APTOS, Calif. -- The bishop of the Monterey Diocese met with parishioners at Resurrection Catholic Church in Aptos Tuesday night in the first of four meeting planned on the issue of sexual abuse allegations against priests.

Bishop Sylvester Ryan updated those in attendance on the status of multi-million dollar lawsuits against the diocese and what the church is doing about sexual abuse cases.

Emotions were high at the meeting, as parishioners and sexual abuse victims listened to what Ryan had to say.

"Parishioners have certainly have had a difficult time. They expect more from those who they place this kind of trust, and so I think there's more of a concern. (They have) questions ... for example, what are you doing to prepare men for the priesthood today?" Ryan said.

"It's kind of bittersweet in a sense. This is surreal for me to be here ... 51-years-old and now seeing the Catholic church being held accountable for these molestations and pedophiles. I never though they would be held accountable and the bitterness is having to relive it," said Kim Allen, a victim in a pending lawsuit.

Victims told Action News they want to see the church take more responsibility for any wrongs that may have been committed.

Ryan said he hopes meetings like this are a step in the right direction.

Another meeting is planned for Wednesday night in Seaside.