Random Thoughts

The Philadelphia Archodiocise has declared that Catholic school students unable to pay their student tuition; for whatever reason, shall not be allowed access to, or permitted copies of, their academic transcripts. No exceptions.
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/16248017.html
Sadly, it has already, in at least one instance, kept an otherwise excellent student from graduating or applying to even another public school (or eventually college) because her father suffered a heart attack and has been out of work long-term as a result.

So, I had a few other ideas for the Philadelphia Archdiocise that fall along these same lines.

1. Offer Preffered Seating To "Regular Catholics":

Nothing bothers me more than when Christmas week or Easter Sunday rolls around and we're running five minutes late and when we get there we have to stand for the entire service because there's now magically three-hundered parishoners in the pews that we don't see at any other time during the year. Now, I know the Church doesn't want to turn them away; but what about offering reserved seating to the people who show up every week and put their little blue envelope in the collection plate? Kinda like how season ticket holders get first crack at tickets should their team make the playoffs? C'mon, Easter is the Super Bowl of the Catholic Church. (Which I guess makes Christmas the World Series and the Feast of the Assumption the Bassmaster Classic.)

2. Advertising During Service:

The Prairie Home Companion has become amazingly popular behind the idea of spoof commercial spots. What would be more entertaining or would keep people on their toes more than an occasional commercial? "Tide: makes whites whiter, and saves you soul from eternal damnation to boot! Now, in hypo-allergenic formula..."

3. Sacremental Bourbon:

Besides the cover charge at the door? No explanation required.

Before I get comments calling me every name in the book let it be said I have a tremendous respect for both the Catholic Church and what they try to accomplish on a day-to-day basis. But, any group needs to be willing to adapt and provide for individual considerations if it is to thrive and even grow.

Practice what you preach. Isn't that the applicable phrase here?