May 17, 2010

“The normal process for receiving formal word from the Vatican on matters related to the parish closings is in writing to all the parties involved. Until such time as we receive a formal decision from Rome we will defer comment. The Archdiocese continues to seek a prayerful resolution to all of the vigils.

In addition, the Council of Parishes is incorrect in its claim regarding sexual abuse settlements.

Cardinal Sean’s commitment to the people of the Archdiocese is absolute: no money from the sale of parish properties closed through the Reconfiguration process has been used or will be used to fund settlement-related costs. The Archdiocese has expended significant funds to fulfill its responsibility to survivors and to ensure that this tragedy never again occurs. These funds have come from a variety of sources including property sales, primarily the sale of a portion of the Brighton property to Boston College, insurance coverage under policies issued to the Archdiocese, and money from the Archdiocese’s self-insurance fund. The funds have not come from the sale of parish properties closed through the Reconfiguration process.

The Archdiocese is committed to transparency and each year publishes a report “Financial Disclosure of the Archdiocese of Boston Regarding Sexual Abuse Settlements and Related Costs,” which provides a clear, understandable picture of the financial costs the Archdiocese has incurred in responding to and settling civil claims, as well as of the sources from which the Archdiocese drew funds to resolve the claims brought against it and settled to date. These reports are available to the public via www.bostoncatholic.org/annualreport.aspx.”