Dear Parish Family:
As you know, the Diocese of Buffalo bankruptcy proceedings have been pending for more than six years. In furtherance of the efforts of all Parishes within the Diocese to achieve a fair and just resolution of abuse claims, and in an effort to bring the bankruptcy proceedings of the Diocese of Buffalo to a successful conclusion, a revised Chapter 11 plan that soon will be filed by the Diocese provides that all parishes in the Diocese of Buffalo will file “rapid prepackaged bankruptcy” cases immediately before a hearing on confirmation of the plan. This will happen if and only if sufficient votes are received for approval of the plan. This approach has the support of pastors and the Diocese.
The parish bankruptcy cases will not be commenced until later this year and will come at the very last minute before the “confirmation” hearing on approval of the Diocese’s plan. It is anticipated that parishes will emerge from bankruptcy within 48 hours. This approach has been discussed among all pastors and is the approach that was followed by parishes in the Diocese of Rockville Centre as well as in the Archdiocese of New Orleans which resulted in the successful resolution and emergence from their respective Chapter 11 cases.
We will provide further updates as this process advances and are heartened at the possibility of at last providing victim survivors the possibility of closure and healing. With the prospect of finally achieving this goal, we look to the future with renewed commitment and focus on our mission and work in service to the Catholic faithful throughout Western New York and our broader community.