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	Layoffs Possible in Antigonish Diocese CBC News May 4, 2010 http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/04/ns-antigonish-diocese-layoffs.html The Roman Catholic diocese of Antigonish is looking for ways to maintain programmes and services as it continues to raise the money it needs to pay a multi-million dollar legal settlement for victims of sexual abuse. The diocese agreed to pay $18.5 million in an agreement signed last summer by former Bishop Raymond Lahey. An announcement was made in January 2010 that the diocese would sell off unused churches, buildings and land in an effort to raise money. Layoffs may be a possibility in the future, the diocese said, but efforts are first being made with staff and parishes to find other sources of funding. “We're exploring the possibility that perhaps there are some in the diocese or outside the diocese who would be willing to put money directly into the programme side of the diocese,” said Father Paul Abbass, spokesman for the diocese. CBC News received an unsigned letter this week from someone claiming that the majority of staff at the Pastoral Centre in Sydney would be laid off by July 2010. Father Abbass said staff in Sydney met with Bishop Brian Dunn, who reviewed a number of issues. No layoffs have been announced. There are 20 staff members at the centre, including priests and 10 laypersons. No one at the centre could say who sent the letter. The diocese of Antigonish covers all of Cape Breton and the three northeastern counties on mainland Nova Scotia.
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