By JIM BUTLER

This is a pivotal week in the Diocese of Alexandria’s bankruptcy case.

Today, a hearing will be in Shreveport on its request for extending until June 30 the exclusive right to file a settlement plan and to September 30 the deadline to obtain acceptances of it.

Such an extension is allowed for under provisions of the Bankruptcy Act.

The Diocese filed a Chapter 11 reorganization petition on October 31 in the face of increasing claims by persons alleging abuse by clergy as far back as the 1970s.

Thursday in New Orleans the initial mediation session involving the Diocese counsel and that of potential plaintiffs and/or creditors takes place.

John W. Perry Jr., a noted jurist in such cases as Deepwater Horizon, was appointed mediator in February.

Mediation is a critical step toward resolving coverage issues and contributions to the settlement plan.

The court-set final date for claims in the case is June 8.

According to a report recently filed, the Diocese had receipts of $731,000 in April and disbursements of $998,000.