A concerned Catholic: I am in my mid-thirties. I am dating a good man, but he has no faith. He isn’t against Catholicism, but nor is he supportive. The dating world is so difficult. I really want to have a family, but time is pressing. I am not naïve. I recognise his lack of faith is a difficulty, especially when it comes to raising a family. How do I discern my future?
Well done for recognising the issue and addressing it at this stage. While dating, too many Catholics give no thought to discrepancies in belief or rashly assume that all will be well regardless. Priests know that the importance parishioners attach to questions of Baptism, Mass attendance and Catholic education can change radically once they have children, leading to fundamental disagreements with the non-Catholic spouse. Sadly, if litigation ensues, courts can say that the religious formation of any children must be a joint decision of the parents. Effectively, a non-Catholic can prevent a child from being raised Catholic.
