On May 28, 2024, Bishop Brennan sent out a letter (below) to announce that the Diocese of Fresno intends to file Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in August. Please note that only the Corporate Sole (which includes the Pastoral Center and parishes) is filing for bankruptcy. The Education Corporation (all the schools) and Catholic Charities are different corporations and are NOT filing for bankruptcy.
In the early 2000s when the State of California temporarily suspended the statute of limitations on sexual abuse the Diocese was faced with 14 cases. The State later removed the statute of limitations for a 3-year period that ended December 31, 2022. At that time the Diocese learned of 154 cases. These cases are primarily from the 1970s or earlier. The steps that the USCCB and our Diocese have implemented for the safety and protection of children are working. Still, we are reminded that the Church still needs to make atonement for the sins of certain clergy, religious, and laity of the past.
Fr. Robert and I wish to assure you that, throughout this process, our Parish - along with every other Parish of the Diocese - will continue to move forward with business as usual. We will not be stopping any current projects, we will not lose any staff, and we will continue to Proclaim the Good News and bring the Sacraments to the People of God. We expect our Parish Family to continue to function as usual and encourage continued active involvement in and tithing toward our Sunday collections, projects (Rectory), general need, and various activities. Please continue to pray for the victims of clergy abuse and for our Bishop as he leads the Diocese through this process.