BishopAccountability.org
	Bishop Listens to 2 Brothers Who Said They Were Victims of Sexual Abuse by Priests By Stephanie Barry The Republican July 29, 2008 http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/bishop_listens_to_2_brothers_w.html?category=Springfield SPRINGFIELD - Two brothers who said they were victims of abuse at the hands of a cabal of pedophile priests met with the Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell at the chancery today. Paul M. Herrick, 53, and Peter J. Herrick Sr., 51, emerged this morning from an hour-long meeting at McDonnel's Elliot Street residence. "He was there to listen, and he did. He heard us. ... He heard the pain in our voice," Peter Herrick, of Bangor, Maine, a father of two sons who works security for the federal agency that oversees airline travel. Both Herricks said they and two other brothers, who have chosen not adopt a public posture in the legal fight, were abused by a number of priests from 1967 to 1983. They are among dozens of a second tier of abuse victims poised to settle claims with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and its insurance carriers. But, the Herricks argue, they were among the first to file suit in 2003 and should not have been cut out of a $7.7 million settlement with 46 victims in 2004. In a settlement offer, about 60 victims were offered uncontested settlements ranging from $5,000 to $200,000. The Herricks said that although they think the figures are inadequate, they are leaning toward joining the settlement by the Aug. 11 deadline set by lawyers in the case. John J. Egan, a lawyer for the diocese, said entering into the agreement is entirely voluntary and whose who choose not to preserve their legal rights to pursue claims. Mark E. Dupont, a spokesman for McDonnell, said the bishop has met with clergy abuse victims several times in the past but typically does not publicize the meetings.
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