The Diocese of Rockville Centre said Sunday it will not appeal a multimillion dollar award over sexual abuse.

A jury found the diocese, St. Raphael's Church and the Rev. Thomas Haggerty negligent in the hiring and retention of youth minister Matthew Maiello Friday. Maiello was convicted of sexually abusing children at St. Raphael's. The jury awarded the two victims who filed suit $11.4 million.

The diocese issued a statement saying "It would bring more pain to the victims and the parish and everyone involved if the process was prolonged." Bishop William Murphy encouraged parishes to discuss the verdict and the decision not to appeal with members.

While the scandal hasn't caused St. Raphael's parishioners to lose faith, it has rocked their faith in the Catholic Church. "You hope and pray that it was just one case and it will never happen again, but I'm a little leery to go ahead and put my children in to become an alter boy," Tami Scardino said.

Related information: