Hartford, CT—On Wednesday, the United States Bankruptcy Court in Hartford confirmed the Diocese of Norwich’s Joint Plan of Reorganization, marking the official emergence of The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation from chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Honorable Judge James J. Tancredi presided over the confirmation hearing, held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and approved the plan on the record at the hearing, subject to entry of an order confirming the plan to be submitted by the parties.
The confirmed Joint Plan was proposed by the Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation; the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, representing the interests of survivors, The Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America, and the Association of Parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut.
The Joint Plan establishes a settlement fund of approximately $31 million. This includes contributions from Diocesan assets and sale proceeds from Diocesan properties, non-debtor assets and properties, insurance contributions, and other contributions. Estate professionals in the bankruptcy case, along with Hon. Joan N. Feeney (Ret.) also agreed to a 10% reduction in allowed fees as a contribution to the settlement fund. The settlement fund provides equitable compensation to survivors of sexual abuse, acknowledging their profound pain and suffering and offers a path toward healing. The Joint Plan received near unanimous support from voting creditors and survivors, with virtually all voting survivors having executed releases.
Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of Norwich, offered the following statement:
“Today’s confirmation marks an important step toward justice and healing. We are deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of sexual abuse. Our hope is that this settlement provides a fair measure of compensation and an opportunity for healing. We offer our sincere prayers for all survivors and remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that such abuse can never happen again. With this plan confirmed, the Diocese is now able to continue its mission of Catholic service, ministry, and education across Eastern Connecticut.”
Ice Miller LLP and Robinson & Cole served as counsel for the Diocese of Norwich and GlassRatner Advisory & Capital Group LLC d/b/a B. Riley Advisory Services served as its financial advisor. They worked collaboratively on the Joint Plan with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors represented by Zeisler & Zeisler, the Association of Parishes represented by Jones Walker, and The Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America represented by ArentFox Schiff.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Peter Langevin, Fr. Ted Tumicki, and Karen Huffer for their dedication and diligence throughout this process and its conclusion,” said Bishop Reidy. “I am also truly thankful to our pastors for their support of the plan and their contributions—both material and spiritual. Their commitment helped make this resolution possible.”
This resolution allows the Diocese, parishes, and Catholic entities to move forward with clarity, accountability, and renewed dedication to their charitable and religious work throughout the community and provides an opportunity for healing to survivors.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201.788.0142, jamie@newspros.com, PR Counsel, Attorneys for Debtor, Diocese of Norwich