by Dr B. Y. Verdin, M.D.

According to the 2017 Pontifical Census, there are about 1.2 billion Roman Catholics in the world. It is of no wonder that wherever we go, we will find people who identify themselves as Catholic. In fact many of us were baptized and grew up believing in God. But somehow many grew out of Christ and lived a life in a vacuum that couldn’t be filled.

But what does it mean to be a Catholic?  In a culture where it is taught that you can achieve whatever you put your mind into, people may say being forgiving, loving, charitable or merciful are good enough. Yet they are excellent values that describe humanity but not the fullness of Christ. Christianity is about God and Humanity.

Perhaps the more appropriate question is, “Who are the non-practicing Catholics?” People that I asked consistently answered, “those who don’t go to Church.”

We all have an option on how we shall live our life here on earth and the thereafter. We have a choice whether we will accept Christ, in partiality or in fullness.

In the Discourse about the Bread of Life, Jesus asked his 12 Disciples: "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe..." (Jn 6:67-69). If you are like many of us who have come to believe, then this Module: The Catholic Mass - A Biblical journey is for you.