Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) The deadline is fast approaching for parishes in the Buffalo Diocese to pay a collective $80 million dollars toward the clergy abuse settlement.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the Old First Ward is being asked to contribute $36,567 dollars to the settlement fund by July 15.
"We do not have that amount," said Parishioner Roxanne Casey on WBEN Tuesday. "We are shy by five or seven thousand dollars and they're asking on social media for donations toward the settlement." She added, "It's unbelievable. They're trying to close our church."
Casey said they are not against paying the victims of clergy abuse, but she said it shouldn't be on the backs or parishes and parishioners.
She added that the Diocese should be looking elsewhere for the funds, including the estates of priests who were involved in the abuse scandal.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is on the list of churches slated to merge or close.
Parishioners who are fighting to remain open, have started a 501c3 foundation to keep the church running. "This fund is 100% restricted from the Buffalo Diocese," said Casey.
The Buffalo News on Monday reported that the settlement is larger than the original $150 million dollars. It now stands at $167 million because of mounting legal fees. It could go even higher.
Casey said she "absolutely" expects the Diocese to continue to ask for more.
But as the July 15 deadline nears, will they pay, or not at Our Lady of Perpetual Help?
"I can't answer that. I'm not the trustee. I don't know the answer."