The Diocese of St. Cloud has declared bankruptcy to fund a $22 million agreement to help compensate sexual abuse survivors of clergy members.

"The majority of the funds will come from insurance, with some funds coming from the selling of diocesan assets and from parishes," Fr. Derek Wichmann said in the Sept. 20 bulletin of the Four Pillars in Faith Area Catholic Community, located in Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties. "The amount Bishop Kettler is asking each parish to contribute is $15,500. I ask you to prayerfully consider contributing to this. Please mark an envelope 'Bankruptcy' or make a note in the memo line of a check. While it is not the end, it is a step in the right direction."

Wichmann also asked members of the Area Community to join him in prayer:

"God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen."