Diocese addresses St. Clare’s media misinformation

Case, which has dragged on for years, set to go to trial on Nov. 3

The following statement was released by the Diocese of Albany on Aug. 25:

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany would like to clear up misinformation that continues in media reports throughout our Diocese regarding the St. Clare’s pension. It has been widely reported that the Diocese is responsible for the failure of the pension, that the Diocese managed the pension. That is not true. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany was never party to and never exercised any control over St. Clare’s Hospital operations or its pension. The diocesan administrative and finance offices have never had any responsibility or involvement regarding St. Clare’s Hospital or its pension.

All decisions regarding pension eligibility and benefits were made by the St. Clare’s Hospital’s board of directors and its pension trustees, not by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany was never a member, trustee or director of St. Clare’s Hospital or its pension plan.

The claim that the Diocese of Albany was deeply involved in the hospital’s day-to-day activities is inaccurate. The bishop’s canonical oversight was focused on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The hospital was Catholic because of its mission to serve all in accord with Catholic moral standards, and that’s why it was canonically co-sponsored with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. 

You might also want to look at the Final Report of the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, the Berger Commission Report, and the New York State Department of Health Report on Implementation of the Berger Commission Report. Neither mentions nor references the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The pension claims began with the Berger Commission which determined the level of funding for the pension at St. Clare’s Hospital and its closure. That report was delivered in late 2006.

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who arrived in the Diocese in 2014, has actively sought ways to help the pensioners. He hosted a listening session with pensioners at Siena College to identify issues and consider ways to help those in need. He also reached out to the Mother Cabrini Foundation to try and secure funding for the pensioners, but that effort was unable to move forward once the pensioners filed the lawsuit. 

The Diocese is eager to see the case move forward - a trial date has been set for Nov. 3 - and promptly resolved. Our prayers continue for all who are struggling in any way, and as we stated previously, our offer to connect those in need with services that can help, stands. No one should walk alone.