reorganization

The Diocese of St. Cloud and survivors of clergy sexual abuse have reached agreement on a framework for a resolution of all clergy sexual abuse claims against the diocese and area parishes.

A U.S. bankruptcy judge gave final approval March 10 to a $34 million settlement agreement between 93 victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse and the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, as well as parishes within the diocese.

A bankruptcy judge approved a $39.2 million settlement Oct. 21 between the Diocese of Duluth and victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Members of the diocesan Presbyteral Council heard reports about the diocese’s pastoral planning process, adult lay education efforts and the diocese’s plan to file for bankruptcy reorganization at their meeting Sept. 18 at the Chancery in St. Cloud.

Bishop Donald Kettler met Feb. 28 in Albany with pastors and parish representatives from all 131 parishes in the Diocese of St. Cloud to inform them of the diocese’s plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, although no filing date has been set. He said the decision followed much prayer and discussion over the last 21 months, including ongoing consultation with attorneys for the diocese and for victims/survivors.

No date has been set yet for the filing, according to a news release from the diocese.

The Crosier Fathers and Brothers Province, Inc., Crosier Fathers of Onamia and the Crosier Community of Phoenix, Arizona, have filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filing was made June 1 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota.

Bishop John LeVoir of New Ulm said March 3 he asked diocesan attorneys to take the action in response to the enactment of the 2013 Minnesota Child Victims Act