Do you have to pay all the time? I went and wanted to go to the church and the lady in the gift shop said I had to pay again to go in to the church.I know Jesus didn't charge for his prayer everytime.

Several thoughts...Jesus went to the Temple and paid the Temple tax of his day. When you come for a scheduled Mass, there is no entry fee. When you come otherwise, yes a we charged...$2 for children, $5 for adults. The Missions, unlike most churches are places of pilgrimage and tourism. We leave the lights on all day and keep the grounds in good repair and that cost $$$$ someone has to help with the upkeep of a 239 year old church grounds. You are welcome to come, and the fee helps keep the church clean so that you can pray in a clean, safe and restored place.

I think it's for maintenance of the church... hundreds go and visit, so they do have have to preserve centuries old relics... parking was free... :-)