Forever Catholic: Why the Pew study doesn’t matter

Jesus founded the Church with his Twelve Apostles, appointing Peter as the first pope. They all remained faithful but one – Judas Iscariot.

He fell away from the Church. 

Not only did he fall away, he betrayed our Lord.

So, 1/12th of the Church’s foundation fell away while Jesus was with his apostles. That’s 8.34%. It’s not that far off from the 10.9% loss cited in the Pew study.

Even though it grieved him, Jesus didn’t give up after Judas’ betrayal. He carried on with his mission, and looked to those who yet remained faithful.

In spite of an unfortunate bout of cowardice – all but John ran off and left Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane – the remaining apostles fervently continued to build the Church as Jesus had directed them.

That’s exactly where we’re at today. Yes, some have left the Church and probably more will, too. But those of us who remain faithful – and there still are a good portion of us – will fervently continue to help build the Church as Jesus has directed.

The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

I stand with the Catholic Church, now and forever. Since infancy, it’s been my source of life, hope, courage, and at times, even my sanity.

I depend on the sacraments for strength, and rely on the Word of God for guidance. I find purpose and community in the Liturgy. The teachings of the Church make sense to me, and so I love them and follow them as best I can.

I’m at home here, and nothing can change that.

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I’m definitely not alone in my convictions! Here are links to posts by other forever Catholics:

Elizabeth Scalia: Why I Remain a Catholic: Pew Studies Be Damned!

Tod Worner: Why I Am NOT Leaving the Church! 

Sherry Weddell: What God Will Do, Despite the Pew…Study…

Monique Ocampo: Why This Cradle Catholic Is Choosing to Stay

Dr. Greg Popcak: Why I Am STAYING Catholic

Will Duquette: My Road to Catholic Belief

Sam Rocha: No Exit Catholicism

Kate O-Hare: Why I Stay in the Catholic Church

Sarah Reinhard: Why I Stay Catholic

Arthur Rosman: Why Am I Still a Catholic? What Else is There?

Tom Zampino: Upon this Rock: Why I Remain

Max Lindenman: Why I’m Still Catholic

Rebecca Hamilton: I Chose Christ, and He is There on All the Altars of All the Catholic Churches in the World

Tom MacDonald: 14 Reasons I Stay Catholic #WhyRemainCatholic

Larry D: I’m Still Catholic Because I’d Be Worse Anywhere Else

Monique Ocampo: The Eucharist is Calling You! Come to Him!

Diana vonGlahn: Why I Am Catholic: The Faithful Traveler Edition

Image: Marge Fenelon, do not use without permission