Signs, Signs .... Everywhere a Sign

Sign seen along the street ..... "Want to be Catholic? Lessons start September 10th."

Lessons? Why does one need lessons? Do you have to pass a written quiz as well? I've always thought that it was as easy as being a hedonistic, devil worshipping, binge sinning pagan today and deciding tomorrow that one's had enough of that nonsense, that I'd like to be Catholic now. (Or again.)

I grew up Catholic. Went to Catholic school for grades 1-8 and proudly wore the uniform. (Blue sweater, white button down shirt and salt and pepper cords.) Was an altar boy too. If memory serves I even had a gig as the person who assigned my fellow altar boys to the various mass assignments. I've worked the Wednesday 6:00am masses and the prime time Sunday slots. I've had priests shoot me dirty looks for ringing the bells too late or too long or for jabbing the communion host drip tray into friends throats at communion time. I've been baptized, first communioned, confirmed and confessed at various points in time. I've been called a "catlicker" by the protestant boys. To this day, if I don't capitalize the name of God when using it in writing, I fear that I'm one step closer to fiery hell and eternal damnation and hopefully I won't die in the next moment or two before I've had the chance to feel remorse and ask forgiveness. With the exception of the rare wedding or funeral attended, it's like been close to 35 yerars since I've gone to mass. If I decide that I'd like to go back, which I've thought about on more than one occasion, do I have to attend classes first? Is my former status of "good Catholic boy" still in effect?

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It was one of those rare days when I went into the public library store and the local record store and after an hour or two of searching, came out empty handed. I guess thats not entirely accurate. I did help myself to a free sampler disc spotted near the exit. Some Colorado band trying to get their music out there for exposure sake. Oregon apparently being "out there" in their eyes.

Maybe they should get huge in Colorado first?

Anyway, isn't that a sin ..... or one of the ten commandments? Thou shalt not exit a record store without purchasing music!! Like right between not partaking in murder or adultery? Or possibly I'm just in a short term slump? Because I've always been able to find something.