REPORTS TO: Direct Line: Bishop of Rochester Dotted Line: Vicar General SUPERVISES: Associate Director Coordinator of Migrant Ministry Regional Coordinator of Migrant Ministry (Wayne County) Regional Coordinator of Migrant Ministry (NW Monroe/Livingston Counties) Pastoral Minister for Migrant Ministry (Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga Counties) Project Manager Migrant Ministry Project Coordinator Life Issues and Cultural Ministries […]
St. Louis Church is seeking a self-motivated individual with well-developed communication skills, to work collaboratively with pastoral staff with the development and promotion of teams/ events focused on discipleship, fellowship, and stewardship. The Associate (full-time, non-exempt position, 35hrs.) functions as an integral member of the parish staff and shares in the decision-making, planning, and implementation […]
St. Louis Church is seeking an energetic, self-motivated individual with well-developed communication skills, to work both alone and collaboratively with pastoral and office staff in this part-time position. The individual will be responsible for a variety of administrative and support tasks for the various ministries. Responsibilities include: Opening/ Closing the office Greeting all visitors to […]
St. Louis Church is seeking a self-motivated individual with well-developed communication skills, to work collaboratively with pastoral staff with the development and promotion of teams/ events focused on discipleship, fellowship, and stewardship. The Associate (full-time, non-exempt position, 35hrs.) functions as an integral member of the parish staff and shares in the decision-making, planning, and implementation […]
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Holy Trinity Church is seeking a full-time (35 hours/week) Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant provides secretarial & clerical support to the Pastor, staff and various ministries, committees, and boards. Enters sacramental records in parish record book, prepares and mails sacramental certificates and performs receptionist duties, while serving at the reception desk. Answers incoming calls and […]
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November 3, 2022 1
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Update
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What was announced on November 3, 2022?
A1. The Diocese of Rochester has filed a motion seeking approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Western District of New York of a Restructuring Support Agreement between the Diocese and the Committee of Unsecured Creditors that would outline how survivors of sexual abuse would ultimately be compensated for claims brought against the Diocese and related Catholic entities.
Q2. Was this the only way to settle these claims and address the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy faced by the Diocese?
A2. The Diocese believed that filing Chapter 11 and working to negotiate this Restructuring Support Agreement was the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable for the Diocese to continue its mission. Long term litigation costs and settlements or jury awards would have far exceeded the resources which the Diocese has or could obtain to settle or litigate these claims.
Q3. Who would pay for the settlement of these claims?
A3. Under the Restructuring Support Agreement submitted to the Court, future recoveries by the Trust from insurance companies who provided coverage to the Diocese, its parishes, and other related Catholic entities during the time of abuse are expected to provide for potential additional financial recovery for the benefit of survivors. The Diocese’s participation in this Trust would be $55 million and would be made up by participation from the Diocese, the parishes, and related entities; this funding is still in the process of being completed.
Q4. How much will the insurance carriers pay toward to settlement of claims?
A4. It is anticipated that insurance companies which provided coverage at the time of the abuse will provide for potential additional recoveries for the benefit of survivors.
November 3, 2022 2
Frequently Asked Questions (con’t)
Q5. I thought the parishes and related Catholic entities were not part of the Chapter 11 filing?
A5. They were not part of the Chapter 11 filing. However, they were named in individual lawsuits, and bear substantial risk of direct liability to claimants in individual state court actions. To reach an acceptable settlement, $55 million will be provided by the Diocese and the related Catholic entities to the Trust to fund payments to survivors from the Trust.
Q6. Why are parishes and other related Catholic entities participating in the $55 million?
A6. As noted above, individual parishes and other related Catholic entities were named in individual lawsuits and bear substantial risk of direct liability to claimants in individual state court actions. These actions pose a significant threat to the parishes and other related entities.
Q7. Where will the $55 million come from?
A7. Contributions of the $55 million represent the participation of all of the Diocese of Rochester’s unrestricted funds, as well as funds from the parishes and other related Catholic entities, the amounts of which are still being determined.
Q8. What is the benefit of participation by the parishes and other related Catholic entities?
A8. The parishes and other related entities will benefit from their participation by obtaining a “channeling injunction,” which will channel existing and future claims to the Trust established for this purpose.
Q9. Are these all the costs associated with this case?
A9. No. To date, the Diocese has incurred more than $12 million in fees to benefit the Diocese and other related Catholic entities. The Diocese and related entities will continue to incur costs, including legal fees, associated with the implementation of the Restructuring Support Agreement and reorganization plan. The parishes and other related entities have also accrued costs for their own legal representation and analysis.
Q10. What impact will this Agreement have on the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA)?
A10. None. CMA contributions will not be used to fund this Restructuring Support Agreement.
November 3, 2022 3
Frequently Asked Questions (con’t)
Q11. Will the Diocese close any parishes or sell parish property to pay for this Settlement?
A11. Over the past 25 years, separate and difficult decisions have been made to merge parishes and/or close churches due to factors such as declining attendance, unused and underused buildings, and an aging community. As with all dioceses, that assessment will be ongoing.
Q12. How do I ensure that my gift and/or planned gift to the Diocese is not used to pay settlements?
A12. Restricted gifts can only be used for the purpose for which they were given. You may want to speak to your attorney or estate planner about how to make a restricted gift to the Diocese.
Q13. Will the Diocese need to reduce its workforce as a result of the Restructuring Support Agreement?
A13. It is not our desire to reduce our workforce. However, ongoing financial realities, which were also impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and financial market downturn have required significant personnel changes while still trying to maintain the same level of service to our parishes and related Catholic entities. These challenges and efforts will continue.
Q14. What happens next?
A14. The Bankruptcy Court will consider our filing and proposed Restructuring Support Agreement. If the Court agrees with our approach to addressing these claims, creditors and other parties of interest will be asked to vote on the plan and the Diocese will ask the Court to approve it.
There are a number of steps remaining in this matter; however, it is our hope that we can complete the steps necessary and ultimately emerge from Chapter 11 mid-summer to early fall 2023 as this will mark the fourth year of Bankruptcy which has been so painful for all parties concerned, especially the survivors.
11/3/22
NEWS RELEASE
Issued Nov. 3, 2022
Contact: Deacon Ed Giblin 585.328.3228, x 1237
Diocese Files Proposed Restructuring Support Agreement with U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Seeks Formation of a Trust to Compensate
Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Rochester, NY – The Diocese of Rochester has filed a motion seeking approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York of a Restructuring Support Agreement (“RSA”).
The RSA represents a comprehensive settlement with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the case, which, if approved by the Bankruptcy Court, will pave the way for the Diocese to emerge from Chapter 11. Among other things, the plan is expected to (a) establish a trust for the benefit of survivors of sexual abuse, (b) provide for participation by the Diocese, its parishes and related Catholic entities in the amount of $55 million to compensate survivors of sexual abuse, and (c) provide for potential additional recoveries for the benefit of survivors from insurance issued to the Diocese, its parishes and other related Catholic entities.
If the RSA is approved by the Bankruptcy Court, the Diocese will then present to the Court with the full support of the Committee a plan of reorganization that tracks its terms. Following approval by the Bankruptcy Court of the general terms of the RSA, creditors and other parties in interest will be asked to vote on the plan and the Diocese will then seek final approval from the Court.
“We believe that this Restructuring Support Agreement represents the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable path forward for the Diocese and its related Catholic entities to continue our shared mission of healing and reconciliation,” Bishop Salvatore R. Matano said. “Once again, while I know my words may seem hollow, simply repeating a rehearsed apology, I renew with sincerity my deep apology to the survivors of sexual abuse. The history of sexual abuse of children in our Church has caused tremendous pain, hardship, alienation, and understandable anger. It has seriously impacted survivors, their families, our priests and others in diocesan ministries who had no part in these egregious acts. This chapter in the life of our Church has also impacted everyone who has felt their own faith shaken by those who violated a sacred trust to protect the vulnerable and live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
“We believe that this Restructuring Support Agreement represents the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable path forward for the Diocese and its related Catholic entities to continue our shared mission of healing and reconciliation.”
~Bishop Matano
Letter to the Faithful
11/3/22
-more-
More than 450 sexual abuse claims have been filed in this case. The claims relate to instances of abuse that occurred many years ago and even decades before the Chapter 11 case was filed.
For over 20 years, the Diocese has closely followed the Safe Environment protocols established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in its Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People to ensure the safety of our children and to protect them from harm, including the establishment of an independent review board in 1993. Independent auditors have repeatedly found the Diocese to be in compliance with each annual review. The Diocese is not aware of any incidents of sexual abuse of a minor since 2006.
The Bankruptcy Court will consider the Diocese’s filing and proposed Restructuring Support Agreement. If the Court agrees with the approach to addressing these claims, creditors and other parties of interest will be asked to vote on the plan and the Diocese will ask the Court to approve it.
It is the Diocese’s hope that it can complete the steps necessary and ultimately emerge from Chapter 11 sometime mid-summer to early fall 2023, as this will mark the fourth year of Bankruptcy which has been so painful for all parties concerned, especially the survivors.
A detailed FAQ on today’s announcement can be accessed at www.dor.org, along with Bishop Matano’s letter to the faithful and other key resources.
-end-
Opening for a full time Pastoral Associate at Our Mother of Sorrows and Holy Cross Community, Rochester NY. Position would involve ministering in both churches, assisting with the funeral Ministry, RCIA, home visitation, baptismal preparation, parish outreach, and liturgical ministries. Experience requirement: 3-5 years of experience as a Pastoral Associate. Master’s in Pastoral Ministry or […]
CATECHETICAL LEADER III DIR OF FAITH FORMATION/YOUTH MINISTRY LOCATION: JOHN OF ROCHESTER REPORTS TO: PASTOR FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT POSITION DESCRIPTION: This position serves parish families and their children from baptism to young adulthood in rooting and developing a relationship of faith with Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition. This is a comprehensive process […]
The Financial Analyst and Internal Audit position is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve Diocesan entities (parishes, schools, cemeteries and campus ministries) operations. It helps Diocesan entities accomplish their objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management and control. The […]
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By God’s Providence, as the United States Supreme Court today released their decision in
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, I was with the Sisters of Life at their
Motherhouse in New York preparing to celebrate Holy Mass for them for the Renewal of
Vows of ten sisters; tomorrow I will celebrate Holy Mass for the First Procession of seven
Sisters of Life. In addition to professing the usual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience,
the Sisters of this Community profess a fourth vow, to protect and enhance the sacredness of
human life. The Sisters pray and serve, counsel and support women in their decision for life
and open their hearts to those who seek consolation and reconciliation for past serious
decisions for which they now seek healing. The strong, visible, and prayerful witness of the
Sisters of Life inspires all people to affirm the sacred dignity of all human life, from
conception until natural death.
I ask that all our parishes and diocesan charitable agencies renew and expand their services to
women and children so that mothers can bring their children into this world with peace and
tranquility and always knowing they are never abandoned.
I join with my brother bishops of New York State in giving thanks to God for today’s
decision as we continue to pray and work earnestly for a true culture of life to flourish not
only in our state but also all around the world, that the Divine Image in all human life is
recognized, respected, and affirmed. (Cf. The following Statement by the Catholic Bishops of
New York State).
‘We Give Thanks to God’
A statement on the Dobbs decision by the Catholic Bishops of New York State
We give thanks to God for today’s decision of the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s
Health Organization. This just decision will save countless innocent children simply waiting to be born.
On this historic day, our gratitude extends to the millions of heroic Americans who have worked tirelessly
toward this outcome for nearly a half-century. Women and men, children and adults, believers and non-
believers, people of every culture and background have advocated for life. They have been a charitable and
compelling voice for the voiceless, and today, their voice has been heard.
As Catholics, we have prayed and fasted, held vigils, offered Masses, and peacefully witnessed in these last
five decades. We have joined others in educating schoolchildren, opening pregnancy care centers, walking
with mothers, offering post-abortion counseling, and marching, year after year, to the United States Supreme
Court to witness for life. Today, our voice has been heard.
With the entire pro-life community, we are overjoyed with this outcome of the Court. However, we
acknowledge the wide range of emotions associated with this decision. We call on all Catholics and everyone
who supports the right to life for unborn children to be charitable, even as we celebrate an important historical
moment and an answer to a prayer.
We must remember that this is a judicial victory, not a cultural one. The culture remains deeply divided on
the issue, which will be evidenced by the patchwork of state statutes pertaining to abortion across the country.
To change the culture and build a culture of life, we need to enact family-friendly policies that welcome
children, support mothers, cherish families and empower them to thrive. We outlined our vision for a pro-
life New York in our recent statement, available here, and we rededicate ourselves to helping every expectant
mother to carry her baby to term.
Building a culture of life is not solely the responsibility of the government or those heroic individuals working
on the front lines, in crisis pregnancy centers and other ministries. All of us need to respect the dignity and
sanctity of human life in everything we do: in how we treat our children, spouses and parents; in the way we
behave in our place of work; in sum, how we live Jesus’ two great commandments to love God and love our
neighbor.
Love, charity and reverence for human life from the moment of conception through natural death – these will
build and sustain a culture of life.
Millions of Americans have worked tirelessly for almost 50 years towards this outcome. We thank them with
every fiber of our being. Their vital work continues, and we commit ourselves to it.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York
Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger
Bishop of Albany
Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan
Bishop of Brooklyn
Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo
Most Rev. Terry R. LaValley
Bishop of Ogdensburg
Most Rev. Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of Rochester
Most Rev. John O. Barres
Bishop of Rockville Centre
Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia
Bishop of Syracuse
June 24, 2022
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
1150 Buffalo Road
Rochester, New York 14624
(585) 328-3210
Statement from Bishop Matano regarding the Supreme Court Decision
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
June 24, 2022
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