LI Diocese Sells Headquarters Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — The Diocese of Rockville Centre, the head of the Catholic Church across Long Island, announced that it is selling its headquarters as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

The diocese announced on Friday that it was selling its Pastoral Center at 50 North Park Ave. in Rockville Centre for $5.2 million. It was purchased by Synergy Holding Partners LLC. The property includes a five-story office building and a parking lot for 58 cars.

Per the bankruptcy court, the entire sale of the building will be used to pay the diocese's creditors.

The diocese says that the sale of its headquarters will not affect its operations.

“The sale and our relocation will have no effect on our ministry," said Fr. Eric Fasano, the diocese Vicar General. "In fact, the operating efficiencies that will result are expected to free resources that can be directed to those with the greatest need.”

The diocese will continue to use the building until Aug. 31, when it will move to a new facility. Until then, the diocese said its employees will continue to work from home for the most part, still following coronavirus guidelines.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre filed for bankruptcy last October as it faced more than 200 lawsuits from survivors of sexual abuse. New York's Child Victims Act opened a window for survivors of sexual abuse to sue their abusers, even if the statute of limitations had passed.

In 2019, the diocese tried to have the cases against it — and the Child Victims Act itself — struck down by a court, claiming the law violated the state constitution and the diocese's rights. Those proceedings failed.