Diocese record · Connecticut

Diocese of Norwich

The Diocese of Norwich filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 while facing roughly 60 lawsuits over abuse at the Academy at Mount Saint John. Its confirmed reorganization plan established a $31 million trust for survivors; the diocese emerged from bankruptcy in 2025.

People's Justice Accountability DeskFacts verified Jul 12, 20263 sources

Filing window status

Connecticut extended its civil deadline for childhood sexual abuse: for abuse on or after October 1, 2019, survivors may sue until age 51, and there is no time limit for civil actions against an abuser later convicted of first-degree sexual assault. Claims against a diocese in Chapter 11 are handled through the bankruptcy's compensation process. Because the deadline depends on when the abuse occurred and other facts, a free, confidential review can confirm what applies to you.

Deadlines are state-specific and change often. Even if you think a window has passed, it is worth confirming — exceptions can apply. A free, confidential review can tell you where you stand.

The record

Key Facts

Fact 01

~60 abuse lawsuits (Academy at Mount Saint John)

Source: Diocese of Norwich / NCR

Fact 02

$31 million survivors' trust

Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, D. Conn. (2025)

Fact 03

Chapter 11 filed 2021; emerged 2025

Source: Diocese of Norwich

Fact 04

Abuse alleged c. 1986–2000

Source: Hartford Business Journal

What is documented

The Allegations

Roughly 60 survivors alleged childhood sexual abuse, the majority at the Academy at Mount Saint John, a diocesan school in Deep River, Connecticut. Plaintiffs said they were abused between roughly 1986 and 2000 while between the ages of 10 and 15.

The full account

The Record

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 as it faced nearly 60 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of students at the Academy at Mount Saint John, a diocesan school in Deep River, Connecticut.

The majority of allegations centered on staff at the school; plaintiffs said they were victimized between roughly 1986 and 2000, when they were between 10 and 15 years old. In 2025, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Hartford confirmed the diocese's joint plan of reorganization, establishing a $31 million trust for survivors funded by diocesan assets, property-sale proceeds, non-debtor contributions and insurance.

With confirmation, the Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation formally emerged from Chapter 11, resolving the abuse claims through the trust.

Sources & attribution

Sources Cited

3 sources

Related investigation

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