Why should I give my money to the Church when so much of it is spent on lawsuits? 

I recently was in a diocese where their yearly statement of earnings, and distribution of same was printed for each parishioner of every parish to read. In fact, these audited and approved statements were mailed to every parishioner and these statements clearly showed where all the monies for the entire diocese were going. Do you know that your Director of Religious Education and teachers are all supported in training classes offered by the diocese to teach children? What about the pre-Cana training offered to those preparing for marriage? How about those who are divorced and are seeking an annulment? The diocese assumes the most of these costs. It also provides for our Seminarians in their studies, preserves and renovates the Cathedral, helps fiscally-challenged parishes, continues in Social Concerns Ministries to the sick, homeless, elderly and disabled. The money people of good faith contribute weekly or during the diocesan campaigns help to train your diocesan priests.

If you think that any of your donations are going to pay off lawsuits, keep in mind that each diocese has insurance for that purpose. Yes, in some cases, the insurance was not enough, and properties had to be sold and parishes consolidated. But your money did not go to pay for any lawsuits. Without money, the Church cannot function. Please be generous and trust: God loves a cheerful giver!