IRVINE, Calif. -- An anonymous donor has given $10 million to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, The Associated Press reported.
The gift was announced during Sunday Masses May 4, by the Rev. Thomas Pado. He said the church would share $1 million with Orange County's poorest parishes.
"For this gift, we are truly grateful to God," Pado said.
A month ago, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange said it would cut 20 percent from its budget after huge financial losses the last two years, AP reported.
Losses in the stock market and rising insurance costs forced the diocese to twice impose 5 percent cuts last year. The diocese also spent $3.6 million to resolve lawsuits over sexual abuse charges.
The gift came from a woman who was a member of the 1,200-family St. Elizabeth parish and is the largest single gift in the diocese, according to the report.
In a news release, Pado said church officials have been studying parish needs and planning for the church's financial future. No plans have been made other than the contribution to the diocese.
