BishopAccountability.org
	Catholic Properties Back in Church Hands Parishioners Still Awaiting Confirmation By Natalie Musseau The Gulf News [Canada] May 22, 2006 http://www.gulfnews.ca/index.cfm?iid=1397&sid=10045 By the end of the month, Catholic properties along the southwest coast will once again be safe under the ownership of St. George's Diocese. Bishop Douglas Crosby said the diocese has raised enough money through donations from across the country — about $5 million — to buy back the properties at their fair market value. It's the news that parishioners like Marlene Augustus of Ramea and Madonna Hynes of the Codroy Valley have been waiting for. And still are. Both Mrs. Augustus and Ms. Hynes say they haven't received confirmation from the diocese that the church properties are safe. "I hope it's all true," said Mrs. Augustus. "Then we could all rest a bit easier." She said she wants to know why the diocese hasn't come forward with more information for parishioners if the matter is largely settled. Ms. Hynes said she wrote a letter to the Bishop several weeks ago inquiring about the status of the sales. She hasn't yet received a response. "If it all happens for the best for the parish, I'll be glad," she said, adding that she's still angry about the lack of communication from church leaders. Father Jim Robertson said the closing date for many of the properties is the end of May. He said the diocese is now getting all deeds and surveys ready so the properties can be formally transferred to the new corporation. That includes the core properties of St. Ann's Church and centre in Upper Ferry; the rectory in Upper Ferry; Precious Blood Church and St. Kevin's Centre (also known as Mountainview Centre) in St. Andrew's; St. Sylvester's Church in South Branch; and a portion of land and the buildings of St. Mary's Hermitage. Father Robertson said enough money has also been raised to offer fair market value for the church's non-core properties on the southwest coast. That list includes the church in Burgeo, the remaining land at the Hermitage and the RC Centre in Port aux Basques. The RC Centre was listed for sale before the diocese ran into trouble and will remain for sale. There are also a number of buildings that sit on properties not owned by the diocese. "If you don't own it you can't sell it," said Father Robertson. He explained that the buildings were assigned a value based on salvage or moving the building. They have also been repurchased by the diocese and include the church and hall in Ramea, and the hall in South Branch. The next court-ordered payment of $3.75 million to the sexual abuse victims of former priest Kevin Bennett is due in July. They were awarded a $13 million settlement after the priest was convicted of molesting boys in various churches. About $5 million of the total amount has been paid to date. The final two payments come due in July 2007 and January 2008. It means hard work between now and then," said Bishop Crosby, adding that he's hopeful the sum can be reached. He said nothing has yet been settled with the diocese's insurance company. Discussions are ongoing and likely will continue for months. Bishop Crosby said the healing process for parishioners is also continuing. "I think people respond in different ways. Some are angry. Some are discouraged and disheartened. Others are hopeful and doing their best to make the process work. "Making payments to date and buying back as much property as we have been able to is certainly heartening for me, and hopefully for others." nmusseau@gulfnews.ca
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.