June 11, 2022 (Feast of St. Barnabas – ‘man of encouragement’)
My Dear Clergy and Faithful
It has been a long and difficult journey to reach this point. The debt obligation of the Diocese of Antigonish necessary to settle the class action lawsuit has been extinguished and no further property sales will be required for settlement of the debt. We are most grateful to so many people and parishes who sacrificed their time, talent, and resources to assist us with this tremendous debt. There are too many people to thank by name, our lawyers, realtors, parish communities, and members of various diocesan committees who worked tirelessly. Our thanks to the Sisters of St. Martha for their generosity. Our thanks to Archbishop Brian Dunn, my predecessor who provided such leadership and oversight.
Now property sales will proceed as intended by Canon Law. Parishes can sell properties as long as they receive permission from the diocese. You will need to use our realtors, since we have developed the expertise to sell land at a fair market value. Once a sale is finalized, all costs of the sale, i.e., legal fees, commissions, migration, etc., as well as any outstanding receivables owing to the Diocese will be paid from the proceeds of the sale. Remaining funds will be then paid to the Parish.
Thank you for your generosity and service to our diocese.
Fraternally in Christ,
+ Wayne Kirkpatrick
Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick
