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  Diocese Drive Seeks $1,815,000
15 Employees Being Laid off

Kentucky Post [Covington KY]
March 7, 2005

Officials of the Diocese of Covington and leaders of the diocese's annual fund-raising drive say they're confident the request for $1.815 million in donations won't be hampered by news that the diocese is laying off 15 of its 65 employees.

Bishop Roger Foys announced in the latest edition of the Messenger, the diocese's newspaper, that the 15 employees will be let go June 30 because of the financial situation of the diocese.

The Messenger noted that in the past 18 months the diocese has settled 55 sexual abuse claims for $10.5 million, with $3.9 million of that paid by the diocese from its own funds and the rest from the diocese's insurers.

The Kentucky Post reported last week that the diocese may be close to settling a class-action lawsuit that alleges a half-century of covering up sexual abuse by priests.

It's not known how much money would be part of a settlement.

News of the layoffs and another possible settlement come as the diocese is launching the 2005 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal, with donation goals set for all parishes in the diocese.

Charles Deters, leadership chairman of the appeal, said the financial problems prompting the layoffs could work in favor of the fund-raising drive.

"I'm inclined to think it just might emphasize the necessity of the success of the appeal," he said.

"I'm an optimist. I think it reinforces the needs of the diocese. This drive is essentially an opportunity for people to contribute to the good work of the diocese."

Tim Fitzgerald, spokesman for the diocese, was equally optimistic.

"I don't think the layoffs will have an impact on the success of the appeal," he said.

"People know the appeal serves various ministries in the diocese and supports programs like priest retirement and priest health care.

"Last year's appeal was very successful and, based on that success, I think people continue to see the need and value of the appeal and will continue to be generous."

Fitzgerald said the fund-raising drive is not connected to past or future settlements of lawsuits alleging sexual abuse.

"None of the appeal money is in any way set aside for settlement of lawsuits or anything like that," he said.

"People needn't be concerned that money they donate is going to somehow be diverted to any kind of settlement."

The 15 layoffs at the Catholic Center, the diocese's headquarters, will affect the Justice and Peace Office, the Office of Religious Personnel and the deaf, youth and Hispanic ministries.

However, diocese officials said the affected ministries will be maintained in some form, including the oversight of boards and commissions.

"The bishop has studied the issues, looked at the work of all the offices in the Catholic Center and believes the work of these ministries can continue through the boards and commissions," Fitzgerald said .

"He is determined that the ministries of the diocese will continue in essentially the same way they are now."

Fitzgerald said the bishop is seeking the best ways to help people and the church.

"He is making very difficult decisions in light of the needs of the victims of sexual abuse," Fitzgerald said

"The bishop is also doing his best to make decisions that will the best for the church and diocese of Covington into the future."

 
 

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