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	Local Catholics Worry about Churches' Finances By Sandi Dolbee The Union-Tribune [San Diego] April 30, 2007 http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070430-9999-1n30parish.html Collateral damage. It's a phrase you expect to hear about Iraq or other wars past and present. But some San Diego Roman Catholics are starting to use it about themselves. "It's becoming real for parishes," Carl Sarrazolla said. Chris Heitman nods. "It's hitting home." On a chilly morning outside a bagel shop, these two men, along with fellow Catholic Dan Hughes, sat talking about how the diocese's bankruptcy case is beginning to worry them. For starters, construction on the new sanctuary at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Oceanside, which Hughes attends, is one of several projects halted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A hearing will be held May 10 on whether to release funds for these projects to resume. "The money raised was a sacrifice by a lot of people," said Hughes, 40. The Catholic Diocese of San Diego, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization Feb. 27, argues that parish funds are not part of its estate. Diocese officials have sought to assure parishioners that restricted contributions to the diocese and donations to parishes will not be affected. Still, Sarrazolla and Heitman, who both attend St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carlsbad, can't help but wonder whether the idled construction work is a sign of what's in store for other parishes and their ministries. "The constant is the people," said Sarrazolla, 44. "They make the parishes what they are. Now, a lot of that is at risk." They are careful not to criticize the alleged victims of sexual abuse. What the perpetrators did was a crime, Hughes said, and anyone associated with it should be prosecuted and punished. The men gave credit to those who had the courage to come forward and push for accountability. "Maybe the victims can see that they made a difference," Hughes said. So how much should they be compensated? The men shake their heads. They don't know. "There's got to be a balance," said Heitman, 47. "Unfortunately, it's all about money. You can't get away from that." That brings up another casualty for them – the good priests. Heitman grew up Catholic. He was an altar boy. His family socialized with priests. "Never ever was there an issue," Heitman said. "These priests were nothing but upstanding, great moral guiders of lives." Hughes chimed in: "Lots of priests have done a lot of good for a lot of people." There are nearly 1 million Catholics in San Diego and Imperial counties, making them the largest religious body. And emotions are running high. Some are furious with the diocese ("It makes us look bad," said one parishioner). Some blast the media ("Anti-Catholic," complained another). Still others don't know what to think ("Perplexed" is the word one Catholic woman used). Judith Bethel, 67, who goes to All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla, said she is disappointed by Bishop Robert Brom. "I think bankruptcy is the end of a long road," Bethel said. "I think he's had many opportunities before this (to settle)." Brom's defenders say the $95 million offered to the roughly 150 victims is enough. They echo what the bishop has said in his letters to parishioners: Bankruptcy reorganization is a way to fairly compensate victims without jeopardizing the mission of the church. Heitman, Sarrazolla and Hughes are hopeful the Catholic Church will come out of this ordeal stronger and better. Until then, the worrying continues. "We're moving from one set of victims to another set of victims," Sarrazolla said. Sandi Dolbee: (619) 293-2082; sandi.dolbee@uniontrib.com
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