Chapter 11 Update
Updated Questions and Answers as April 2025
1.- What is a channeling injunction in a bankruptcy process?
A channeling injunction in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding is a court order that redirects or “channels” claims to a trust and prevents claimants from pursuing those claims against other parties, including a debtor, its insurers or other parties contributing to the trust. The trust is funded by the proceeds of settlements with insurers, debtors, and others who participate in the settlement who are then released from liability.
This means that all existing claims and claims that may become known in the future related to historical abuse would be satisfied by the trust. This allows the debtor and other settling parties to move forward with essentially a “clean slate” and release from liability for the channeled claims.
Channeling injunctions can benefit debtors, plaintiffs, and non-debtor companies by helping debtors resolve numerous claims in a fair manner, and they can help plaintiffs recover quickly without lengthy litigation. A channeling inunction would prevent pursuit of historical claims other than against the trust, even if a statute of limitations was changed in the future.
2.- Will parishioner donations to their parish be used to fund the bankruptcy litigation or settlement with abuse survivors?
Donations and contributions to parishes are for parish purposes and not for the Archdiocese. Donations allow parishes to continue their ministry and programs.
While parishes are not included in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the Archdiocese, parishes can benefit from a channeling injunction, which would provide a release of liability from historical claims. For this reason, parishes will need to contribute money, other assets or insurance funds to the bankruptcy trust to be a party to a global settlement and benefit from any channeling injunction. The amount or percentage of contribution from a parish to receive a channeling injunction remains to be determined.
Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone on the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to facilitate settlements with abuse survivors
August 21, 2023
Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco:
A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about the impact of more than 500 civil lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese under state law AB-218, which allowed individuals to bring claims for childhood sexual abuse that otherwise would have been barred due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Today, I am informing you that after much reflection, prayer, and consultation with our financial and legal advisors, the Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco joins a growing list of dioceses in the United States and California that have filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws. Some of these dioceses have already restructured and emerged from this process.
To be clear, only the legal entity, The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the Chapter 11 filing. Our parishes, schools, and other entities are not included in the filing. Our mission will continue as it always has. Parishes will serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrating Mass, offering the Sacraments, and providing religious education. Schools will provide the best Catholic education for students, and our Chancery will continue to support parishes and schools, and its ministries will remain engaged in the community. Catholic Charities, Catholic cemeteries, and St. Patrick’s Seminary & University will continue their operations as usual. Chancery employees will work and receive their wages and benefits during this process and beyond.
I also want to reassure you that any contributions made to the parish offertory or to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal will not be used to settle abuse claims. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected, and these funds, which you so generously donate, are collected for use by the stated ministries, which exclude legal settlements or related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. I am grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests who are deceased or no longer in ministry. A significant number of these claims include unnamed individuals or named individuals who are unknown to the Archdiocese.
To safeguard against abuse, our Archdiocese has maintained and improved awareness and education for children and adults. We use stringent processes to screen volunteers, employees, and priests. Today, while this continues to be a widespread societal problem, occurrences of abuse within the Catholic Church are very rare, and I believe the Church has set the standard for other organizations, showing what can and should be done to protect our children.
I remain committed to the healing and care of survivors who have suffered irreversible harm because of the sins of the Church’s ministers and ask you to join me in praying for our Archdiocese, parish communities, schools, and all survivors of sexual abuse.
Now more than ever, we need to take recourse to prayer. I invite you to commit yourselves, or recommit, to living the consecration of our Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which I celebrated on October 7, 2017.
While the great majority of these sins were committed many decades ago, it will be a sign of Christian solidarity for us to join together on a daily basis in praying the rosary, spending an hour each week in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and fasting on Fridays for the survivors of abuse, for the mission of our Archdiocese, and for the eradication of this shameful crime from our society as a whole. God is pleased by such prayer and penance, and doing so will open our hearts to the blessings He wishes to lavish upon us.
May God shower you and your families with His grace during these difficult times.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
3- April 15, 2025
Bankruptcy Court approves motion to permit the public release of redacted Independent Review Board meeting minutes
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218. Read Statement
2- April 15, 2025
Bankruptcy Court approves motion to lift the automatic stay so that two alleged abuse cases could go to trial
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218. Read Statement
1- September 13, 2024
Statement by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone following in-Court Survivor Statement Hearings
This week, as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, I attended two in-court listening sessions for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests and lay people exercising ministry in the Catholic Church. Read Statement
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Mediation Phase
Updated Questions and Answers as April 2025
What is a channeling injunction in a bankruptcy process?
A channeling injunction in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding is a court order that redirects or “channels” claims to a trust and prevents claimants from pursuing those claims against other parties, including a debtor, its insurers or other parties contributing to the trust. The trust is funded by the proceeds of settlements with insurers, debtors, and others who participate in the settlement who are then released from liability.
This means that all existing claims and claims that may become known in the future related to historical abuse would be satisfied by the trust. This allows the debtor and other settling parties to move forward with essentially a “clean slate” and release from liability for the channeled claims.
Channeling injunctions can benefit debtors, plaintiffs, and non-debtor companies by helping debtors resolve numerous claims in a fair manner, and they can help plaintiffs recover quickly without lengthy litigation. A channeling inunction would prevent pursuit of historical claims other than against the trust, even if a statute of limitations was changed in the future.
Will parishioner donations to their parish be used to fund the bankruptcy litigation or settlement with abuse survivors?
Donations and contributions to parishes are for parish purposes and not for the Archdiocese. Donations allow parishes to continue their ministry and programs.
While parishes are not included in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the Archdiocese, parishes can benefit from a channeling injunction, which would provide a release of liability from historical claims. For this reason, parishes will need to contribute money, other assets or insurance funds to the bankruptcy trust to be a party to a global settlement and benefit from any channeling injunction. The amount or percentage of contribution from a parish to receive a channeling injunction remains to be determined.
Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone on the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to facilitate settlements with abuse survivors
August 21, 2023
Dear Faithful of the Archdiocese of San Francisco:
A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about the impact of more than 500 civil lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese under state law AB-218, which allowed individuals to bring claims for childhood sexual abuse that otherwise would have been barred due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Today, I am informing you that after much reflection, prayer, and consultation with our financial and legal advisors, the Archdiocese of San Francisco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco joins a growing list of dioceses in the United States and California that have filed for protection under the bankruptcy laws. Some of these dioceses have already restructured and emerged from this process.
To be clear, only the legal entity, The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the Chapter 11 filing. Our parishes, schools, and other entities are not included in the filing. Our mission will continue as it always has. Parishes will serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrating Mass, offering the Sacraments, and providing religious education. Schools will provide the best Catholic education for students, and our Chancery will continue to support parishes and schools, and its ministries will remain engaged in the community. Catholic Charities, Catholic cemeteries, and St. Patrick’s Seminary & University will continue their operations as usual. Chancery employees will work and receive their wages and benefits during this process and beyond.
I also want to reassure you that any contributions made to the parish offertory or to the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal will not be used to settle abuse claims. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected, and these funds, which you so generously donate, are collected for use by the stated ministries, which exclude legal settlements or related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. I am grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests who are deceased or no longer in ministry. A significant number of these claims include unnamed individuals or named individuals who are unknown to the Archdiocese.
To safeguard against abuse, our Archdiocese has maintained and improved awareness and education for children and adults. We use stringent processes to screen volunteers, employees, and priests. Today, while this continues to be a widespread societal problem, occurrences of abuse within the Catholic Church are very rare, and I believe the Church has set the standard for other organizations, showing what can and should be done to protect our children.
I remain committed to the healing and care of survivors who have suffered irreversible harm because of the sins of the Church’s ministers and ask you to join me in praying for our Archdiocese, parish communities, schools, and all survivors of sexual abuse.
Now more than ever, we need to take recourse to prayer. I invite you to commit yourselves, or recommit, to living the consecration of our Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which I celebrated on October 7, 2017.
While the great majority of these sins were committed many decades ago, it will be a sign of Christian solidarity for us to join together on a daily basis in praying the rosary, spending an hour each week in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and fasting on Fridays for the survivors of abuse, for the mission of our Archdiocese, and for the eradication of this shameful crime from our society as a whole. God is pleased by such prayer and penance, and doing so will open our hearts to the blessings He wishes to lavish upon us.
May God shower you and your families with His grace during these difficult times.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
(VIDEO) Archbishop Cordileone on filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to facilitate settlements with survivors
Official Statements
03
April 15, 2025
Bankruptcy Court approves motion to permit the public release of redacted Independent Review Board meeting minutes
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218.
02
April 15, 2025
Bankruptcy Court approves motion to lift the automatic stay so that two alleged abuse cases could go to trial
The Archdiocese of San Francisco initiated a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to address legacy abuse claims as a result of the reopening of the California statute of limitations under AB-218.
01
September 13, 2024
Statement by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone following in-Court Survivor Statement Hearings
This week, as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, I attended two in-court listening sessions for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests and lay people exercising ministry in the Catholic Church.
Questions and Answers in response to lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese under AB-218
What is Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 is a legal mechanism for court-supervised reorganization or restructuring of an organization’s obligations. Chapter 11 provides a way for an organization to address its financial condition in order to remain a viable entity, while continuing day-to-day operations.
Does the Archdiocese of San Francisco have the financial wherewithal to litigate the more than 500 lawsuits filed under AB-218?
After consulting with its financial and legal advisors over the past several months, the Archdiocese determined that a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is the best option for managing and resolving these cases. It will allow the Archdiocese to achieve two very important goals.
First, the Chapter 11 process brings all parties together to resolve difficult claims fairly and equitably under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. Cases will be dealt with collectively rather than one at a time. This will result in a faster resolution for survivors, providing them with fair compensation and closure. It eliminates a scenario where the first few cases that are resolved expend all available resources to pay claims, leaving nothing for survivors whose cases are resolved later.
Secondly, Chapter 11 allows the Archdiocese to reorganize its financial affairs to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on its services and charity.
Will any Chancery employees lose their jobs as a result of the bankruptcy?
No, the Chapter 11 filing should not have any direct effect on jobs in the Archdiocese. Employees of companies and non-profit organizations that file to restructure under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code continue to work and receive their wages and benefits during the process and beyond. As is the case in the past, employment decisions will continue to be based on needs, performance, and overall goals of archdiocesan ministries.
How much money will it take to settle the more than 500 lawsuits?
While we don’t know how much money will be needed as part of the Chapter 11 process, we believe we should be able to reach a fair and equitable outcome for all survivors and provide just compensation to the innocent people who were harmed, while allowing the Archdiocese to reorganize its financial affairs to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
What happens to the more than 500 lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese?
A Chapter 11 filing triggers a “stay” that essentially freezes all litigation against the Archdiocese. We will work with all survivors through the Chapter 11 process to finalize a fair and equitable settlement. The claims and settlement will be part of the Archdiocese’s Plan of Reorganization and must be approved by the Court before the Archdiocese can emerge from bankruptcy.
How many dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 in California?
Of the 12 dioceses or archdioceses in California, there are three dioceses currently in the Chapter 11 process, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa filed its case on March 13, 2023, and on May 8, 2023, The Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland filed its chapter 11 case. The Diocese of Stockton filed on January 15, 2014, and completed its process in February 2017.
Is bankruptcy a way to keep these more than 500 lawsuits out of the spotlight and secret?
Absolutely not. Chapter 11 is a very transparent process with information available to anyone. All of the court filings are available online at https://omniagentsolutions.com/ free of charge.
Why are there so many claims against the Archdiocese now?
Through AB-218, the State of California for a second time removed the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims for non-profit organizations, opening a new three-year window allowing cases to be filed against the Archdiocese through December 31, 2022. This resulted in more than 500 civil lawsuits being filed against the Archdiocese. It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests who are deceased or no longer in ministry.
How long would the Archdiocese be in bankruptcy?
Given the seriousness and complexity of the situation, it is unclear how long the process will take. Other dioceses that have gone through this process have taken between one and three years. The Archdiocese will work to emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible.
Will any contributions to the parish offertory or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal be used to settle sexual abuse lawsuits in a bankruptcy?
No. All financial gifts made to the Archdiocese, whether to your parish or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA), are held in trust and can only be used for their intended purpose. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected. The parish offertory is to be used for the benefit of the parish, and the AAA is to be used for its specific ministries, which exclude legal settlements and related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. We are grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
What does the Chapter 11 filing mean for the schools, parishes and other ministries of the Archdiocese?
Only The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the filing. The assets of parishes, schools, and other associated ministries are not included. The operations of parishes and schools will continue as usual without disruption, as will the activities of the Archdiocese. Other ministries, such as St. Patrick’s Seminary & University, Catholic Charities, and our cemeteries will also continue their operations without disruption.
Is bankruptcy a way to minimize your financial responsibilities to abuse survivors?
No. We believe Chapter 11 is the most viable option for compensating survivors fairly and equitably. Otherwise, parties who filed first and were able to resolve their litigation could have an unfair advantage over claimants who have their cases heard later.
Chapter 11 allows all claimants equal access and an equitable share in the assets available to pay claims. It is a court-supervised, transparent process that allows for the evaluation of the merits of each claim and gives claimants a say in the outcome and visibility into the proceedings and Archdiocesan finances. This action will allow the Archdiocese to address these matters in a comprehensive manner, move forward with its essential services and mission, and provide survivors with a faster, more equitable resolution.
Have other dioceses that have filed for Chapter 11 continued normal operations and emerged from Chapter 11?
Yes. More than two dozen U.S. dioceses have filed for Chapter 11, including most recently the Diocese of Oakland in California and the Diocese of Ogdensburg in New York. For those 18 or so dioceses that have resolved their bankruptcies, all have been able to successfully emerge and continue their ministries and support their communities.
Why was a bankruptcy filing necessary?
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
Is there a chance the Archdiocese would close any Catholic schools or parishes as a result of the Chapter 11 filing?
Our Chapter 11 filing does not include the schools and parishes and therefore does not have an impact on operational decisions for schools and parishes. Those decisions would continue to be made based on sound mission and business judgements.
Questions and Answers in response to lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese under AB-218
What is Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 is a legal mechanism for court-supervised reorganization or restructuring of an organization’s obligations. Chapter 11 provides a way for an organization to address its financial condition in order to remain a viable entity, while continuing day-to-day operations.
Does the Archdiocese of San Francisco have the financial wherewithal to litigate the more than 500 lawsuits filed under AB-218?
After consulting with its financial and legal advisors over the past several months, the Archdiocese determined that a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is the best option for managing and resolving these cases. It will allow the Archdiocese to achieve two very important goals.
First, the Chapter 11 process brings all parties together to resolve difficult claims fairly and equitably under the supervision of the bankruptcy court. Cases will be dealt with collectively rather than one at a time. This will result in a faster resolution for survivors, providing them with fair compensation and closure. It eliminates a scenario where the first few cases that are resolved expend all available resources to pay claims, leaving nothing for survivors whose cases are resolved later.
Secondly, Chapter 11 allows the Archdiocese to reorganize its financial affairs to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on its services and charity.
Will any Chancery employees lose their jobs as a result of the bankruptcy?
No, the Chapter 11 filing should not have any direct effect on jobs in the Archdiocese. Employees of companies and non-profit organizations that file to restructure under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code continue to work and receive their wages and benefits during the process and beyond. As is the case in the past, employment decisions will continue to be based on needs, performance, and overall goals of archdiocesan ministries.
How much money will it take to settle the more than 500 lawsuits?
While we don’t know how much money will be needed as part of the Chapter 11 process, we believe we should be able to reach a fair and equitable outcome for all survivors and provide just compensation to the innocent people who were harmed, while allowing the Archdiocese to reorganize its financial affairs to continue its vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
What happens to the more than 500 lawsuits that have been filed against the Archdiocese?
A Chapter 11 filing triggers a “stay” that essentially freezes all litigation against the Archdiocese. We will work with all survivors through the Chapter 11 process to finalize a fair and equitable settlement. The claims and settlement will be part of the Archdiocese’s Plan of Reorganization and must be approved by the Court before the Archdiocese can emerge from bankruptcy.
How many dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 in California?
Of the 12 dioceses or archdioceses in California, there are three dioceses currently in the Chapter 11 process, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Santa Rosa filed its case on March 13, 2023, and on May 8, 2023, The Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland filed its chapter 11 case. The Diocese of Stockton filed on January 15, 2014, and completed its process in February 2017.
Is bankruptcy a way to keep these more than 500 lawsuits out of the spotlight and secret?
Absolutely not. Chapter 11 is a very transparent process with information available to anyone. All of the court filings are available online at https://omniagentsolutions.com/ free of charge.
Why are there so many claims against the Archdiocese now?
Through AB-218, the State of California for a second time removed the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims for non-profit organizations, opening a new three-year window allowing cases to be filed against the Archdiocese through December 31, 2022. This resulted in more than 500 civil lawsuits being filed against the Archdiocese. It is important to know that the overwhelming majority of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 70s, and into the 80s, and involved priests who are deceased or no longer in ministry.
How long would the Archdiocese be in bankruptcy?
Given the seriousness and complexity of the situation, it is unclear how long the process will take. Other dioceses that have gone through this process have taken between one and three years. The Archdiocese will work to emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible.
Will any contributions to the parish offertory or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal be used to settle sexual abuse lawsuits in a bankruptcy?
No. All financial gifts made to the Archdiocese, whether to your parish or the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA), are held in trust and can only be used for their intended purpose. According to a very long-standing legal and moral principle, the intention of the donor must always be respected. The parish offertory is to be used for the benefit of the parish, and the AAA is to be used for its specific ministries, which exclude legal settlements and related expenses. Without your continued support, the Archdiocese could not provide its critical services to those most in need. We are grateful for your generous gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
What does the Chapter 11 filing mean for the schools, parishes and other ministries of the Archdiocese?
Only The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco, a Corporation Sole, is included in the filing. The assets of parishes, schools, and other associated ministries are not included. The operations of parishes and schools will continue as usual without disruption, as will the activities of the Archdiocese. Other ministries, such as St. Patrick’s Seminary & University, Catholic Charities, and our cemeteries will also continue their operations without disruption.
Is bankruptcy a way to minimize your financial responsibilities to abuse survivors?
No. We believe Chapter 11 is the most viable option for compensating survivors fairly and equitably. Otherwise, parties who filed first and were able to resolve their litigation could have an unfair advantage over claimants who have their cases heard later.
Chapter 11 allows all claimants equal access and an equitable share in the assets available to pay claims. It is a court-supervised, transparent process that allows for the evaluation of the merits of each claim and gives claimants a say in the outcome and visibility into the proceedings and Archdiocesan finances. This action will allow the Archdiocese to address these matters in a comprehensive manner, move forward with its essential services and mission, and provide survivors with a faster, more equitable resolution.
Have other dioceses that have filed for Chapter 11 continued normal operations and emerged from Chapter 11?
Yes. More than two dozen U.S. dioceses have filed for Chapter 11, including most recently the Diocese of Oakland in California and the Diocese of Ogdensburg in New York. For those 18 or so dioceses that have resolved their bankruptcies, all have been able to successfully emerge and continue their ministries and support their communities.
Why was a bankruptcy filing necessary?
We believe the bankruptcy process is the best way to provide a compassionate and equitable solution for survivors of abuse while ensuring that we continue the vital ministries to the faithful and to the communities that rely on our services and charity.
Is there a chance the Archdiocese would close any Catholic schools or parishes as a result of the Chapter 11 filing?
Our Chapter 11 filing does not include the schools and parishes and therefore does not have an impact on operational decisions for schools and parishes. Those decisions would continue to be made based on sound mission and business judgements.
Throughout the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has remained focused on its shared mission: Facilitating and cultivating an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ and His Church through works of charity, preaching the Gospel, and standing up for human dignity. In collaboration with parishes, we continue to serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, celebrate Mass, offer the sacraments, and provide religious education. The archdiocese continues its important work of assisting schools in providing the best Catholic education for students, and archdiocesan ministries continue their outstanding services to the community.
Human Life & Dignity
Every child is a precious gift, and every mother deserves to be supported. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel told Mary the good news that a child would be born and that she was to be the mother of our Savior. When she asked, “How can this be?” the angel told her not to be afraid for “nothing is impossible with God.” The Gabriel Project of the Archdiocese of San Francisco offers the same comforting message by walking alongside women facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies offering hope, friendship, and practical help
Hope and Healing after Abortion
Project Rachel is a confidential archdiocesan outreach ministry that helps both women and men find hope and healing after abortion by offering a compassionate, faith-filled bridge back to peace through retreats, pastoral care, and a judgement-free space to heal.
Restorative Justice Ministry
Restorative Justice is an outreach to crime victims and their families, offenders and their families, and the incarcerated. The family of one young man murdered in San Francisco said that it was difficult to imagine life without the Restorative Justice ministry–its support groups and counseling they received–as there were so many times when they found it challenging to go on. The support of this ministry through prayer and presence has been invaluable.
Divorce Ministry
Life-Giving Wounds is a retreat ministry for adults whose parents divorced when these adults were children, and now, decades later, these adults are still feeling the effects of their parents’ divorce. A participant at one of the retreats said, “I have always felt alone in my suffering. The main grace of this retreat was realizing I wasn’t the only one who experienced these feelings.” Another commented, “This is probably the best thing the Church has ever done for me and my siblings.” And “…my parents’ divorce was so traumatic that I didn’t even know if I believed in love.”
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Some 250 young men and women attended the most recent Youth Conference at St. Matthew parish in San Mateo. One young man said, “What a fantastic day – the people, the activities. It was great.” The mother of a young lady who attended said, “This is beautiful. It is wonderful for my daughter to be with so many young people who are so excited by our faith.”
Hospital Chaplaincy
A patient at a local hospital was suffering from a serious illness that caused depression, anger, and even some verbal abuse toward hospital staff. The patient asked to see a priest. On the way in to see the patient, the priest was stopped by the caregivers. They asked the priest to pray for their patience and calmness. The visit helped heal the patient spiritually and emotionally, and it strengthened the patient’s relationship with the caregivers.
Immigration
The archdiocese has built trusted relationships with immigrant families and community partners offering tangible support where it is most needed in San Mateo, San Francisco and Marin counties. Through collaboration with Catholic Charities’ Center for Immigration Legal & Support Services and the University of San Francisco Law Immigration and Deportation Defense Clinic, the archdiocese and its partner organizations have conducted listening sessions to counter misinformation and assist more than 1,000 families with individualized case assistance, legal consultations, and Know Your Rights presentations. These efforts have helped individuals better understand their legal rights, their current legal status, and how best to navigate applications for citizenship or asylum. In addition to workshops at parishes, the archdiocesan immigration ministry hosted Know Your Rights workshops for homeless individuals at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelters in San Francisco.
Homelessness and Housing
While the devastating crisis of homelessness compounds instability and poverty, Catholic Charities is a beacon of hope by providing shelter and safety for homeless and near-homeless families and individuals struggling to survive
Aging Support Services
Catholic Charities helps seniors maintain their independence and dignity while making valuable connections through companionship and friendship. Their innovative programs promote economical alternative solutions to residential facilities or in-home care while also providing respite to caregivers.
Archdiocesan parishes impacting lives
Our parishes impact lives in countless ways through vibrant, innovative outreach ministries. For example, St Dominic parish partners with the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank to transform its parish hall into a food pantry that serves 150 people every Monday. “Over the years, we have worked on becoming a welcoming place for those who come,” said one volunteer. “We get to know a bit about them, rejoice at their successes and cry with them at their losses.”
In 2011, longtime St. Thomas More parishioner Joe Espinueva learned about the significant decline in Catholic weddings in the preceding 20 years. He asked, “What can we do to help?” This simple question represented the beginning of “Operation I Do,” which was launched at the parish with a Mass and wedding celebration on the feast day of St. Thomas More, June 22. Since that time, the following 15 years has seen the ministry blossom into a vibrant marriage preparation program where volunteers and clergy accompany engaged couples in their sacramental journeys.
