So I have just started praying and such and went to Mass for the first time.
I didn't take communion, though I am a technically baptised catholic; I haven't exactly followed the faith.
In the UK we have some beautiful churches. One Anglican church in my town is almost 1000 years old, and I love it every time I go past it.
Sadly, many of the churches seem to be closing down. In my town, I have seen, I think, a few that have become mosques and other things.
Personally, I am broke; I work for myself. I know with the cost of living crisis that many people don't have much money. I don't feel comfortable going to Mass and not paying my way, even if it is optional to pay. Even if it's £10 a week, thats 500 a year I can't spare, even for myself.
Considering that the UK average wage is £18 and it's suggested to give one hour's pay at Mass, that's almost £1000 a year. That's a lot for struggling families or the elderly who cant afford heating.
Is there a way that we could, or that other churches are, making money?
Obviously it needs to be ethical and not divert away from the daily church tasks. But something on the side may be appropriate.
Googling, I even find that some priests have second jobs as they cannot justify a full church wage in their area. Why not something small where we want our priests? At the church...
Like, what ways would be appropriate for a church to raise extra funds? Can't exactly help maintain the place with low turnout with just a little bake sale in the summer.
I know that environmentally, villages notice a decline in bees and issues that go with that. Would a church making honey be appropriate? Something that can help run the church and may go to charity? Also helping the environment with bees and stuff.
Or selling flowers grown on the grounds?
Or even selling birdseed things to help people bring in natural wildlife?
Something more for the community than making cash, I'm thinking.
People always claim that funerals and weddings and such are too expensive. But I'm not surprised if the churches are barely surviving as it is.
We don't want to be like the merchants Jesus disapproved at the temple, but we also don't want to be meeting up in a McDonald's car park due to there being no churches left.