Information on Diocesan Plan for Reorganization

Diocese of Fairbanks
Updated December 11, 2008

http://www.dioceseoffairbanks.org/homepagenews/
informationondiocesanplanforreorganization.shtml

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Let me begin by thanking you for your past support for our mission here in Northern Alaska. You may read in the news or hear reports about our diocese filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The case will be filed in the federal Bankruptcy Court. This hopefully consensual plan was taken in response to lawsuits by Alaskans who have been harmed by priests, ministers and volunteers in the diocese. I do not take this step lightly... - Bishop Donald Kettler, February 2008.

On this web page, you will find current information pertaining to the plan for reorganization which the Diocese of Fairbanks is seeking in an effort to be fair and pastoral, both to the victims of past abuses and the members of the church and communities we serve today.

Updated December 11, 2008: The deadline for filing proofs of claim of December 2, 2008 has passed. If you have any questions, you should contact an attorney to represent you, or you can contact the lawyer representing the interests of the claimants, James I. Stang, (310) 277-6910. You may also call the Diocese's bankruptcy counsel, Kasey Nye or Susan Boswell, (520) 770 - 8700.

Reorganization Update, May 2, 2008: "Several events have occurred since the Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska (CBNA) filed for reorganization on March 1st...Read the full Reorganization Update.

Filing Press Release, March 3, 2008, Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska files for reorganization: "Bishop Donald J. Kettler, Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, announced today that a petition for Chapter 11 reorganization was filed Saturday, March 1, 2008, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Alaska..." Read the full Filing Press Release.

Chapter 11 Process, March 1, 2008: Information about the Chapter 11 Process of reorganization are answered in Chapter 11 Process.

Letter to Parishioners, February 16, 2008: "Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus: All of you know the legal challenges that we have been facing in the Fairbanks Diocese because of wrongs committed by some priests and workers in the Church decades ago..." Read the entire Letter to Parishes.

Reorganization Questions and Answers: Commonly asked questions and answers about reorganization of the Diocese of Fairbanks are answered in Reorganization Q & A.

Letter to Benefactors, February 15, 2008: Bishop Kettler's letter to benefactors throughout the United States and around the world, who graciously support the programs of the Missionary Diocese of Fairbanks, and its 38 dependent mission parishes. Read the entire Letter to Benefactors.

Press Release, February 13, 2008, Fairbanks Diocese Seeks a Consensual Plan for Reorganization: "Bishop Donald J. Kettler, JCL, Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, today announced he has decided to file for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code. In communications with donors and parishioners Bishop Kettler said the details of the plan are still being worked on, but the filing would most likely take place within the next five weeks. Bishop Kettler said he is making the move after reflecting on the needs of those who have been abused by Church workers in the diocese..." Read the full Press Release.

Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska
Robert Hannon
Special Assistant to the Bishop
1316 Peger Rd
Fairbanks, AK 99709-5199
907-374-9510 907-374-9580 (Fax)
robert@cbna.org

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Files

Filing Press Release, March 3, 2008
Chapter 11 Process, March 1, 2008
Reorganization Q & A , February 14, 2008 (PDF)
Bishop's Letter to Parishes, February 16, 2008 (PDF)
Bishop's Letter to Benefactors, February 15, 2008 (PDF)
Press Release, February 13, 2008 (PDF)
Reorganization Update, May 2, 2008 (PDF)