The Supreme Court has granted the St. John’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese another 45 days to finalize its proposal for the sale of properties to settle millions in abuse claims.

The Church is eyeing its most lucrative land and buildings to ultimately pay out up to $50 million in compensation.

Those properties include the Mount St. Francis Monastery, about $5 million from St. Kevin’s Parish investment fund—much of which came from the popular Chase the Ace fundraiser—as well as the Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Lawyer Kyle Rees is representing St. Kevin’s Parish in the case, and argues the money raised by parishioners should stay with them.

He says the money was earmarked for the people of the Goulds, including the food bank and other services, and shouldn’t be used to settle abuse claims against the Archdiocese.

Arguments specific to that issue will be heard on February 28.

The Church, meanwhile, expects the selloff to be a “phased approach,” starting with assets in the St. John’s Metro area, which are deemed the most valuable.

Almost a dozen lawyers were in court for this morning’s application, including representatives of Ernst and Young, the proposal trustee.

Church lawyers said their intention is to proceed with a real estate liquidation as opposed to bankruptcy, which they say will garner more money for creditors or claimants.

The claims involve abuse suffered at the former Mount Cashel Orphanage in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.