Every town plaza has a Catholic Church, and some of them are practically cathedrals. Clean and comfortable, they often have English services.
What little crime Lake Chapala has is mostly burglaries, and churches are no exception. The churches are open to tourists and visitors while the janitors are cleaning up, and then they are locked until the next service.
Built mostly on Spanish designs (many of them WERE built by the Spanish), the insides of the churches feature beautiful architecture, paintings, and statues. You're welcome to take pictures. The altar area at the front, however, is considered especially sacred by our Catholic friends, however, and no one is allowed up there without permission from the priest. ( The janitor has permission, but you do not).
Because most Mexicans do not own cars, there are often small Catholic churches scattered around the towns. While exploring Ajijic, I found a modern, well-lit, airy Catholic Church that looked like a small American church.
Because of Mexico's banking laws, if you plan to make a contribution by check, do not fill out the check until someone shows you how.
Vince
