I think it's a good idea, although I don't think it's going to be very popular with most Catholics. Still, even if people knock it back a little bit and don't automatically head for the mall every Sunday, they might notice a difference in their lives. Another thing that would help is getting rid of the Saturday evening Mass, because that shifts the focus off of Sunday as a special day.
I have always thought that with all the emphasis on "community," etc. it's a pity that we don't have a large parish lunch after the main Mass on Sundays. The Orthodox frequently eat together after their liturgies, although it's easier for them because their churches are generally a lot smaller.
I like the idea. I wouldn't hold a Saturday evening mass if I was in charge of a church unless attendance was so high that it was necessary.
I figured this issue would divide the religious types from the libertarian types here...it can be an afterthought to many Christians but the 4th Commandment comes into play here...
Even for those not strongly religious, remember that government of all levels (federal, state/provincial and local) do not function on Sunday. Very few banks or financial institutions (and usually only in a few select regions) operate on Sunday, as well as very few professional offices.
I fixed dinner for my small group of 80 for quite some time. It was hardly a "day of rest" for me.
Was I violating the Sabbath so that others could observe it?
My parish has a coffee hour after the 9:00 Mass once a month. It's a good thing. We also have fish fry Fridays in Lent.