Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (IHM) in Scarsdale filed for bankruptcy protection on December 8, according to an announcement from Father Stephen Ries, the parish’s pastor. 

Father Ries said the parish “took this unfortunate but necessary step given the large number of cases arising from the Child Victims Act that allege sexual abuse by a now deceased former lay employee at our parish,” in a letter to the parish community. 

The parish filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. 

“After much deliberation and prayer, we have come to the conclusion that these legal proceedings are the only way forward to ensure the long-term sustainability of IHM,” the letter said. 

Father Ries emphasized that the parish has no plans to close and will maintain its full schedule of Masses, continue all parish ministries, programs, and activities, celebrate the sacraments, and support all that makes Immaculate Heart of Mary unique. He and Father Thumma will remain available for pastoral care. 

“Bankruptcy reflects a legal change in the state of our finances — not a change in our day-to-day operations or to the essence of what makes IHM such a vibrant parish,” Father Ries wrote. 

School operations to be unaffected 

Sister Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, sent a separate letter to school families assuring them that the daily life of Immaculate Heart of Mary School will not be affected. 

“Your children’s education, daily routines, and the many activities that make your school community so vibrant will continue without interruption,” Sister Mary Grace wrote. “As a parish school in the Archdiocese of New York, we fully expect that all aspects of the school’s ministry and operations will continue as usual throughout this process.” 

“In moments like these, we remember our call to accompany one another, to hold close those who are hurting, and to entrust our community to the healing mercy of the Lord,” Sister Mary Grace added.