The Supreme Court has granted more time to finalize the selloff of RC Church properties to settle sex abuse claims linked to the former Mount Cashel Orphanage.

Justice Garrett Handrigan approved the extension in court this afternoon.

The parties now have until the end of May next year to clew up outstanding transactions and formalize the process for cash payouts to about 100 victims.

To date, about $30 million has been realized from the sale of churches, parish halls, rectories and vacant land, mostly in the St. John’s area.

Other church properties around the Avalon Peninsula are in the process of being evaluated and listed for sale.

It’s estimated at least $50 million will be needed to compensate victims, with lawyers now eyeing church-owned schools in the metro area to make up the other $20 million.

A hearing to determine whether schools can be included in the selloff is scheduled for February.