The RC church has always had lower salaries for years. I took a severe cut in pay when I was the organist for 3 years in a RC parish here.
The protestant churches pay much better - I routinely get at least 4% increase each year where I play, even though the membership is declining by 11% every year. Our average attendance is about 160 on any given Sunday in a sanctuary that seats 350.
I deal with the chatter of the congregation each week too ... it is annoying ... but some people do actually listen and appreciate the music I present. I also publish everything I play in the weekly bulletin by title, composer and birth/death years for Prelude, Offertory, Communion and Postlude.
Padster, I would check with some Protestant churches for a position before you give it up completely. You have invested a significant amount of your life towards the organ and I, and others, would hate to see you just give up because of one inane parish. There are other churches that will appreciate all your efforts.
The protestant churches pay much better - I routinely get at least 4% increase each year where I play, even though the membership is declining by 11% every year. Our average attendance is about 160 on any given Sunday in a sanctuary that seats 350.
I deal with the chatter of the congregation each week too ... it is annoying ... but some people do actually listen and appreciate the music I present. I also publish everything I play in the weekly bulletin by title, composer and birth/death years for Prelude, Offertory, Communion and Postlude.
Padster, I would check with some Protestant churches for a position before you give it up completely. You have invested a significant amount of your life towards the organ and I, and others, would hate to see you just give up because of one inane parish. There are other churches that will appreciate all your efforts.