped to create a situation that continues to torment her 25 years on. You guys were victims. MF should have extricated herself earlier. MF should have run away yelling at the top of her lungs. But she didn’t. And all the psycho crap in the world (which they partly paid for in the end) will never erase the effects of being young and naïve and being abused by someone in a position of trust.

Jason Parkinson did state in the press some time ago that he was lodging civil cases relating to 5 teachers at the school, although he only specifically named Kostka and Lyons at the time. I urge you to contact Jason with any infortmaion you have on Shaw. I’ve spoken to Jason several times now and do trust him – he will respect your anonymity if you wish it.

Can I please ask all ex-Marist students reading this, and even those who weren’t at Marist but are concerned about this issue, to go to the RA Thread titled “Creation of a Marist Ex-students and Families lobby Group – Interest sought”.

Its only by Marist old boys and their friends, families and teachers breaking their silence, coming forward and offering their piece of the puzzle that the efforts to uncover and treat the problem at Marist can move forward. Many have already, but I suspect many more are needed. Hopefully a healing process for all involved.

I would HIGHLY recommend that you contact the lawyer at the centre of the civil cases to share your story: Jason Parkinson of Porters Lawyers. Very approachable guy. Every little bit of information helps.

el – yes, there are. But the case will be tried in the Supreme Court of the ACT, not on this or any other forum.
In post #7 I responded to Canberra Gardiner, and used the following expression:
“The pros and cons of each are many”
with reference to different legal remedies.
One of the “cons” of the class action is that it will likely be vigourously defended, and will take significant time.
Given what I’ve read so far, a quick settlement is not on anyone’s agenda!

The Australian also said that Marist are trying to use every loop hole they can, reliying on the Ellis case (NSW) to claim that Priest and Brothers are not Agents of the church and therefore the church cannot be sued for thier wrong doing. Dodgy.

Appalling.

But surely the ‘agents of the church’ argument is irrelevant? They were SCHOOL TEACHERS FFS. Any legal eagles here?

Sins of the Brothers
Canberra Times

http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/news-features/sins-of-the-brothers/799661.aspx

Pontiff has chance to lift the church’s pall of shame
The Australian.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23933517-28737,00.html

Lots of press coverage on the Marist and Daramalan Child Sex Abuse cases.

Canberra Times – Forum alluded to a number of facts, but one I didn’t know, was that apparently Kostka taught Lyons in Primary school. Interesting.

The Australian also said that Marist are trying to use every loop hole they can, reliying on the Ellis case (NSW) to claim that Priest and Brothers are not Agents of the church and therefore the church cannot be sued for thier wrong doing. Dodgy.

Also The Australian – Insider has a long article about Child Abuse in Canberra Churchs and Schools, and refers to the Marist and Daramalan cases as well. An interesting background read.

I will try and find the links

Skid: I’ve tried contacting the Old Boys Assoc. on several occasions only to be met with silence. As for the formation of an alternate Old Boys, I think it’d be good, if only to piss-off the school. I’m just wary of investing $ in an advert in the CT for a meeting only for me and you (and possibly a few others on RA) to be the only ones to turn up. That said, I’m more than happy to discuss if you think this we’d get a good turn-out!