(Sacramento, CA) — The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento has filed for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy protection. Bishop Jaime Soto made the official filing in U.S. Bankruptcy court on Monday. He initially announced his intent to file for bankruptcy in December.

The diocese is facing more than 250 lawsuits, claiming clergy and other employees sexually abused minors. The lawsuits date back to the 1950s.

The diocese says the bankruptcy process could take two to three years.