September 22, 2016
 
 
 
Dear Parishioners,
 
On Tuesday, September 20, the Diocese filed with the bankruptcy court a proposed consensual plan of reorganization worked out with the assistance of the court appointed mediator.
 
The press release found on the diocesan website briefly outlines the Plan Reorganization.     https://stocktondiocese.org/diocesan-home/financial-news/
 
If the court approves the Plan, $15 million will be placed in a trust for the exclusive benefit of survivors of clergy sexual abuse.   Each parish and other entities of the Diocese have made a financial contribution from their insurance reserves in order to participate in the benefits of the outcome of the bankruptcy process.
 
Since All Saints University Church was not separately incorporated until 2013 (shortly before the Diocese filed for Bankruptcy) it was necessary that additional funding of $1.295 million come from All Saints University Parish.  Please be assured that funding for the planned parish expansion will not be impacted by this contribution since All Saints University Church has been granted equivalent funds from Church for Tomorrow.
 
From the beginning it has been our commitment to provide for the survivors of sexual abuse in a fair, just and equitable manner from available resources and to allow the Diocese to carry on its essential ministries and services to the people in our Diocese.
 
We hope for a favorable court decision.  As we move forward, let us pray for one another and most especially the survivors of sexual abuse. Thank you for your prayers, support and love for the Church.
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
 
Bishop Stephen Blaire