Is "more butts in the seats" the goal of the Gospel? I'm not sure. IMHO many folks are already living gospel values without having their butts in the pews. It might be worthwhile to get to know them and their values and work with them to develop even more their values that already are gospel values. IMHO the focus needs to be on how to live the gospel here and now. The purpose of the requirement to "go to mass" on Sundays originally was to keep folks in contact with a believing and praying community that shares their values. These days many folks already have such communities without labelling them as such.

I believe Jesus meant it when he promised to send the Holy Spirit to teach us to "observe everything I have commanded you". Much of what "diehard" (and I use the term respectfully) want to enforce and impose has nothig to do with what Jesus commanded his followers, but focuses on control by a few, keeping folks in line, and the good order of the church.