NORWICH – Friday, September 6, 2024– IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich (Diocese), along with its coverage provider, the Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America (Catholic Mutual), and the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut (Parishes) have agreed on, and intend to file today a joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (Joint Plan) to enable the Diocese to emerge successfully from bankruptcy and provide a meaningful recovery to survivors entitled to a distribution.
Over a year ago, following several mediation attempts overseen by a retired Second Circuit Judge, among others, the Diocese and Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (Committee), that represents the interests of all unsecured creditors, including survivors, reached an agreement and sought bankruptcy court approval of a plan of reorganization that had broad support from multiple constituents in the case. However, the Committee abandoned the agreement and unilaterally withdrew from that plan in late June, filing its own plan that will result in years of litigation, substantial legal fees, and uncertainty as to any recovery for the survivors. The Committee now stands alone.
In an Order dated August 13, 2024, the Judge presiding over the Diocese bankruptcy gave the Diocese the opportunity to file its own plan, which it is doing today, supported by agreements with various constituencies and funding sources, which provides an alternative to the Committee’s protracted litigation-based plan.
Under the Joint Plan sponsored by the Diocese, Catholic Mutual and Parishes and funded by a coalition of other contributors (that are not contributing to the Committee’s Plan), a Trust will be created and funded with approximately $[30] million – funds that are not immediately available under the Committee’s plan unless they are successful after years of expensive litigation.
Despite repeated efforts by the Diocese to engage the Committee in constructive discussions to reach a consensual plan, the Committee has declined to do so. The Diocese nevertheless continues to hope that a consensual plan can and will be reached, whether through further mediation or otherwise, so that the litigation that will inevitably result from the Committee’s Plan can be avoided and all possible available funds can be used immediately to maximize recovery to survivors and expedite the Diocese’s exit from bankruptcy.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a post-petition disclosure or solicitation of the Joint Plan.
POPE FRANCIS NAMES NEW BISHOP
On February 12th 2025 Pope Francis named Reverend Monsignor Richard F. Reidy to be the new bishop of the Norwich Diocese. We welcome Bisohp-elect Reidy to our family. Read the full article on the Norwich Diocese web site by clicking this link.
DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION
CURRENT INFORMATION SENT TO ALL PARISHES DECEMBER 2021:
Sex Abuse Notice Diocese of Norwich
Sexual Misconduct
It is contrary to the policy of the Diocese of Norwich for any priest, religious, or lay person, either employed by, volunteering for, or otherwise engaged in ministry in the diocese, to engage in sexual conduct which is unlawful or contrary to the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
In order to enforce this policy or prevent future incidents we need the help of victims, their families and friends, to tell us when such misconduct may have occurred. Sometimes this is not easy to do.
Getting Help
We encourage victims and their families to utilize the services of an experienced victims’ service agency equipped with personnel who can assist them.
Reporting
File a written complaint in the Diocese of Norwich: Office of Internal Affairs, 201 Broadway, Norwich, CT06360. Or call 1-800-624-7407 to make an appointment to file a complaint in person.
Immediate Need of Help
HOTLINE – 1-800-842-2288
If you believe there is a current danger to others call the State or local police or 911.
For Additional Information please go to the the Diocese of Norwich - Office of Safe Environments Website:
https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Safe-Environments
PROJECT RACHEL ROSARY - Please join the Office of Faith Events staff online the third Tuesday of each month as we pray the Project Rachel Rosary for an end to abortion and healing for those who have been involved in an abortion. Contact Liza Roach at roach@norwichdiocese.net to receive a link for the Rosary.
HOPE AND FAITH VIDEO SERIES - Let the Office of Faith Events brighten your Wednesday mornings by signing up for the weekly Hope and Faith video series. Throughout the year be inspired with varied reflections on Lent, Advent, the Saints, Gratitude and much MORE! There are two easy ways to receive our weekly video… Simply send your e-mail to manicholas@norwichdiocese.net Or have the videos sent right to your cell phone by texting @lentvid to #81010.