Dear Hernan:

This is not an issue of doctrine, but an issue of prudence and common sense based upon the principles of moral theology. The Nave (where the pews are at) and and the Sanctuary (where the altar and tabernacle are at) are Holy Ground. The activities conducted here should be activities of worship, prayer, or preaching/education. Pedestrian and folks activities do not belong in the Church. Such things can be done in fellowship hall or some other place outside of the Church proper.

Let us take a look at a similar issue as an illustration of the principles of moral theology that I suggest makes holding a raffle draw in front of the altar wrong and perhaps even venially sinful. People should not be talking before or after Mass in the Nave, but should have proper respect when in the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament (exposed in Adoration or reserved in the Tabernacle) and for those who may be praying. See the Q&A answeresd by Colin B. Donovan, from the EWTN Q&As. .

This last point made by Mr. Donovan in his anwser is an important one. Mr. Donovan suggests that the reasons given for not talking in Church are "basic principles of Catholic moral theology and need no other authority than that."

The Church cannot make a rule for every single circumstance that could arise. To do so would create a book so large that it would tilt the earth's axis. Thus, like any parent, the Church teaches us principles to live by. In this way when we come up against some issue that the Church has not specifically mentioned, we are prepared to make the right decision based upon the principles of moral theology.

Holding a raffle draw is obviously improper in the Church Nave or Sanctuary. A raffle is neither a prayerful or sacred activity, nor one of preaching or education. A raffle is strictly a pedestrian and folk activity that has no place in the Nave or Sanctuary.

This should be obvious, but many people, even priests, seem to lack the understanding, or perhaps are thoughtlessly oblivious, to the need for the reverence and respect that should be had when in front of the altar and/or Tabernacle. A raffle can be held in fellowship hall; it has no place in the Church proper. This is not a matter of law, but derived from the principles of moral theology.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary