The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John’s is preparing to sell off properties to settle abuse claims linked to Mount Cashel Orphanage.

In a message to all parishioners on Sunday, Archbishop Peter Hundt said a team of advisors is working on a “major restructuring” plan to resolve the claims, estimated to be in the several millions of dollars.

He says that will involve downsizing and consolidation at both the diocese and parish levels. But he did not get into specifics and declined an interview on the matter, stating “we still have plenty of work to do and at the appropriate time we will release more information publicly.”

Hundt acknowledged the efforts to raise money to settle the abuse claims will have a significant impact on everyone, but noted the Catholic faith is based on more than just “bricks and mortar.”

Last month, the Church accepted responsibility for the abuse that occurred at Mount Cashel Orphanage in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court of Appeal ruled last July that the Church was liable for the abuse.

But in September, the Church tried to appeal that decision further, saying the ruling set a precedent with “profound implications” for its future operations.

In January, the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear that appeal, effectively exhausting all of the Church’s legal options.

It’s estimated the archdiocese will have to pay out at least $2 million, which will be shared by the four lead plaintiffs who are now in their 70s and 80s, as well as dozens of others. Some of the victims have since passed away since the initial claim was initiated 30 years ago.

Other abuse charges and claims from the 1970s and ’80s were finalized in separate settlements in the late 1990s.