⛪️ New Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing - Diocese of Alexandria ⛪️
Catholic diocese files chapter 11. We all know why.
On October 31, 2025, the Diocese of Alexandria (the “debtor”) filed a chapter 11 bankruptcy case in the Western District of Louisiana (Judge Hodge).
Before we ever opened the docket, we knew why. So do you.
Per Richard Mitchell, a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, the debtor’s director of stewardship and public relations, and its chosen first day declarant, there are thirty-seven filed lawsuits relating to “incidents” spanning 1953-97, each of which, per Mr. Mitchell, would cost ~$400k in expenses just to take through a jury trial.
The debtor can’t afford that. Per Mr. Mitchell:
“For years, the Diocese’s operating expenses exceeded its gross revenue. Preliminary figures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, reflect revenue of approximately $10.17 million and expenses of approximately $14.5 million, for a net loss of approximately $4.33 million. Net losses were $112,669 in FY 2023-2024, $307,886 in FY 2022-2023, and $317,865 in FY 2021-2022.”
The court held a first-day hearing on November 5, 2025, at which all requested relief was granted, and scheduled the second-day hearing for December 9, 2025 at 10am CT. We don’t plan to attend. Or write on this name ever again.
The debtor is represented by Husch Blackwell LLP (Mark Benedict, Francis LoCoco, Bruce Arnold, Lindsey Greenawald) and Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell, APLC (Bradley Drell, Heather Mathews) as legal counsel and Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC as financial advisor. Certain incident abuse survivors are represented by Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain, LLP (Soren Gisleson).
Company Professionals:
Legal: Husch Blackwell LLP (Mark Benedict, Francis LoCoco, Bruce Arnold, Lindsey Greenawald) and Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell, APLC (Bradley Drell, Heather Mathews)
Financial Advisor: Getzler Henrich & Associates LLC
Claims Agent: Stretto (Click here for free docket access)
Other Parties in Interest:
Certain Abuse Survivors
Legal: Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain, LLP (Soren Gisleson)