I just see that the original post has been removed ... a pity for the valid points it addressed, if there hadn't been its (maybe too negative) tone.

Our parish just doesn't invest an adequate amount of money in the music.
Traditionally, almost everything was run smoothly by volunteers, people are still used to that.

Admittedly we have a huge financial problem: The church building had to be closed due to problems with the foudation, it took three years of fundraising before reconstruction started. Works are almost finished, the church will probably reopen in fall; the parish has a huge dept that will take years to pay back. There is no money for anything at the moment.

Still it is odd that now that the biggest catholic church in town will be open again, with a splendid organ by the way, the parish will not have an own organist, and just an amateur choir director.

Edit (added 04-27):
What I also learned in the process:
- always keep an archive of e-mails pertaining to any relevant issues;
- include citations when responding to posts in this forum.

ryand, still hopeful to read your local praise report.