By JIM BUTLER 

Judge John Hodge on Monday ordered a deadline of June 6 for damage claims in the Diocese of Alexandria bankruptcy case. 

The Diocese had earlier requested a May 1 cutoff but its attorneys and those of potential abuse victims or their survivors petitioned for the later date after revising the victim claim form and process. 

The Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection on October 31 as notice of potential claims of clergy abuse as far back as 1970 increased. 

Staring at the potential legal costs and claim awards, the Diocese sought Chapter 11 relief. 

Its latest monthly operating report to the court reflects about $201,000 in combined legal fees in December alone. 

The Diocese began the month with $2.8 million cash balance. Its latest monthly operating report to the court showed December receipts of $776,000 and disbursements of $670,000. 

Post-filing debt is reported as $7.9 million, $1.5 million of that secured. Total liabilities are listed at $9.46 million.