My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Risen Lord –

I wish to share with you an important and hopeful development in the Diocese’s Chapter 11 process, following recent successful discussions with the Creditors’ Committee.  Today we announced to Judge Carl L. Bucki the material terms of a settlement in principle with the Committee that would provide for total payments in the amount of $150 million on behalf of the Catholic Family of Western New York.

The Committee’s agreement of the Diocese’s offer represents an essential milestone on this protracted and arduous journey, and importantly, enables us to finally provide a measure of financial restitution to victim-survivors, which has been our primary objective all along.  Their concerns and well-being will continue to be our constant preoccupation. While indeed a steep sum, no amount of money can undo the tremendous harm and suffering they have endured, or eliminate the lingering mental, emotional, and spiritual pain they have been forced to carry throughout their lives.

There remain a number of important considerations still to be addressed, such as the timing of payment, as well as the exact sources for gathering the settlement funds.  However, Judge Bucki has cleared the way for us now to engage with all members of our Catholic Family to define these specifics.  As we have maintained all along, we will only be able to conclude this excruciatingly difficult chapter in the life of our Diocese with the full commitment and participation of our entire Catholic Family.  This will mean identifying unrestricted funds of the Diocese, as well as an amount of the same—yet to be determined—provided by each parish.  We will also be continuing our collaborations with the Diocese’s insurance carriers with the aim of defining amounts to be contributed to the final settlement from prevailing coverages.

I plead for your continued patience and support as we work through the issues that remain, and offer my assurance that we will do so as expeditiously as possible, and with as much openness and transparency as the Chapter 11 proceedings allow.  I am deeply grateful to my brother priests of the Diocese and to the many devoted parish leaders who are working with us in a spirit of true collaboration to finally conclude this long ordeal.

It is my fervent prayer and hope that we can soon emerge from Chapter 11 and together experience a new era for our Diocese that reflects the promise and joy offered by the Risen Christ.  Without question, the work of healing will continue, though it is already being accomplished by our shared determination and sacrifice in this moment of further clarity and progress.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo