Though the Diocese of Saint Cloud liquidated many assets to fund a $22.5 million settlement with victims of clergy abuse, each parish is contributing to support survivors and aid the diocese.

“In the summer of 2020, the Diocese of Saint Cloud filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after reaching a $22.5 million settlement with clergy abuse survivors,” the Revs. Omar Guanchez, Ron Dockendorf and Mitchell Bechtold said, the St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Long Prarie, Minnesota, church bulletin reported.

The settlement involved claims dating back to the 1950s filed by 70 people against 42 priests, the priests said.

“Much of this settlement is being paid for by the Diocese through the liquidation of many Diocesan assets and by some non-designated funds," the priests said in their message. They said no money from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal goes toward this settlement.

Insurance companies are also covering part of the settlement.

Parishes of the Diocese also have been asked to contribute.

“Many of the parishes are doing so as part of an injunction. This injunction legally protects a parish from being sued for the same allegation (i.e. – clergy abuse) from during that same time period.”

The pastors of the diocese consulted with parish trustees and finance council members during multiple conversations. They decided every parish will contribute financially tto provide support to survivors, assist the diocese and to preserve the legal protections of the injunction.

The priests asked parishioners to speak with their own pastor if they have any questions.