Too few believers: Church for sale

Hirschwang loses Its house of worship

In Hirschwang near Edlach in Lower Austria, a church stands empty where prayers were once held regularly. Now it's on the market.

In Hirschwang at the foot of the Rax Mountains, a church stands empty where services were once held regularly. Now it's on the market. The Archdiocese of Vienna and the Edlach parish want to sell the church and its old rectory. The estimated property value is €240,000.

The reasons are clear. Fewer and fewer people are attending church, and costs are rising inexorably. Around 380 Catholics still live in Edlach, and there are five other churches within a ten-kilometer radius. The last services averaged only four to six worshippers.

Renovation would be too expensive

Father Heimo Sitter reports empty pews and a religious life that barely exists anymore. Deacon Norbert Mang also sees no future for the building. The urgently needed renovations would cost around €150,000. The Parish can no longer afford it.

Therefore, a joint decision was made to abandon the building. The church remains selective in this regard. A sale will only take place if the future owner does not contradict the fundamental values ​​of the Catholic Church. The archdiocese would prefer that a Christian community take over the building.

The old presbytery was previously used for social projects, such as a kindergarten or clubhouse. Cultural use is also conceivable. Only liturgical objects and works of art will not be included in the sale. Since the building is not a listed building, renovations or demolition are also possible. Interested parties must disclose their plans and can visit the church on three afternoons in August.

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