By JIM BUTLER 

The Diocese of Alexandria has been granted extended time for its exclusive period to file a bankruptcy reorganization plan. 

Additionally, Judge John S. Hodge granted the Diocese until July 31 the exclusive right to negotiate with creditors to gain acceptance of that plan. 

The Diocese filed for bankruptcy protection last October 31, citing the projected financial burden of claims alleging clerical sexual abuse as many as five decades ago. 

Dodge’s order Tuesday followed a hearing on the extension motions. 

The judge on Friday issued a protective order guarding the confidentiality of information gathered through what likely will be an extensive deposition process. 

Should there be a dispute between parties over a confidential designation the court will make the determination. 

The Diocese monthly operating report for January, filed February 25, indicates its cash balance declined about $260,000 from December. 

Assets totaled $17.8 million, compared to $19 million a year earlier. 

Liabilities totaled $9.47 million, compared to $6.7 million one year previous. 

General and administrative expenses, including payroll taxes, were $211,000 more than the $465,000 gross income. 

The checking account register submitted as part of the report has dozens of entries, redacted of account numbers, names and other data considered private or protected.