Follow Me Update on diocesan reorganization By Bishop Terry R. LaValley

January 8, 2025

Dear friends,
I hope you enjoyed a Holy Christmas and a Happy New Year. As we begin a new year, I want to update you on the Diocesan reorganization case. The Diocese continues to carry on its mission in the ordinary course. Parishes also continue their programs, services and activities.

As you are aware, we are in mediation in an attempt to settle all contested issues, including the Child Victims Act (CVA) cases. Judge Christopher Sontchi continues as our mediator. We have pai1icipated in mediation sessions with the survivors who brought the CVA lawsuits, and with our insurers. All necessary parties have taken part in the negotiations, including our parishes, schools and Catholic entities who are not direct parties of the reorganization case, but who will be required to contribute to the settlement with the abuse survivors.

The process is moving slower than we hoped, for a variety of reasons. We are committed to reaching a fair settlement of all claims. We have provided all information and documentation that has been properly requested. We will continue to cooperate with this process until all matters are resolved.

I again ask for your prayers that a just resolution of all claims will be reached in the near future. We are committed to compensating the victims who have filed claims. At the same time, we will continue our mission as a diocese, meeting the needs of all the people of the North Country. Thank you for your prayerful support. Asking God to bless you abundantly, I am

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley
Bishop of Ogdensburg