The public is invited as the Diocese of Spokane gathers to celebrate a Memorial Mass for Pope John Paul II on Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave. in Spokane.

For over 26 years, Pope John Paul II has served the Roman Catholic Church as its chief shepherd. His passing brings sadness to those he has helped guide for the past quarter-century.

Internationally, Pope John Paul II made over 100 pastoral visits to other nations during the course of his pontificate. His greeting to each nation upon arrival was to kneel and kiss the ground, indicating his humble respect for other peoples and other cultures.

His was a ministry of presence, especially to the poor and to youth. Many Catholics of Eastern Washington encountered the Holy Father, personally or during public occasions, either during his visits to the United States, or during pilgrimages to Rome, or at World Youth Day events.

He bore the responsibility of leading some 1 billion Catholics worldwide. Yet that responsibility never diminished his personal warmth, his primary ministry as a priest and pastor.

Prayers for Pope John Paul have been included in Masses celebrated in Eastern Washington for more than 25 years. That custom continues today, as parishes are asked to hold prayer services and celebrate Masses for the deceased pope. We join our prayers with the Church throughout the world as we mourn his death, yet celebrate his passing to eternal life.

My dear friends in Christ:

I have pledged to keep you informed of major events occurring in the life of the Diocese.

The month of November will bring not only a time for thanksgiving and prayer, but events which could shape the future direction of our Diocese for many years to come. These events could be very positive, especially when one considers the challenges we are facing.

First, in early November we will enter into a round of mediation talks with the attorneys representing individuals who have claims of abuse from many years ago by a Spokane Diocesan priest. Please pray for the success of our efforts to resolve these claims in mediation in a manner which is fair to the victims and which preserves the continuing ministry and mission of this Diocese. While our efforts will be (and up until this time have been) focused on the resolution of the abuse claims through reasonable settlements, we must be prepared for the possibility that, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, resolution at this time may not be possible.

If in November we are not able to successfully mediate or negotiate the abuse claims to settlement, we will have to carefully weigh our other alternatives. One option following an unsuccessful mediation would be a series of trials in Spokane County Superior Court commencing November 29, 2004. Another option, which could bring fairness, justice, and equity to the victims and enable the Diocese to continue its ministry and mission, would be to file for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. If the Chapter 11 option is chosen, it will be because we truly believe this is the best path forward for all concerned, including the victims of abuse. Once a determination as to how we should proceed is made, we will let all of you know which path we have selected and why. In the meantime, I’ve attached a “Q & A” sheet that addresses some of the questions you may have regarding the Chapter 11 reorganization process.

Second, in early October, after much prayerful thought and reflection, and consultation with some of my brother bishops, I consented to my name being listed among those which the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) will consider as the next president. As many of you know, I am currently serving the Conference as vice president. There is a tradition of the vice president succeeding the president, but my actual selection is by no means certain. Nonetheless, I want you to know my election to this post in mid-November is possible.

If honored by my fellow bishops, I am committed to fulfilling my duties first as Bishop of the Diocese, and second, as the president. As vice president of the USCCB for the last three years I was able to balance successfully my duties to the Diocese with my responsibilities to the USCCB and despite some increased travel, will continue to do so. My primary focus will be my continuing duties as your Bishop.

The responsibilities of the presidency of the USCCB are immense and if selected I will embark upon the duties with a sense of commitment, prayerfulness, and a strong desire to serve as best I can.

Please remember me in your prayers.

Much Peace!

Bishop William Skylstad

1) Just about one year ago, in another letter to parishioners, you stated that you did not consider bankruptcy to be a viable option. What’s changed?

A. Much has changed in the time since that letter was written in December of 2003. First, additional lawsuits have been filed in the past year with very large compensation demands. Second, we’ve continued to discuss the participation of our insurance carriers in creating a pool of funds that would be used to compensate the valid claims of victims. To date, there has been no resolution in creating that pool of funds. Third, two other dioceses facing the same situation have decided reorganization under Chapter 11 is the best option not only for ensuring some compensation for all victims but also for maintaining current diocesan programs and schools. Fourth, we are still seeking to mediate the outstanding claims. A Chapter 11 filing will only be considered if mediation or negotiation does not prove to be successful. Finally, in my letter last year I referred to bankruptcy, a term which often means an organization is ceasing operations. The Chapter 11 reorganization process, on the other hand, facilitates the continuation of an organization.

2) Doesn’t filing a Chapter 11 petition send the signal that the Diocese is more concerned about money than it is about justice for the victims?

A. Quite the contrary. Given the current circumstances, a Chapter 11 reorganization may be the only way to achieve fairness, justice, and equity for all of the victims of abuse, not just those who have filed suit. Fairness, justice, and equity does not mean a lottery, nor does it mean a race to the courthouse. Fairness, justice, and equity means those in the door first are treated as equitably as those in the door last, that there are rules and processes established which strive for fairness to all parties. A Chapter 11 plan would ensure equal treatment for those who suffered comparable harm, regardless of when the claim arose and where the claim is in the litigation process.

The Chapter 11 reorganization process also includes a claims bar date. A claims bar date would provide finality for everyone.

Finally, a Chapter 11 reorganization plan may provide the best opportunity for the Diocese of Spokane to continue its ministry and mission in Eastern Washington.

3) Under a Chapter 11, will my parish or school continue to operate as usual?

A. In most Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings, the debtor continues to conduct business in the same manner to which it was accustomed prior to the time it filed its petition for relief. We expect that the parishes and schools of the Spokane Diocese will continue to operate as usual.

4) What will happen to parish assets?

A. One of the primary goals of a Chapter 11 reorganization process would be to protect the assets of the parishes.

5) How much money are the various plaintiffs seeking?

A. While damage claims vary from claim to claim, collectively the total of claims is in the tens of millions of dollars and far exceeds the net worth of the Diocese. Keep in mind, many of the victims have declined to seek any monetary compensation whatsoever. Some victims have accepted the Church’s offer of assistance and payments for counseling. Others have exercised their legal right to secure counsel and are seeking damages against the Diocese. The Bishop has made it clear that the Church has a moral obligation to assist the victims of abuse to the best of its ability and to help the process of healing begin.

6) Does the Diocese have any insurance for the payment of any claims?

A. The Diocese has maintained insurance coverage with several different carriers over the years. The defense of most of the claims, including the payment of the majority of the attorneys fees in defending the Diocese, have, at least to this point, been covered by the insurance carriers. The Diocese continues to work with its various carriers towards the full resolution of the claims.

7) Is the retirement plan for the employees of the parishes, schools and the Diocese subject to the claims of creditors?

A. No. The plan is considered a “qualified” plan and as such is not subject to the claims of creditors.

8) Where can I find additional information regarding these issues?

A. In the days ahead we will have more information on the diocesan website and we would urge you to visit the site, www.dioceseofspokane.org, which will keep the most complete record available anywhere of all material relevant to these issues.

September 5, 2003
For immediate release

Spokane – Citing the need to stay focused on the needs of victims, Bishop William S. Skylstad reported today he had authorized diocesan attorneys to withdraw the request for a limited protective order that, in the view of some media, could have potentially kept some information from the public regarding litigation in some abuse cases in Spokane County.

"Our attorneys want to protect innocent third parties from irrelevant inquiries. Nevertheless, I felt that intervention by The Spokesman-Review and KREM-TV signaled that this request was misunderstood. The situation could turn into a diverting media circus and clearly could lead to a delay in resolving claims, which would be in no one’s interests, least of all the victims’,” the Bishop said.

“According to some media reports, this request for a limited protective order casts doubt on my commitment to transparency. I want it clearly understood how dedicated I am to helping victims heal and to preventing future instances of abuse. I want no one to doubt my commitment to openness and complete transparency. We will do all we can to resolve fairly and equitably legitimate claims against former diocesan priests who abused their trust and committed crimes abhorrent to all, for which I have apologized numerous times,” said Bishop Skylstad.

(From the April 10, 2003 edition of the Inland Register)

A state-wide Respect Life Conference, sponsored by the Catholic bishops of Washington State, has been scheduled for June 27-28 at Campion Hall, Seattle University.

According to Maggie Albo, Respect Life coordinator for the Spokane Diocese, “We hope to interest participants from every ideology within our Catholic population.”

The conference begins with registration Friday evening, June 27, from 5:30-7 p.m.

That evening, Frances X. Hogan will present a talk titled “Renewing Minds and Hearts: Roe vs. Wade - 30 Years Later.”

Hogan , a partner in a Boston law firm, has served as president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life and as a consultant to the Pro Life committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In 1996 the Vatican named her to the Pontifical Academy for Life. She is particularly interested in the creation and financing of affordable housing.

The day will conclude with prayer, followed by a reception with the bishops.

Registration will also take place Saturday morning, from 8-9 a.m.

The day’s events will begin with a welcoming address by Seattle’s Archbishop Alex J. Brunett, followed by Bishop Skylstad.

John Carr is set to talk about “Changing Minds and Hearts.”

Carr is the Director of the Department of Social Development and World Peace at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. He assists the bishops in sharing and applying Catholic social teaching and advocating on the moral dimensions of key public policy issues.

Bishop George Thomas, auxiliary bishop of Seattle, will close the morning.

Bishop Carlos Sevilla SJ of Yakima will open the afternoon’s proceedings.

A panel will address the topic “Teaching Minds and Hearts.” Scheduled to participate on that panel are Christine Gebhart, Assistant Professor of Christian and Biomedical Ethics at Seattle University; Annette Quayle, Director of Pregnancy Support Services for Catholic Community Services of Western Washington; and Eileen Geller, a registered nurse with the Parish Connections program at Providence Hospice of Seattle.

The day will conclude with Mass at St. James Cathedral.

Cost for the conference is $45 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Overnight housing is available on campus for $37 per person per night.

Registration is requested by June 6. Registration information can be accessed online.

Registrations should be mailed to: Events Planning, Archdiocese of Seattle, 910 Marion St., Seattle, WA 98104; or by e-mail.

For information, call (206) 382-2010.

October 23, 2002

After personal reflection and consultation with advisors including the Diocesan Review Board, I am releasing the names of the following Diocesan priests incardinated in the Spokane Diocese who have been accused of sexual abuse of minors: James O’Malley (1989), Theodore Bradley (2002), Art Mertens (1989), and Reinard Beaver (1983). The year next to their names indicates the year they were removed from public ministry. These four have been removed from priestly ministry in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 15, 2002.

In addition, two former priests accused of sexual abuse resigned from ministry: Patrick J. O’Donnell (1985) and Bernard Oosterman (1980).

All the alleged abuse incidents occurred at least fifteen years ago and action was taken to remove these men from ministry when the Diocese became aware of the allegations. These cases have been turned over to local law enforcement authorities.

I encourage victims of sexual abuse to contact our Assistance Coordinator, Gene DiRe or Father Steve Dublinski.

I especially appeal to the Catholic community and to the broader community to have empathy and compassion for victims and their families as well as for the offenders and their families. As a Catholic community of faith we strongly believe in the healing power of God. The Gospel summons us to find the grace of God even in the midst of evil, suffering and tragedy.

Statement in Spanish

Dear Friends,

Greetings to all of you in the Lord Jesus. As you are well aware, the Catholic bishops of the United States agreed during their meeting in Dallas in June that they would devote a day to penance and prayer on August 14, the day preceding the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day of atonement is to focus on us bishops as ones who need forgiveness and prayers for the inappropriate and irresponsible manner in which the matter of sexual abuse was handled by us in the United States.

I have decided that I will spend that day in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in prayer and fasting from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., concluding with Eucharist at 5:00 P.M., the vigil of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, at which I will preside. Msgr. James Ribble will preside at the usual noon Mass on that day. In addition, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 3 p.m. until shortly before the 5 p.m. Eucharist.

Even though I know only a few can take advantage of the opportunity, I invite you to join me in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in prayer for the bishops, the priests, the Catholic Church, and my ministry during this painful time. I would also invite those who can’t come to offer prayers on that day suitable to your own circumstances.

In anticipation of those prayers, I express my profound gratitude, love, and faithfulness to you and to the Catholic Church we all love so dearly.

Sincerely, your brother in Christ,

Estimados Amigos:

Saludos a todos ustedes en el Señor Jesús. Como todos ustedes saben muy bien, los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos estuvieron de acuerdo, durante su reunión de Junio en Dallas, que consagrarían un día a la penitencia y a la oración, el día 14 de agosto, día que precede la Fiesta de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María. Este día de expiación se ha enfocado en nosotros los obispos, los que tenemos necesidad de perdón y de oración, por la manera inapropiada e irresponsable como manejamos las situaciones de abuso sexual en los Estados Unidos.

He decidido que pasaré, ese día en ayuno y oración, en la Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, desde las 8 de la mañana hasta poco antes de las 5 de la tarde, terminando con una Eucaristía a las 5 de la tarde, vigilia de la fiesta de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María, la que presidiré. Ese día Monseñor James Ribble presidirá la Misa del mediodía, como es de costumbre. Además, habrá Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento, desde las 3 p.m. hasta brevemente antes de la Eucaristía de las 5:00 de la tarde.

Aunque sé, que sólo unos pocos pueden aprovechar esta oportunidad, los invito juntarse conmigo en la Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, a orar por los obispos, los sacerdotes, la Iglesia Católica, y por mi ministerio durante este tiempo tan doloroso. También invito a aquellos que no puedan venir, a ofrecer oraciones ese día de acuerdo a sus propias posibilidades.

En anticipación a esas oraciones, les expreso mi gratitud más profunda, mi amor, y mi fidelidad a ustedes, y a la Iglesia Católica, a la que todos amamos tan profundamente.

Su hermano en Cristo,

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