Convention of Catholic priests sparks action from abuse victims

A Catholic priest convention is underway in downtown Palm Springs tonight. And one group that's not allowed to speak at the convention is a sexual abuse victim's group. NewsChannel 3 has more on the convention at Hotel Zoso.

The overwhelming majority of Catholic priests do not abuse anybody, but it is the few that have and how to deal with the damage they've caused that's sparked a controversy in Palm Springs.

Joelle Castex meets people in front of Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs, handing out fliers to those who will listen to her story.

"I was abused at a Catholic high school in Orange County named Mater Dei. I was sexually abused by a choir teacher there, not a priest, but this teacher was protected by the same environment and network that also protected the priests."

Members of the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy were inside the Hotel Zoso for their annual convention. Management would not allow us inside to see. The members of this abuse survivors group wanted a chance to talk to the convention.

"We are inviting members of the convention to come and talk to us, hear our stories, ask us questions, find out what happened and see what they can do to help their parishioners."

David lives in Palm Springs and recalls when a priest, who was not in the desert, molested him. In 2005, NewsChannel 3 told you of Father Jesus Dominquez, who fled his Coachella church after being charged with molesting teens.

"What he did to me was just unspeakable, to even think about or I wouldn't even want to talk about it on TV, but it's what it did to my life, it just gave me a whole shame-based life."

The Catholic convention organizers responded saying that, while they could not change their convention schedule on such short notice, they would welcome a meeting in Chicago, where both organizations are headquartered.

Until then, these abuse survivors say they will continue to take their cause on the streets.

The convention continues tomorrow. The Catholic group will focus on how priests can work with church volunteers. The abuse support group will have quilts on the sidewalks with the pictures of around 150 victims nationwide.