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	Seattle Archbishop Hopes Abuse Victims Heal after Cases Are Settled The Georgia Bulletin May 22, 2009 http://www.georgiabulletin.org/world/2009/05/21/US-1/ SEATTLE (CNS) -- A settlement with the final plaintiff in a priest sex abuse trial will hopefully bring healing to all of the victims of a former Sulpician priest, Seattle Archbishop Alex J. Brunett said. "I hope that the settlements to all four victims will help them in their journey of healing," Archbishop Brunett said in a statement after the settlement was reached May 20 with a 44-year-old jewelry store manager from Auburn, Wash. The settlement ended the first trial in a clergy sex abuse case brought against the archdiocese involving former Spokane priest Patrick O'Donnell. The plaintiff's attorney announced the settlement after the diocese put a deadline on its offer and jurors raised questions about the abuse. The plaintiff will receive $700,000. "It is always our practice to offer fair and just settlements as well as counseling and pastoral care to victims in the hope that they will receive all the assistance they need from the church to rebuild their lives," the archbishop said. A second plaintiff settled his case May 18 for $550,000. Two remaining plaintiffs settled before the trial.
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