Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time
by Fr. Jonah, O.P.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I’m pausing my commentary on the Lord’s Prayer this week. On Thursday morning, the Archdiocese issued an update on the status of its settlement of claims made under the Child Victims Act (CVA) and other laws. I want to explain the settlement and how it affects our parish.
Before all else, it must be said that sexual abuse of any kind, and especially of a minor, is a sin that cries out to heaven. There are no sufficient words that can be offered. To anyone who has experienced such abuse: I am so sorry.
No claim involves any of the Dominican friars who have served at St. Joseph’s (the friars have had care of the parish since 2003). Prior to the Dominicans’ arrival, three claims (from the 1960s and 1970s) involve priests or religious associated with the parish.
The settlement totals $804.25 million, which will be distributed to victims. To cover this amount, the Archdiocese cut its staffing and sold assets, including its former headquarters at 1011 First Avenue and the ground lease under the Palace Hotel.
Additionally, the Archdiocese approached its parishes and asked for help paying the settlement. The Archdiocese asked our parish to contribute $4.2 million, and we agreed.
Why?
Had the Archdiocese been unable to pay the settlement, it would have been forced into bankruptcy, and all of its assets would have been frozen, perhaps for a number of years. For our parish, that would have meant losing the use of our assets for that entire period, and possibly losing them altogether. In short, we agreed to work with the Archdiocese because the alternative was bankruptcy, which would have been worse for both the Archdiocese and the parish.
The financial effect on our parish is substantial, but we will survive, and, frankly, the money cannot be at the heart of our concern. I am glad that some measure of justice—however insufficient it might feel—is being secured for the victims. I ask that all members of the parish of St. Joseph say an extra prayer and make an extra act of penance this week in reparation for the sin of abuse. May Christ heal us, may Our Lady watch over us, and may St. Joseph guide and protect us.
Know of my prayers for all of you.
In Christ,
Fr. Jonah, O.P.
