STOCKTON (CA)
Modesto Bee

BY SUE NOWICKI
snowicki@modbee.com
January 13, 2014

The Stockton Diocese announced Monday afternoon it will file Wednesday for reorganization under Chapter 11. The move affects only the diocesan budget and buildings and will not have an impact on the individually incorporated parishes or ministries, Bishop Stephen Blaire said.

“This has been a difficult decision,” he said in a press release. “Nevertheless, I am convinced this step will allow us to achieve two essential goals. First, it will provide a process to compensate as fairly as possible the victims of sexual abuse, including those who have not yet come forward or had their day in court. At the same time, the process will provide a way for us to continue the ministry and support we provide to the parishes, the poor and the communities located within our diocese.”

The Stockton Diocese becomes the 10th…