Parishioners attended the first Sunday mass since the Catholic Diocese of Rochester filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following multiple lawsuits filed under the Child Victim’s Act.

Bishop Salvatore Matano announced at a press conference last week that his diocese will have insufficient resources to handle potential litigation costs and settlement claims, dating back decades under the CVA.

Despite the filing, it was a usual service with a full congregation at Sacred Heart Cathedral, the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Rochester.

Reverend Robert Kennedy, the assisting priest, presented a sermon that focused on the importance of forgiveness and a God that loves unconditionally.

Among the mass in the pews was Gary Palmar of Rochester. Palmar said he and his family are faithful parishioners of the Catholic Church and a petition for bankruptcy will not alter his stance.

"I think you kind of have to separate the two; your belief in God and worship and so forth,” Palmar said. “It's not surprising in the end with the number of scandal. Certainly, the amount financially that's going to take the church to come out of it. It's hurtful in a way but you have to keep the faith and we certainly will pray for all the folks affected by it.”

At the end of mass on Sunday, Reverend Kenny referred parishioners to a letter in the church bulletin from the bishop that was disclosed last week at a press conference. The bulletin, often containing church announcements, now included a document of ‘frequently asked questions’ regarding details of the bankruptcy process.