I'm non Catholic. I got married to Catholic. After a year and half of marriage. I decided to become Catholic. I will be baptised in April next year. My first Sunday Mass was tears with happiness.
Suseela. S So how does it feel after becoming a Catholic...sadly circumstances aren't favourable for you with no physical Mass but even then are you able to maintain that loving relationship with the Lord
Congratulations on your baptism through the Catholic Church here felt the love in your heart for what it represents and also you've made a wise choice if you are a woman married to a Catholic man I believe women should follow their husbands and honor them in all things I am promising but I congratulate you
My husband was agnostic and was "ok" with me being Catholic. 11 years later he is the one that iniates prayers and sometimes I think he has more faith in God than I have.
So there’s Hope? My boyfriend is confused of what he believes now because I shared Christianity with him. He was a nihilist, became agnostic, and now he’s considering becoming Christian. The only thing stopping him is religious trauma, which I pray for him. But there’s hope right? 🤍
Thanks for sharing this! My husband and I have been married for almost 12 years. I always say he’s a better person by nature than I am by grace, but he is against becoming catholic because of the human aspect of it, and the parts of Catholicism that he disagrees with. He has slowly come around to God through the years and will come to mass with me and the kids and sits with us at night while we say the rosary, but he still says he won’t become catholic....I am hopeful with continued prayer he will get there!
Been married for almost 15 years to a non Catholics, many many many obstacles has brought me much closer to God. From a person made to church every Sunday - always late. Now I go to daily masses, 3 rosaries a day. 1 rosary with the kids. He is not joining us but stays in the same room with us. I am still praying for him. I believe God have a plan, I am and my kids are his servant, we’ll do whatever we need to.
I married a non-Catholic and after 18 years of a beautiful marriage, he decided to become a Catholic. I never pressured him and eventually he felt called to convert. Maybe sometimes we are placed in another's life to lead them to the faith. I truly believe God had a plan for our marriage. We have now been married for 20 years and have a 16 year old son whom is also a practicing Catholic.
How did conversations of baptizing your child happen? That's been the first and constant struggle. I've been married 18 years to a non denom, I like his church, but, it's not who I am. We're supposed to get our marriage blessed in December, but I'm feeling like I shouldn't. He's only doing it for me. I would be attending church alone and believing alone.
@@VLMadre That is hard. And sad. My mom regrets marrying my dad who said he would convert but really he was just doing it for her and then never did it. Turns out even doing the marriage vows to him were just "steps that had to be taken".
Praise be God, he does have a plan and we have to surrender to that. I used to fight about but I don't anymore and pray for him to. My husband is catholic but not practicing and the only one big problem is he doesn't like going to mass on Sundays with us.
I was a non Christian in love with a Catholic. Thanks to him, I found my faith in Jesus so strong that I got baptized in the church that came to my head first. Now after 8 years of our marriage, finally I am a strong Catholic preparing to become a Catechist soon... Hallelujah
How did you do it?? I’m an atheist always have been my fiance was always christian later turned agnostic and now a strong catholic...He wants a catholic wedding
@@Mariemarie-uw7id Open your heart to the Lord jst once and see...Being an Athiest is your choice, no one can force you...BT atlst taste the Lord b see, He is good...not only u will experience a huge positive change in your life, BT also through you, your marriage life will be highly blessed..jst try Him once...He is the best father, best friend, best teacher, best guide and no one loves like Him...
@gary barr I'm not Catholic, but why do you think that Catholics are a cult? They are just another branch of Christianity. What's the matter with people who believe differently than you? Also, if you think they are a cult, why are you here?
I married a non-Catholic thankfully he was a strong Christian. I am a devout cradle Catholic. When I met my husband I told him specifically that I hope your in this for the long haul...I want my children raised Catholic and we can never get divorced (I said it half jokingly sorta :)). He always attended Catholic mass and was very supportive of my faith. Our kids have been raised Catholic as I hoped. Fast forward 14 years later, he got confirmed as a Catholic last year. He came to this decision on his own. His reason for this decision: our oldest got confirmed this year and he felt compelled to do it and to be an example for our children. I thank the Lord for working through my husband because he is a wonderful Catholic.
I married a non practicing protestant. It was hard to go to Mass because “I was always messing up the family programs”. I prayed a lot for him, and for us. And in the hardness of time, the Holy Spirit illuminated me. We moved far away with our kids, and after 1 year abroad, he started paying attention to the Gospel, also thanks to the pandemic. Last year on May 2021 he was baptized, had his first communion and confirmation. 🙏🏻 So it was worth going through this path
My mom is catholic and my dad was RAISED Pentecostal. However, a few years into the marriage, my dad realized that he wants to be catholic but he wanted to wait. Now, he wants my brother and I (23 and 18) to be his sponsors for becoming catholic. I’m so excited about it.
Good for him. I was Pentecostal before my conversion into the Catholic Church, and I must say that I am happy with my decision. Kudos to your dad and best of luck to you and your family. God bless!
@@jemmanicole6175 I think it's a little like falling in love. Sometimes two people really like eachother right off the bat but sometimes there isn't much interest on one side or initially none at all and it takes a while for them to get to know each other and the relationship is slow and takes a long time. I agree with you when you say religion isn't something you can just decide. For me and I think most people it's something that grows within them, a realization...it very much like falling in love with a person and marrying them. It shouldn't be done lightly or rushed because then it might be regretted. I hope that helps. 😊
I'm a Hindu born into a super conservative family, but I practice faith secretly and I'm happy that I found Christ. It's a beautiful feeling when you pray and I can surely say, my life has changed after I believed in Christ. Amen.
This helped cure my post-breakup blues. I was so sad to break up with my girlfriend of a year and a half. She was a very good person, very smart, and very generous, but we diverged quite a bit on our core values. Namely faith and family. I knew deep in my heart that it was the right move for the sake of my future happiness, family, marriage, and salvation, but the world around me definitely made me consider if I was being "overly picky". I was not. Thank you, Father.
Paul, I watch your podcasts! Lol It was funny for me to come across you in the comment section of one of Father Mike’s videos. I’ve been through a similar experience, it’s encouraging to see other Catholics our age truly living the faith. Thank you for being so open about Catholicism in your podcast episodes! I love the episode with Fr. Archer! Keep doing what you’re doing😊
The opposite happened to me and I'm devastated. Nearly 20 years ago, I - an adult Catholic woman who had never been married - fell in love with and married a divorced non-Catholic man in a civil ceremony in my backyard. Though I have been a lifelong Catholic, I was not brought up in a deeply, spiritual Catholic home. I was baptized, had my holy communion and my confirmation, but I did not grow up fully learning or understanding my faith or the spiritual implications of the kind of marital union I entered into. I grew up with no strong faith formation in the home. Even though we all understood the Church to be holy we were nominal Catholics. At a certain point we even stopped going to church as a family - at the time I was just a teenager! The importance of the word of God was never uttered at home. As an adult living on my own, I resumed going to church and taking the eucharist every Sunday - yes, even after my marriage. I knew that my marriage wasn't right - just how 'not right' I didn't know, but I basically ignored it. I love the church, but was ignorant of the sacrament. I did not fully understand that I was living in mortal sin and that because of this I was not allowed to take the eucharist. After a recent and very deep spiritual journey of my own, I am now FULLY aware of my situation. But my husband has never been a very religious man (I've been going to church by myself all these years). While he understands my predicament, he said he couldn't go through an annulment with his ex-wife because it would mean admitting that his first marriage was not valid from the get-go, but that was not the case. Their marriage was built on love, produced two children and ended in divorce because she cheated on him. I'm now nearly retirement age and my husband is 17 years my senior. We have been living chaste lives for some time and recently I even stopped taking the eucharist. I plan on going to confession, though I don't know what I can do to set things right. Consider yourself lucky to have had that kind of spiritual discernment BEFORE going any further in your relationship.
In the 1940’s my mother converted to Catholicism right before she married my Dad. She came from a Protestant background but she did it to please everyone. A woman true to her word, she raised us Catholic and brought us to Mass every Sunday. She was quite a woman, not only did she faithfully watch Fr Fulton Sheen but she never missed out on any Billy Graham tv special and sometimes she’d cry. She taught me to believe in God but to love God and to access God through both these preachers. Today, I’m still Catholic but I sure do love watching Joyce Meyers when I get a chance. In fact God used Joyce Meyers to bring me back to the Catholic Church…she made me want to go back to church and I slipped back to where I belonged. God works in mysterious ways. God bless my ma and dad.
I Married my Catholic Wife 37 years ago and was a smug agnostic...I converted to Catholicism at the 24th year...I never had the nerve to say there was no God and I really started to believe there was a Hell...I read the "Suprised by the Truth " books by Patrick Madrid...I was welcome into the Church on April 15th of 2005 ...It was the most important day of my existence and our Marriage is most excellent...My Wife told me she Prayed for my cold Heart everyday for conversion right up to my Baptism...God is Great and Life is good...Peace to all...
I'm so happy for you. My son m arried a Japanese buddhist. They live in Japan and have 2 sons, 7 and 8 yrs old. My son no longer communicates with me in any way. I'm 71 and quite ill. I cry daily missing my only child but now I want to try (it will be very difficult) to do either the year long prayers of St Brigida, or the 12 year litany promise, also given to St Brigida. My request is that my son is touched by our Lord, his Blessed Mother also, in such a way he cannot ignore. He's a very GOOD person, but needs to know the unique JOY and FREEDOM that comes from giving your life to Christ Jesus, knowing God's love is TRULY there for him, along with His acceptance of him as one of his unique creations and is always waiting for his return to the Romans Catholic Church to receive Confirmation (I'm so dumb, thought that would happen automatically, being a student of Catholic Schools), remain true to the Holy Spirit, attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, helping his children to become catholics too. I'd like his wife to convert after learning the catechism and Gospel. In short, I very much hope to help my son, grandkids, those I love, avoid purgatory and one day see God. Can you please include his name, Thomas Andrea, in your prayers? He went to good schools in Rome from St Francis, Marymount, then Notre Dame prep (now gone due to lack of funds). He was very much liked but found to be lacking in self assurance, like his mother. This means everything to me. Thank you to anyone who has read this. I pray we will all be helped and protected until we are finished with this world. I DO know we're ALL loved. Thankyou, Mary
I prayed for 40 years for my husband’s conversion. I never nagged him about it. He was never coerced in anyway. All I did was prayed and lived my faith to the best I could. Somehow, by osmosis, he assimilated something. Then the Holy Spirit made it happen. Now he is more Catholic than I am ! Thanks be to God.
Been married twenty years. I often thank God that I married a Catholic girl. As a Protestant, I believe that was God’s plan to bring me into the one true faith. Like many Protestants, I made the biggest mistake: I set out to convert my wife by proving Catholic doctrine wrong. And in-turn, I became Catholic. Go figure. Can’t deny truth and the power of the Holy Spirit. God bless
God bless you, Jason, for being the man you are and for being obedient to God's will. He will bless you both and your family as you continue on in the faith, together and united as one!
I used to be a Catholic for most of my life until God opened my eyes to the truth and I read the Gospels for myself now I follow Jesus only. Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 Jesus is the only way, the only truth. Not a religion or denomination. God bless you
i was the non catholic marrying the catholic, what i came to realise was he wasnt a practising catholic and i put the 5 kids we had through baptism etc in the catholic church as i wanted to give them a foundation.after 27 years of marriage i became catholic myself,i am so full of happiness and joy at my conversion but similar to some of the couples you spoke to i wish i had married a catholic, yes i know i did but really i wish id married a practising catholic, one who at least wanted to go to mass,so now i pray for my husband to find his faith again and come back to the church. i agree that married life is so much easier if you are of the same mind regarding faith x
that is so inspiring and I feel your story. I'm not catholic, married to a non-practicing catholic. I often think I'd prefer if he had a clearer stance on his faith. It's very wishy washy and so hard to even have a discussion about matters of faith. My questions are typically left unanswered, I have to go off research myself. I have tried to get him to mass occasionally because I'm curious about it, but our priest does the worst sermons, so now he refuses to go full stop. It's kind of comical in a sense.
Wow! Remember the word of God says " The unbelieving husband is made Holy by his wife."- 1Cor 7:14 Keep praying, whenever I remember you, I'll offer you up in prayer as well. Trust in God. If you want a prayer msg me privately ok. God bless you!
Thank you Fr Mike! I'm Catholic been married to a non Catholic for 18 years. You're right, it can be hard, but praise God, love makes all things possible! A marriage is a covenant between 2 people and God. If the person God has chosen for you is not a Catholic, trust in His wisdom that it will work 🙏
Better yet, listen to the Church and don’t marry a non-Catholic to begin with. Yes, it could turn out all right, but all of the split-faith marriages I’ve known over the years have not worked out. When the children come you need strong faith to raise them Catholic and without the support of your spouse, it is very difficult. The Church doesn’t make arbitrary rules that don’t matter if we don’t follow them. It makes rules that will help you in your life to keep your faith. Being a Christian and working to get to Heaven is a difficult journey, wouldn’t it be better to have someone with you who will support your faith?
@@suew4609 Sorry to hear all those split-faith marriages you've known haven't worked out. I hope you come across some that have in the future, they do exist.
When my parents got married my mom wasn’t Catholic. She would still come to mass with the family and even take us when my dad was working. After 22 years she finally converted to Catholicism and I got to be her God Mother when she was baptized. Not traditional but it was amazing.❤️
When I was praying for a spouse I was very specific that he should be Catholic just like me! I couldn't imagine changing my Faith because of marriage. And guess what? God sent me a better Catholic man than I even hoped for❤ Thank you God
@Rania Georgei I looked into Coptic and that’s paganism certainly not Christian Egyptian pagans certainly not following Christ or the Bible Do you go to a church or have you made up your own cult
I'm so astounded that you are always so willing to address the hard issues with the complete truth of Christ's teaching - you never duck, flinch, or hide. We need more priests like you and Fr. Goring proclaiming Christ's true teachings!! God bless you, Father!
Thank you Father Mike. Your talk makes so much sense - wisdom. I have been married for 44 years to a non Catholic and he has never joined me at any Mass apart from Baptism, Holy Communion. There have been many times when I have been at Mass and with tears in my eyes wished that we could be there together as I watched couples, young and old with families at Mass. My consolation is knowing that as I sit there alone, my Lord, my Eucharistic love, is at the altar waiting for me with arms wide open. 💞
You sound like my mom. God Bless you. I could feel the emotion in your words and made me want to hug you. My mom, since my dad left the family, knows that Jesus is there with her and will never leave her. Jesus is always with you as well. God Bless you. ✝
It has been almost 50 years for me in the same situation. My husband considered my faith as something to accept about me, nothing more. I did my best to bring my children up in the faith, but they left the church as soon as they left home. My husband does go with me on Christmas and Easter, because he knows that, coming from a large family, I can get particularly sad sitting alone at those masses. I take comfort in knowing Jesus is always at mass, waiting for me and helping me to be a better Catholic. I continue to pray for my husband's conversion.
I can totally relate to this. 36 years of marriage and struggling. We are growing apart instead of closer. I did not listen to those around me who were much wiser.
@@peedwards4943 If you could do it all over again, would you choose someone else to marry? What about the human element and the love you share minus the shared faith? Is there beauty in that to be thankful for? Is your spouse a great person otherwise?
I wish I could have heard this 30 years ago when I met my non-catholic spouse of 26 years. I has been a long hard road of marriage and through the years I choose to have arguments about raising our daughter in the catholic faith than fight about him leaving socks on the floor. The faith was more important to me. I can relate to all the points you touched on. This discussion is so on target. However, I might add in my experience that my daughter who just turned 18 still goes to adoration and confession with me and she sees how hard my marriage is so I pray that she marries another catholic. If that is God’s vocation for her. As for my husband it has been a long slow road but I do see signs of conversation every year. He’s not yet ready for RCIA but he does say grace with us at meals even when we are dining out and he has become pro-life. Thank you for discussing such an important topic. I will continue to pray for you and your ministry.
Prayer. Is the ultimate solution.and be patient and don't argue or fight. Take every thing in prayer. Organise family prayers the rosary, meal prayer, family Bible study, bed and morning prayer. Even is they don't join be persistent and pray. Leave it to Jesus. God bless you and your family 🙏
Arrgghhh that part about arguing with your spouse, so familiar... My 25 years of marriage to an atheist has been a path full of (unnecessary) thorns. As if marriage is not hard enough, just like father Mike says. Whoever is reading this, if you are a catholic and in love with a person of another religion or he or she is an atheist that you want to marry... please please please listen to father Mikes' video over and over again. Invoke God's help and He will make it easy, very easy for you to decide and make that life saving step towards the right and wise decision. Trust me. I was born and raised Catholic, was a devout Catholic always. But also I was too young and too ignorant and too shy to know better than to marry a non Catholic and atheist person. Whom I loved and still love dearly. And I feel stuck... Am I happy? Sadly no.. Long story short, please pray for wisdom and Lord's guidance, try, give yourself a chance to become truly happy because you deserve it.
How about letting your children choose. I did with mine I would never tell anyone they must follow me or be this or that. YOU wish for them to follow and be what you are. Take people for what they are not what you wish of them. I married a roman catholic 30 years ago.. i am an atheist. still married and lots of children. they choose their own path religious or not. I taught them how to think not what to think. It is not up to me to dictate to others, no matter what i believe or think. I now have independent thinking offspring. 1 religious 1 not 1 on the fence. But i am proud and love all of them. Your husband loves you and says grace so as to respect you and placate you. would you not say grace to respect him or placate him? Would you alter your life for him as he is doing for you.. I value my wife and what she wishes and wants, she values mine. We do not cross over with demands, wants, needs etc. Just as we do not cross over about politics. who she votes for is not my concern who i vote for is not her concern hence we do not argue. we just enjoy and laugh and life to the full. Peace.
thank you for replying, it’s nice to see a comment from this perspective among the “i’m a catholic who converted my spouse” replies. i’m baptist and my girlfriend is catholic so i wanted to see what other non-catholic (but still christian) people’s experiences were
I am a born and raised Catholic, former Altar Server who went to mass every Sunday. I met a non catholic in high school and we dated for 6 years. He wasn't open to going to mass with me, but I was patient and always held hope that he would one day change his mind... he never did. By the end of the relationship it had been a year since I had gone to mass, strongly considering losing my virginity to him, in a battle with mental illness, and completely lost and broken. We decided to take some time apart and during that time I finally turned back to my faith. I was overwhelmed with how much it healed me from the pain I was going through. He wasn't willing to compromise with me on religion, so we broke up. Hardest thing I ever had to do, but I am beyond grateful for the lesson and that I'm here now finding my footing again in my faith.
I give my late husband, and the Holy Spirit, all the credit for me remaining and growing in my faith. We were ten years together when he made his first Communion and Confirmation. He was at my side in the pews at Mass from the first Sunday after we met. I am so thankful and feel very blessed, for the time we were given together, 4 years before we married and 46 years married. He was a wonderful husband and father to our four children and I miss him very much. May he rest in peace.
Good points made. I'm 1000% Catholic and got my dispensation from the Archbishop to marry my non-catholic husband in his church. I totally understand the other couples saying they'd marry a Catholic if they had to. I agree and I've only been married for 13 years. All 3 of our children are Catholic and my youngest, at just 10 years old is discerning if he wants to be a priest. So please pray for him. For all Catholic/Non-Catholic people in relationships. I will say to you, PRAY, especially PRAY THE ROSARY! Also, seek wise counsel. God will work it out. He always does.
If you had a proper catholic formation you would see that you ain’t in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but a member of a Protestant sect founded in the 1960 and lacking valid sacraments and orders
When I met my husband he was Lutheran, I told him from the beginning I would never leave my faith for him. He was fallen away from the Lutheran faith and attended mass with my family with an open heart. I remember the day he turned to me at mass and said I feel something here. :) he recieved his 1st communion and confirmed in the Catholic church at the Easter vigil in 2007 before our wedding in the Catholic church in Sept. I thank the Lord for the blessing of my husband everyday.
I'm actually doing research cause my girlfriend is catholic and I'm a Christian so I want to convert because Catholicism is way stronger than my Christian faith towards God and my girlfriend is an amazing person so I want to help her grow in her faith and at the same time get myself to grow in my faith so this was super helpful you are honestly a blessing to this world.
Yayyy!! God bless you! Being Catholic is so much fun:))! Just remember that Catholics are also Christians, we’re from the Catholic denomination but, like all Christians, we’re living martyrs❤️
Converting would be a huge mistake. Please read your Bible and find strong Christian friends or a strong Christian to disciple you. The Catholic religion has many aspects that are not found in the Bible. I.e. traditions and rituals they have added to the Bible Please study the Bible and receive deep instruction before marrying someone who is not “equally yoked” with yourself. The #1 decision you make in life is whether or not to repent from your sins and believe in Jesus as God’s Only Son who took our punishment for sins and then to follow Him completely. Your life here on Earth and where you spend Eternity will depend on this decision! The #2 most important decision of your life will be who you yoke yourself to in marriage as it is a permanent decision and will affect every area of your life for the rest of your life!
@@Sweetmama4J the biblical canon is not in the bible - it was collected and guarded by, guess what, the catholic church. I think we can give them some credit when it comes to traditions
My late grandmother married my grandpa in 1929, a time when spouses were frequently pressured to convert. Grandpa believed in God but had never been baptized. He finally decided to become Catholic after they had been married 35 years, and he was a very good Catholic. Years after he had passed away I asked Grandma why Grandpa didn't convert when they first got married. She explained that she knew too many couples where one person joined the Catholic church due to family pressure, but then they resented it and dropped out. Ladies, when you marry a non-Catholic, don't pressure him. You can't make him Catholic. He has to do it himself. Quit bugging him, but definitely pray for him.
I'm married to a non catholic an it's a struggle trying to filter prayers when we have daily prayers. I have to take our baby for mass and his church on Sundays just to keep peace. I live in nigeria and our culture practice is wife submission. So my husband permitting me to practice my faith makes me lucky. So for any strong catholic out there, please marry a catholic. Love isn't enough. My baby is baptized thank God
Europeans colonized Africans and they forcefully decultured us of our African lifestyle. Africans have lost their original culture, and what we Africans have adopted is a bastardized version of European culture. Europeans did this so that Africans should not self determine their lives but that they be depended on the Europeans even on determining what lifestyle we could have. It is not only 'African culture' that encourages a woman to submit to her husband, but also European culture, Oriental culture, Asian culture etc. My Sister I want you to know though that submitting to your husband is not a human requirement, but God's commandment. In Ephesians 5:21, God says, "submit to one another ( husband and wife)out of reverence for Christ."
God bless you and your marriage and children I pray. I love that you shared this and just offer, for the sake of the reunion of all Christians, please change the perspective and do not say, "please marry a catholic." Love is a choice made everyday. With God all things are possible. Peace.
I am praying for you!!! My parish has a Nigerian Catholic community and I can understand how wonderful your husband is for allowing that!! God Bless you and I will pray for ur husband conversion ❤️
I am a Catholic married with an atheist wonderful woman and I have 2 daughters...All Father says in the video is completely true...everything is much more difficult...I really miss things that for catholic couples look so obvious like praying the Rosary with my family, going to Mass together...I do all these things alone. I am used to it but my catholic life and marriage would be much more easy with a Catholic partner. So if you choose a non catholic partner for your life...be ready and be strong.
Hi Albert. How did you keep your faith strong in yourself and daughters while still respecting your wife? Did you and your wife talk often about expectancies before your daughters were born or how to address when your kids didnt want to go to mass or Sunday school? Asking evause my boyfriend and I are talking long term and plans to get married and he is atheist while I am a practicing Catholic. Looking forward to your i advices
Hit the nail on the head with such love and goodness! Thank you for this video that I will be sending to gals with this question over and over again!!!
Emily Wilson I've been wanting to write to u personally for a long time but im not on a lot of social media sites (just facebook). It would be wonderful if you could please tell me how to contact you personally. Thank you!
I agree that as a catholic, marrying a non-catholic can be challenging. I think Fr. Mike did a great job explaining the issues. That said, my wife and I are approaching our 4 year anniversary (yes, I know we're still early on) and I wouldn't change it for anything. My wife was raised as a non-denominational, hence her curiosity towards Catholicism. Where it can be challenging is explaining the differences to those who have little experience with the Catholic church. All that said, I agree that it was a great video.
I'm not Catholic but this is great advice for anyone considering marrying outside of their faith. It's just easier to be married to someone who shares the same faith. That doesn't mean you are doomed to fail if you marry outside your religion, but know that you will face some complicated issues. Additionally you have to consider if you'd be okay with your kids choosing your spouse's faith instead of your own. Thanks Father Mike!
In Serbia they had this custom for religiously mixed marriages - the children are raised in the religion of the parent that shares their gender. A Catholic father would raise his sons to be Catholic and the mother would raise her daughters to be Orthodox (for example). It wasn't that widespread but I think it is a good rule whenever two parties absolutely cannot make an agreement how to raise the kids when it comes to religion.
Deseret Home- This even is true where both parties were raised 'non denominational' Christian but the churches they attended were vastly different. This has been my husband and I's experience and its just amazing how even that can be a struggle. A struggle between which style of church to attend and then sticking with it for the sake of continuity for the children.
I'm not catholic but I have no problem with his wishes on getting married in a catholic church and our children being catholic. I will even try to understand more about the catholic religion and etc. I was raised as a Baptist but my father was raised a catholic so I think I can try.
I'm a bit late for the exchange. Interestingly, my parents and also my in-laws were Catholic / Lutheran. Since the Evangelical Lutheran families of our fathers did not like Catholic daughters-in-law, both couples married Catholic and we children were raised in the Catholic rite of worship. Even if our fathers never changed their beliefs, it was they who attended the Mass with us. Our mothers usually went to the early Mass or Eve Mass, so on Sunday at 11.30 p.a. the lunch was on the table. ;)
Fr. Mike! My husband and I enjoy your talks very much always. I was a Protestant when I got married to my Catholic husband. When we were dating we started going to each other's churches. My husband says, "I was stubborn and I said, we are going to get married at a Catholic Church." I am so glad we did it, though I didn't know much about Catholic faith at that time. We agree with you that people need to be wise to decide when one of them is non-Catholic. We are very blessed to be married and being a Protestant and Catholic, we prayed and still pray for unity of Christians in our Lord Jesus. By the grace of God, I fell in love with Catholic faith eventually and became Catholic on Pentecost this year. Praise God! Thank you, Fr. Mike for your incredible joy in the Lord and sharing it through many talks!
I wish I had heard this talk 37 years ago when my husband and I we're married. We have had a lot of difficulties in exactly the areas that you talked about, Father. This would be an excellent talk for young couples considering marriage. You presented it in a very respectful way. Thank you
Thank you Mike for having this video up.. 5 years ago. I’m Catholic and my husband is Christian… he went to his church, but I told him that I would need to go to my church. We are married for 24 years. We have endured so much. As part of each family member, from the two families, it’s been tough!! My husband has supported me and went with me for years, but yet, he hasn’t converted in becoming one cause he believes whatever he believes. He now goes to his own church so I feel like I need to support him and celebrate becoming close to God. I joined, but it just feels like it’s a Godly concert with a man full of faith speaking. I also tell him it doesn’t fill my Catholic faith so I need to go to mass every Sunday, every holy obligation.
Share your beliefs that Jesus is your lord and savior. You don’t need a church or religion for that Jesus said follow me I am the only way to the father I would try a church with a pastor who teaches bible How can you be sure if Catholic teachings are true Jesus said my people perish for lack of knowledge and there are many false teachings You really believe in popes Mother Goddess worshiping of Mary Purgatory and praying to the dead All pagan traditions not Jesus or Bible Search for the truth and you will find it Can you say I was blind and now I see Have you had a spiritual rebirth Have you been born again Jesus said it’s the only way to heaven Do you know gods word in the Bible or do you trust a religion with thousands of years of corruption torture and murder Can you trust your local priest around your children Look up Spanish Inquisition Look up selling of indulgences Look up Martin Luther Look up history of the Catholic Church and history of popes Try an Evangelical or Baptist Church Watch Charles Stanley. Billy Gram or Joel on TV Compare that to the Catholic channel Good luck
spot on, on every point. I married a baptist girl 22 years ago & there were lots of struggles and disagreements. we ended up agreeing to attend both churches together every sunday. When the kids arrived everything got exponentially harder. fortunately after many years of prayer, my wife came into the church the same year our oldest made their first commomen. but i've often had the same thought, I wish I had married someone that was catholic, that way the first 10 years of marriage would not have been so contestable. God bless you Fr. Mike, keep up the great work.
My prayers are with you, what an enormous cross to carry! But know that God gives you strength you must trust in Him and maybe draw inspiration from our founding fathers who were persecuted because of their conversation and faith.
I'm Lutheran and my wife is Catholic. We have been married for ten years. We had a lengthy discussion about our faith prior to marriage. That was a key point. I think it also helps being that the two churches are close together. After all, Martin Luther never wanted to leave the Catholic church, just to reform some questionable practices at the time. I have even been a Lutheran minister during our marriage. We have set Jesus at the forefront of our faith and, as a result, his love, mercy, and grace have bridged the gaps between the differences in our individual beliefs. Of course, there are things that have caused contention, but in the end we can see that the differences are just what they are and we accept that God's salvation for us is the central point of all of our praise and worship of him. I think another key to this situation, outside of actually communicating, is understand that we all have our biases based on the upbringing we have had. It can be hard to let ourselves be vulnerable to an outside person or group that those around us have stereotyped. For instance, I've been to Catholic churches that speak about Protestants from a very cynical place. I've been to protestant churches, the Lutheran church included, that do the same to the Catholic church. Yet, what so many fail to see is that we all start from the same place; we are all broken and sinful. The other thing that blows most people's minds, and this was always fun as a minister when someone would bad mouth another denomination, is that the Apostle's creed says "catholic church" not "Catholic church." There is a big difference when you recognize that we are all covered by the sacrifice of our Lord, and it has nothing to do with which brand of Christianity you practice. A little bit of respect, can go a long way folks, especially in our marriages. God bless each of you and your families.
Thank you for sharing this. Do you have children? How did you deal with the different formalisms and traditions regarding the children? (Even if you as Christians look in the same direction)
@@josephlugo6770, as I understand it, Catholic (cap. “C”) is the Roman Catholic Church, whereas catholic (small “c”) means universal and inclusive. Small “c” is used in the Apostles Creed in at least two dominations I have worshiped with (Lutheran and Episcopal) and I am guessing other denominations may include it as well.
@@daver8334 I understand how in the Apostles Creed it does have the capital C. But in the Nicene Creed it actually has the lowercase c when it says "I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church..." And this is recited by everyone in all of catholic churches. I think either way you put it, we do want it to have the idea of being universal and inclusive but under the catholic church because it is the true faith of christianity. Well, that's just what I believe anyway.
@@josephlugo6770 Thank you, I reread the comments and I misunderstood your point. How someone spells it in a RUclips comment aside, I wonder if the difference between the two creeds in the Catholic church was intentional. Perhaps a product of translation? Interesting.
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this, Father! My boyfriend is theist and although we haven't been in a relationship for that long, I did tell him that my end goal is to share in the Sacrament of the Eucharist with my future husband at our wedding, therefore I want to marry a passionate Catholic. Thank you for your wisdom!
Marijo Heitman thank you for the insight. But I truly believe God put us together for a reason. He is very open to Catholicism and he already knows that to marry a Catholic man is my end goal. Fr. Mike hit on the point that some of the couples he’s had interactions with on his college campus have converted. This is what I pray happens for me, so I’m not losing hope.
Thank you Father Mike! Everything you say in this video is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! I'm married to a non denominational christian, baptized lutheran, raised Presbyterian, he told me he would convert for me and was going to start RCIA when his father adamantly opposed. My in laws don't like the fact that I'm Catholic at all, my husband would never go against their opinion, I've had to defend my faith in so many occasions....... It's made me a stronger Catholic! My children are being raised Catholic, that was non negotiable for me and I made that crystal clear to my husband, it's hard sometimes but I've grown in my faith because of this, pray for all Catholics married to Protestants, PLEASE!
My father was never religious but raised Protestant. He and my mother married in the Catholic Church in 1975. He went to mass with us a lot. Eventually he became Catholic around 10 years before he passed away from cancer at age 67. He received his last rites.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this November. He was Methodist though we agreed before marriage that we would attend a Catholic church and our children would be raised Catholic. If I had to do it over again - I would have married a Catholic. Two years ago, my husband was welcomed into the church with me as his sponsor. I didn't think that I would feel as different as I did, but it was so comforting to know we were all one as a family (we have 3 children)... If at all possible, marry a Catholic or someone who is open to converting (hopefully not 18 years later! LOL). Love the videos, Fr Mike.
Sadly he wasn’t received into the Roman Catholic Church. Unless he renounced his heresies,received the completion of baptismal rites and confirmation,he ain’t truly catholic
What is with people on these boards? Did you even read what she wrote? Andrea clearly states that her husband went through RCIA--she was his sponsor. If you believe what the Catholic Church does, that counts... And "renouncing heresies." That's offensive. That's what makes people leave the church, not join. Fr. Mike, I think it would have helped limit these kinds of comments if you had led the video with the part about our Christian brothers and sisters not being "less than." We seem to have a problem with some people understanding that.
Thanks, Miss Judacia, but I think I'll take the words of Jesus, our Bishop, and both parish priests over yours... He's good and official... God bless you.
Miss Judacia what is your problem? I don’t think anyone who isn’t a monk,priest or nun has the right to tell someone they are not living a catholic lifestyle or that they’re truly catholic
I'm Catholic and I'm marrying a non catholic in a month. We have been together since we were 14 and 15 and have a 2 year old girl together. (We got pregnant shortly before my re-version.) I have to say a few things though, Every mass, every rosary I pray for his conversion. Prior to my conversion he wouldn't even give religion a thought. Now he comes to mass with me when he can, hes happy to marry in the church, hes also wanting to speak to our parish priest because he genuinely wants to get to know what Catholicsm is. He is showing more and more interest in converting and it makes me so happy for him. But regardless, even before he was thinking about it he was more then happy to baptize our daughter and to raise her Catholic.
In my opinion, it's recommended to baptize your daughter when she is old enough what original sin is. Here is a video reason why. WARNING! IT WILL QUESTION THE CATHOLIC'S DOCTRINE! m.ruclips.net/video/YJPUd6BTbKo/видео.html
I'd like to say that this will work out but my experience tells me differently. My wife wasn't Catholic when we met. She converted before we got married. We had an almost 2 year old when we got married. We had been together almost 4 years when we got married. Just last May she served me divorce papers. We had been married 21 years. She told me that she had been pressured to become Catholic and didn't ever fully buy in to the Catholic faith and practices. This was not the main reason for the divorce but it obviously didn't help. I would listen to this video again and really ask yourself if this is the right thing to do. I wish I had heard this 24 years ago.
Fr Mike - I have been married for 32 years. I am a practicing Catholic and my husband is a practicing Muslim. He supports me in practicing Catholicism and I support him in practicing Islam. We both know religion is a huge part of our life and God is important in our marriage. Yes, I agree marriage is difficult so we need God in our lives! We got married in church and went to precana and followed the laws of getting married in the church. I thank God I met my husband, we love each other and respect each other and understand God is the most important thing in our lives. Thank you for your time and presentations.
Iam in the same situation for 24 years but my husband has never agreed we solemnize our marriage in church but he has no problem with me practicing my Catholic faith
María, it feels so good to hear of someone in my same situation. I have been with my husband for 19 years including 10 years of marriage, he is a practicing Muslim and I a practicing catholic, he is the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn’t trade him for anything. He is my rock, my everything. I go to mass every Sunday and he does his thing, and we encourage each other and know that without God we wouldn’t be. We pray together and praise God together, we are both God fearing. You don’t have to have the same beliefs to have a successful marriage, my husband is my best friend and #1 supporter.
Great video! I dated a non Catholic and let him know I would only marry a Catholic. He told his extended family who were Catholic and he converted. We've been married for 18 years!
I wish you were my priest when I was a teenager and dating. I love the way you explained this topic. You are so kind. You explain this topic in such a kind, loving and meaningful way without the shame and guilt. I love how are you explain that it’s not a sin issue, it’s a wisdom issue. I am so glad that God has put you where you are working with young adults who have questions about their faith and the world they live in. God bless you and your ministry.
Thank You Father Mike. We have been married for almost 25 years. I am Catholic and when we first married my husband was not Catholic. It was very difficult for me the first several years because WE were not connected on the same spiritual level. But I prayed for him before I met Him. I had to finally had to just give him to Jesus. Then out of the clear blue He announced to me He was becoming Catholic. I only believed it when He actually started going to RCIA. I am so glad he decided for himself and He did not do it for me. Now He is so strong In the faith. It's what I prayed for way back in 8th grade. I homeschool my children. My kids are so Catholic. I am Just amazed. They remind us to pray at times, they say the rosary daily, on their own, not being asked to. I am just in awe of God and what he has done. We are by no means perfect. I can name many of our faults, but I ca. say the family that prays together stays together. With that said, I believe it usually would be much easier to be married to another Catholic. God just took us Down a different road.
That's beautiful I am so happy for you! My mom and dad got married but he is not catholic, but I still pary for him. Recently I was thinking that it was hopeless to pray, however, I see now after reading everyone's comments that it is foolish of me to think so little of what God can do! God bless you and your family!
Christian non-Catholic here ✌🏽married to a Catholic. We both respect each other’s beliefs and make it a priority to attend church and mass together on Sundays. We love to reflect on what we learned after attending church/mass. If anything we help each other become better people. Most importantly we keep God in the center of our marriage. I’m not saying our relationship is PERFECT, but religion isn’t an issue. Thank you Fr. Mike! I love your Bible in a Year podcast. Extremely grateful for you. So much love you! God bless you always!
I was always a devout Catholic but when I met my husband, I was exploring other spiritual ideas. We got married by a nondenominational Christian minister. We’ve had many conflicts and challenges. Since then, I have returned to my Catholic roots. Our daughter is baptized and attends Catholic school but my husband isn’t interested in returning to Catholicism himself. Sometimes I wish I had found a truly Catholic spouse; other times I just resign myself that this is one of the crosses (of many) that I have to bear. Without him, I wouldn’t have my daughter. But, I do pray she finds a wonderful Catholic husband one day.
@@isiomaogbolu1963 Are you Turkish? I didn't know there were many Catholics in Turkey yet I see them all the time in RUclips comment sections. Also it's probably unwise to publish your email address on the internet lady.
Paolo, I prayed the rosary daily and also said a special prayer to St. Joseph for a good Catholic husband and God sent me a wonderful man and we’re happily married after 33 years. Ask our Blessed Mother for a good Catholic wife, and I’ll also pray for you.
I tried dating a woman who was of another faith. The dating went extremely well, she was everything I wanted. However when the situation of kids and marriage came up, there couldn't be more disagreement. There is so much strength in having a partner with the same faith as you when it comes to marriage and especially the kids. Personally i'm sticking to only Catholic women going forward, it was a really sad situation because the love was there however we both saw too many issues with the longevity of the relationship since we were both steadfast in our faiths
Shouldn't That Haven Been Enough To Show You The Deceit Of The Catholic Church. God Gaves Us A Free Will For A Reason., He Will Never Violate That. But The Catholic Church Takes That Away.
I agree. My maternal grandmother married my grandfather, an agnostic in the 1920s. Back then there was tremendous pressure on the non-Catholic spouse to convert. My grandfather did not, but he fulfilled his promise to raise my mom and my aunt in the Catholic faith. Years after she was widowed, I asked my grandma why she never pushed him. She explained that she had seen many situations where the one who was coerced ended up dropping out because they resented the pressure. Her approach was to wait and pray, and I am sure she was right. About six years before he died, my grandfather became a devout Catholic. Remember the goal of marriage is to bring your spouse and children to Heaven with you. It will be easier if you marry someone who takes this responsibility seriously, whether they are already Catholic on your wedding day or not.
I like the idea that we can just respect our lovers belief system even without converting or feeling pressured to, I don't believe in god or any religion and neither does my partner but i support his spiritual journey and anything he chooses to research :) anything goes if you keep an open heart and mind
The part about your grandfather becoming a devout catholic 6 years prior to his death is extremely heartbreaking!! My stomach literally jumped when I read that. How sad.😢😢😢😢😢
I totally agree. I was baptised as a baby and didn't really discover the church until 2016, when I finally got my confirmation and first communion. I was already civilly married so my (Protestant) husband and I had our marriage convalidated. We then had our 4 year old baptised, and then my 11 year old daughter went through RCIA/C and had baptism/confirmation/communion/ confession Easter 2017. My husband will often go with me to church when he had Sunday off, but it's usually just me and my now 5 year old (who I had do preschool at the church and then had in Sunday school through the year). My daughter got 13 and has become difficult and defiant. I feel lonely when I go to church. I want my whole family there with me. But it's mostly just me and my little guy. My 5 year old asked me one day "mommy, what, makes the flowers grow?" I told him the sun.... and he said "oh, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen".
Father...it's not a matter of maintaining a balance of mutual respect or simply for peace keeping...or interfering with one's liberty to avoid the Truth about our Lord's specific teachings on marriage. We are called to be our Father's handpicked soldiers, at the very least, to sternly encourage our brothers and sisters to live and love as our Saviour "Jesus Christ" commanded us to. Forgive me, please...your job is to bring His truth to us. And be very clear that marriage is a "Blessed Sacrament" in which Jesus Blesses the union in marriage. I'm not sure if it's permitted to offer any other of the Catholic Church's sacraments to non-Catholics . How is it that the Sacrament of Marriage is any less important? Are we giving in to the old boy's tricks and believing that it's ok to ignore our Lord's purpose and sacrifice? I'm terribly afraid. I'm worried father. I really don't want to believe that Jesus came here to spare and protect our feelings , as I understand it and believe it , Jesus came here to save our souls. I've learnt that our Lord will never go against His word, who are we to? I thought only Protestants tried to reinvent the wheel. Please say something I can understand, and something that would warrant a big huge apology cuz that's truly what I want to do I'd like to apologize if I'm out of line but mainly and also if I'm wrong.
My mom was a devout Catholic and my dad was raised a Methodist, they got married Catholic but my dad stayed a Methodist. My mom raised my big brother a catholic. They went to church without my dad. But after my sister/2nd child was born (I was third), my dad converted to Catholic. My parents became very active in church and also became church leaders.
Very well said and I completely agree. I told myself I would only date/marry a practicing Catholic and boy did I stray from that and give excuses. If I had a redo I still think it’s best. However…God is so good. And after 7 years of praying and even almost separating, my husband had had a huge conversion and will be officially Catholic this Easter. Pray, pray, pray.
I grew up with a Catholic mum and an Atheist dad, and I love them both. They have a wonderful marriage, they are very supportive of one another. My dad was supportive of my mums faith and he encouraged me to follow my faith. My dad doesn’t understand our faith but he is supportive and loving, and that to me is more important than anything else.
Thank you Father Mike. I love the way you explain things. I found your video looking up differences between protestant and catholic. My dad was protestant. Mom catholic. They taught us faith at home but never encouraged us to go to mass. However I was baptised catholic. I did attend Sunday mass as a teen with friends. I got away from the church as I got older. I recently decided to get closer to God again and am doing research out of curiosity to reconnect with my faith.
My heart sank when you told the stories of the the two couples who would marry a Catholic if they had to do it over again. I have been feeling this way after 15 years of marriage. I love my husband and he is helping me raise our children Catholic, for which I am very grateful. But there is an emptiness there, because I want to grow more in faith together. I know I can grow and pray for him, but would much rather have married a practicing Catholic. It's just something we don't share that is very important to me.
I do hear you. I married a non catholic. He decided to become a Catholic and so he did. We raised our children on the church and he never ever questioned a day to mass. But, after our girls went to college and got on with their lives he just doesn’t do anything church related. I have always been a devout Catholic, The Church runs through my veins, the sacraments, the prayers, Mary, etc. It is a very lonely road and I have accepted it. My advise, think very seriously about meeting a non Catholic if it is that important to you or fully accept that you will be on your own. It os also hard to explain the ways we Catholics vision life.
@@piafassold9444 I had to leave my atheist/agnostic bf, dated over 2 years, feeling sad that I had to end things because of this reason.. We knew faith is important to me, but he wasn't in board of this but still support to go to mass with me but thats about it. Questioning myself how Im able to introduce Jesus to our future kids if it just me doing this, he doesn't pray either not even for me if I need help or if I'm sick, so yeah I cant reach him out for help.. he thinks all of this isn't good for anybody anyway, -- I had a feeling in the long term, I would feel lonely spiritually if I do stay and married.. I'm pretty heart broken but probably for the best in the future..
This is so helpful and timely. I want someone that wouldn't just be Okay with me living out my catholic Faith, but someone that'll help me live out my Catholic faith
I want my future children to grow up 100% Catholic and for that I will need a loving and supporting Catholic husband. So will stick to marrying a Catholic man. 👌 Thanks a lot Fr Mike, you help us understand our Christian calling! Love from Dubai
My sister's husband and my brother's wife both became catholic prior to their weddings. Dating a non Catholic therefore isn't always wrong. Knowing how strong they are in their faith and how open they might be to becoming Catholic would be a good early discussion before making a commitment of marraige.
B Rozario - my sister in law is Christian. At the time she married my brother, he was church going. You never know what trials & tribulations will occur in life. If you set it up as a non negotiable, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
This hit home for me, going through RCIA classes now, my wife is protestant (and said that she would never convert) she does support me though, I love her, respect her opinions, continue to pray for her as well to grow in Christ as she does me
Steve S you may want to ask her to go the the RCIA classes with you. I recently came back to my Catholic faith after leaving it for 33 years. I started a protestant Church when I started dating my wife 33 years ago now after 26 years of marriage I felt lead to come back home to my Catholic roots and complete my confirmation. She said to me “that may put a wedge in between us” so I asked her to join me in the classes and by the end of the RCIA classes she converted to Catholicism, Alleluia!!! Ask her to join you in your RCIA classes, you never know. God bless you.
Steve S I can relate to your struggle. Lay it all on the alter. Our God knows all our needs and he is faithful. He will answer. Take this as a learning curve. Humble yourself and continue to love your partner. Be blessed.
Check out Scott Hahn, and see if there is any wisdom he can offer you. He went through the same thing with his wife and it took a toll on their marriage. I don't want to spoil his story, so check it out and I will send you my prayers.
My father is Roman Catholic and my mother is LCMS Lutheran -- they are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and I have learned so, so much from them. I have been exposed to two different perspectives on Christianity, and am so thankful for it. I have also seen the reality and struggles that they have faced because of their differing beliefs, and have seen them both be challenged and grow in their faith due to not seeing eye to eye on every facet of their beliefs. Overall, though, I've seen them overcome their differences and support one another through thick and thin, and they have always, always put God first. Both are so passionate in their faith. I am so blessed to have such wonderful role models as parents.
@@emilynicole121170 No u. It's called Luthers canon. "Luther made an attempt to remove the books of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation from the canon (notably, he perceived them to go against certain Protestant doctrines such as sola gratia and sola fide) but his followers did not generally accept Luther's personal judgment in this matter." The protestant heresy makes me laugh. "our doctrine is Bible alone. Except these books we are removing those"
New Noise I was joking because you said Martin Luther King Jr when it was Martin Luther. Two different people. One (MLKJ)was a civil rights activist and minister. The other (ML) was a German professor and important figure in the Protestant Reformation. Other than that, I 100% agree with everything you said! :)
Bridget Ulrich how was that for you spiritually/emotionally/mentally? Did you attend Sunday school? Which did you choose/how do you practice your faith?
I contacted my priest yesterday. He replied to me at 9 this morning and told me he’s really happy I’m interested in the Catholic faith and would like me to call him after Easter vigil to set up a meeting. I’m really looking forward to this meeting with great anticipation. This is the best decision I ever made
I think you made a really important point that people tend to ignore: marrying a non-Catholic isn't bad or a sin, it's simply harder to be Catholic, and it's harder to be married. And usually people want tips to making making marriage easier. Thank you for the eye-opening video Father.
Faith and family was one of the reasons my “ex” and I broke up. He didn’t like me praying when he was around. And he didn’t want our future children to not be catholic.
I do know several couples with wonderful marriages where one is Catholic and the other is not. Despite that, I agree with you about it not being wise and I think most of the couples I'm referring to above would agree. When I was 33 and still waiting on God's timing to meet my husband, I had several people question my sanity when I decided to no longer date anyone who wasn't Catholic. In their minds, I was limiting my options at a time I couldn't really afford to. In my mind I was choosing to focus my efforts where they would do more good and I couldn't really afford not to. I met my husband a couple months before my 34th birthday and we have been blessed with two miracle children via NaPro. I'm so glad I chose to prioritize marrying a Catholic. I can't imagine going through infertility and then parenting in today's world, with someone who wasn't Catholic.
I am Catholic. I married the “I’m okay with you going to church” person. I remember recently telling my pastor the same thing the two couples told you. Hindsight is 20/20. I wished I had married a Catholic. Our son left the church at 18 and it has been a sore spot in our marriage as my spouse doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I do. I believe every point you made is true. Although we don’t know what the future holds, I wish every couple who is considering marrying someone who is not Catholic has a priest who holds the same views as you and has them watch this video. It is spot on!
I recently lost a great friend and partner due to our religious beliefs. We were both cradle Catholics but through most of our relationship, we rarely practiced together. However, in the last two years we both found God. I found Him in the Eucharist and she found Him through other Protestant means. We parted ways because of those differences and whenever I wanted to share the fullness of the faith, she would mention that I was just trying to deceive her. Fast forward a year later after our break-up, I found another girl with a great heart too but she's an atheist. Totally different level playing field and totally different challenge. However, she's been to Mass with me more times than my ex and she's ok with raising kids and a family the Catholic way. I don't know why God crossed our paths together. Please pray for us, that God will is done.
I find it bizzare that people raised as Catholics believe lies Protestants tell. Understand if you never met a Catholic...but to ignore Mom for a stranger's take on your family religion. Strange.
Dear Luis, I am very glad to see that you are fed and strengthened through the Eucharist. That means the heavens and the Church here on earth are all praying for you. I understand your concerns. Atheism comes in all forms; agnosticism is usually much easier to work with. Either ways a person who is kind, respects others feelings and beliefs, and has an open personality can be worked through. An atheist who is open to the possibility that there are things that transcend us (eg. purpose of our life) will eventually see, may not be in entirety, that's what we do is reasonable. In the mean time, be virtuous and charitable - it's through your actions that Christ becomes manifest in the world around you. When in doubt, do remember you are not alone - you have the entire communion of Saints guarding and guiding you. May God who made you, give you comfort and make you whole.
I've been seeking for an answer, praying about this for months, and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank You Fr. Mike, God spoke to me through you.. The world is blessed for having you in it..A Thumbs Up from me :)
Thank you, Fr. Mike Schmitz, for talking about this topic. This is all so true and important in life too! Am a Roman Catholic since birth. Been married 45 years. Our children were raised Roman Catholic too. Please pray for my husband, Tom. He just said last night "i'm not sure what i'd classify myself as Angie?" He was born and raised a Methodist, but "no longer wanted to go to church after he turned about 15 years old",he said. He so questions a lot! Prayers for him and our adult children are said with fervor everyday. He was born on July 3rd, which i just learned about a year ago, that is St. Thomas the Apostle's feast day. Prayers for all. Thanks again. 🙏🙏
I'm a Baptist and my husband is Catholic and we have struggled for years with our marriage due to faith and beliefs. I'm glad you advise young couples to have those conversations upfront because it can be very difficult through the years in marriage.
@@tonyale749 Two separate religions and beliefs don’t belong in a marriage Someone needs to convert and since the Catholic religion is a mother goddess worshiping pagan cult convert to the other religion
@@tonyale749 Gods son Jesus died on a cross for your sins. Are you saved and born again? Jesus said you must be born again to enter heaven a spiritual transformation
Father Mike, Excellent video! 1.) Everything explained very well. 2.) Examples you gave were very helpful 3.) Good information on a topic that a lot of people today deal with. Needed by many. Continuing to pray for you, your work there, your vocation, your staff and the students you serve as well as all Priests and all with Religious vocations who serve in the Church. God Bless.
That was perfectly communicated Father. Thank you. I'm a devout catholic who married a non-catholic and it is a struggle. I have the sole responsibility of being the family spiritual leader for us and our 3 kids. I love my wife very much and It is so worth it but very difficult at times . My wife is very supportive and even goes to church with us most of the time but it would be better for our family if we could share this together. I thank God we have a great priest and a great Catholic school that has made a great impression on my wife, who I hope will essentially share this faith and journey with me and our children. But to anybody thinking about marrying a non-catholic listen to exactly what father mike says in this video and communicate very specifically about your faith and what you want for your future.
But if she supports you and goes to church together as a family, doesnt that mean u guys already are sharing the experience together? Many Catholics are not extremly religious and never go to church. So why do you seperate it into a different thing if she actively participates?
I am a Catholic and married to a non-Catholic. My husband is very supportive and going to mass. We have 2 teenagers but I have to agree that it is not easy. I have to lead all the faith journey and sometimes my kids complain that my husband fall asleep during mass. As Fr, Mike said, I don;t feel that my husband help me to grow my faith and I have to plant the seeds for my kids by myself. and when you get questions from your kids about Catholism, it will be nice if we both can work together instead I do it by myself. It is very nice to have a partner. I don't regret our marriage and I know this is I meant to be. Just follow God's plan and I hope one day, my husband has the free will to get baptized.
My 65 yr old husband asked me recently if I was nudging him to become Catholic. I answered, “ No, it doesn’t work that way. You will come, when Jesus calls you.” He smiled an unbelieving smile. I said with excitement, “I admit it, I pray for it daily” . He chuckled and said, “I bet you do”. I smiled: “There’s no harm in asking Father a couple of questions.” Hubby raised his brow, you could have knocked me over when I heard, I suppose not!
There are several points that i didn't think about. I'm the only Catholic in a Protestant family. We rarely see eye to eye on key issues. Why would I want my marriage to be the same.
Because children of mixed marriages have a higher likelihood of leaving Christianity altogether is at least one thing to consider. Disagreeing with your parents or siblings is one thing but you and your Spouse need to be of one mind on serious lifestyle decisions such as these.
What key issues do you disagree on? Protestant churches believe Jesus is the Son of God, Divine/human nature, virgin birth, only way of salvation, death/resurrection, Bible as Word of God, Triune God, the spiritual gifts .... the basic theological tenants. Are you arguing over non-essentials/style??? Sometimes non-Catholic families misinterpret under the old feelings of “us and them”. We are one body, one faith, one baptism.
I’m a Catholic and my husband of 32 years is not Catholic. He made sure that our sons were at SAY (St. Ann Youth) every Wednesday for their faith formation. I could not ask for a more dedicated husband and father. I am blessed.
Thank u for this video Father Mike. I’m Catholic and my husband is Hindu and it’s hard to live like that but still have faith in Gods will to convert him soon. We have been together for 12 years and wish we could be together in this wonderful path with our Heavenly Father and Mother so please have us in ur prayers Father Mike and thank u so much for all the wonderful videos u make for us.🙏
Nothing wrong with Hinduism. Hinduism will teach you to be God-loving without having to convert each other. In Hinduism, every family member will have his/her own God beliefs. And no one criticizes or tries to convert each other. All the best sister. MAY GOOD GOD love us all. May God shower HIs blessings on all of us
I am 49 and my husband is 64. First marriage for him and 2nd marriage for me. We have been married 5 months. He is a non Catholic. He has the kindest, most gentle spirit. He comes to church with me twice a month. While, I hear what Fr. Mike has to say about him not encouraging my growth as a Catholic, I would say that being around someone as kind and gentle as my husband does help my spiritual growth.
Believe it or not, my mom and her three brothers all converted to the Catholic church for their spouses. They none of them were even baptized at birth, and they joined the fullness of the faith.
Just Call Me Oscar My uncle marry a non-denominational woman, and know most of the family of my aunt is converting. Btw they have kids, and are baptized. No Communion (ages are 3 and 1).
Always marry within faith and preferably within denominationon. Not because you need your potential spouse to adhere to your standards, but because a relationship without shared values is primed to collapse. And religion is the best marker for one's values.
I was an unbaptised Christian when my Catholic wife and I were married in a Catholic Church. The parish priest had us seek permission in person with the diocese Archbishop. He granted permission because I agreed to become a baptised Catholic after we finished working abroad. April 1st 2018, Easter Sunday, I was baptised.
Sadly you ain’t Roman Catholic, you have joined a Protestant sect that pretends to be Catholic. There is lots of signs that your sect was created in the 1960s and doesn’t contain the four marks of the church nor valid succession of orders
We were both working in the middle east and had no time for RCIA. I completed that and was baptised after our contracts. I thought SSPX was traditional roman catholic? Or are you you a modernist?
Judging by her hounding of Catholics in the comments I'm fairly certain that +Miss Judacia is sedevacantist. But I'd love for her to confirm that because I'd love to debate her on the basis of her error. But do not worry David you are truly Catholic as long as you were baptised by a Catholic and under the licit form of the Catholic baptism. She is the one in error. SSPX is validly Catholic. Source: www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/sspx_fssp.htm. Congratulations on your baptism by the way!!
The sacraments are valid. The SSPX, however, is a mess that any devout Catholic should really stay away from. The 4 Bishops _do not_ report to Rome as far as I know. It's all inside baseball and technically speaking the SSPX (the FSSP are fine) are Protestants because they do not report to Rome. (There will be a song and dance about acknowledge Rome's authority but no Bishop actually is part of any registry, etc with Rome.)
The SSPX is actually in a schism. It's really a huge mess. Your Baptism is valid because their sacraments are valid right now due to apologetic succession, but it's unlikely it's actually on record with the Roman Catholic church, as no parish that is SSPX reports to the Roman authorities as a far as I knew. You might want to go to a non-SSPX parish to sort out the mess, if it exists.
My wife and I were married in the Catholic Church 40 years ago. We were both raised in Catholic families. Unfortunately, 20 years after being married, she was born again in a Protestant church. Our two children also left the Catholic Church at that time. It’s been tough for me not being “united” with my wife in the Catholic faith that means the world to me. It’s been tough not having a “soulmate”. I’m married but feel really alone.
you're never alone, God is always with you! the best way to combat the loneliness, in my experience, is to 1) go to spiritual direction and 2) get involved in more church activities (ie daily Mass, adoration, volunteering, men's groups, knights, etc). never forget that Jesus loves you and still loves your wife and kids. keep praying for them to come back to Catholicism. God bless you.
Thank you for this video Fr. Mike! I actually did a mini-presentation for my pastoral counseling class on inter-faith marriage and gave very similar notes to the seminarians on what to keep in mind when counseling an inter-religious couple. I myself have dated a young Jewish man and we talked about out goals in life on our first date which led to the topic of marriage and children since it is important to both of us. He was very accepting on me wanting to raise my children in the Catholic Church especially since I am getting my masters in pastoral ministry and want to work in faith formation/ evangelization. He even said that he would attend mass with me if we were to become more serious as a couple. I do believe inter-faith marriages can yield wonderful fruit, but it also takes prudence, wisdom, confidence, faith, and discernment.
Thank you Father. My misses isn’t a member of the Catholic Church, but we were married in the church and our son was baptized in the Roman church. Your words are so comforting. Thank you.
I'm dating an atheist right now. Things are getting serious between us. I'm very fearful of our future. I was an atheist for a few years. Deep down I know I will never find someone else like her. I think I love her. What do I need to do?
I’m going on my 23rd year of marriage with my non catholic husband. Don’t get me wrong, I love him, but if I was to redo, I would definitely marry a Catholic. So I agree, but you can’t just marry a Catholic, be sure to marry a practicing/devoted Catholic. If you marry a Catholic who isn’t practicing their faith, you might as well have married a non Catholic.
LOL, I love this guy. He was funny at the end. I consider myself part of the evangelical denomination but since I have a one year old and there's only Catholic Churches my area, I'm seriously considering returning to Catholism. These videos are helping me.
Miss Kimberly Joy Hi 😊 I was a cold catholic but now I am trying to be a devoted one. Try to watch this and other catholic channels (mine are in spanish) so you can understand catholicism. If we dont know something, we cant love it. Hugs to you and your baby.
Thank you everyone. I am actually pregnant with our 2nd child 🥰 but because of Covid and just busy life with a toddler, I never joined a church. Hopefully after I give birth and the pandemic is controlled, I will join a church.
My dad is catholic and my mom is protestant. He married her hoping she would one day convert. 23 years later I think its a big point of contention in their marriage. My brother and I were raised catholic but my brother has never really believed in the faith. Hes still in those rebelious adolescent years though. A lot of really solid points in this video and I completely agree that I want somebody who is on FIRE with their faith and dedicated to getting us both into heaven, raising strong catholic children.
Hey Fr. Mike!! I have a couple of questions that maybe you can discuss in future videos: 1. Masturbating and the millennial (feminist) reform. 2. The supernatural (I’m trying to say unbelievable but I don’t mean that I don’t believe) stories of the Old Testament and refuting atheist response to these extraordinary stories (we’ve all descended from Adam and Eve etc) 3. Preachers/teachers who are put on a pedestal after performing miracles. Or. Discerning a prophecy that someone has given your life. 4. How to pray? Hear the voice of God? 5. How to be okay with the fact that there are some answers that we don’t have and that’s okay? 6. Tithing and the corrupted church (no offense) 7. Something to hold on to when the world says that humans can convince ourselves of anything even the idea of God. Yeah... haha! There are so many more but I’m doing my own research simultaneously so it will be nice to hear your opinion aswell. ❤️❤️ Much love and God bless!
Natasha Pereira No, to masterbation and feminism. Yes, to Confession and Mass. This IS how you will hear the Voice of God. Pray the Rosary daily to our Lady. Let God worry about deceitful priests or ministers. Tithe 10% no matter what, you are responsible for the giving. The more God has shown me, the less I know. We will always, here on Earth, have unanswered questions, trust God, trust the Magisterium pre Vatican 2, trust the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. Talk to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, daily. Blessings
These are awesome topics!! Guys, easy on the trite answers. Of course Natasha would have a good idea on the direction the Church would give on each topic, but wouldn't you want to see videos giving food for thought?
I’m 70 and my hubby is 73. We married 40 years ago. He is a Missouri Synod Lutheran and I am a cradle Catholic, who loves my faith dearly. I sing in our church choir, volunteer with the finance committee, attend Bible studies, and have been an EOM many years to the nursing home before CoVid hit. I love being a Catholic! Our marriage has lasted despite the religion differences…and we actually met on a blind date! We believe it’s because we have a great sense of humor. God must’ve wanted us to be together!!!!!! I struggled to raise both children as Catholics as there was constant interference by his parents, who lived nearby. I finally went to Fr Mike Hayes, my pastor at the time, and cried for hours telling him about the struggle. (Yes, I live in MN…God’s Country.) He had me read what I had signed regarding bringing up the children in the Faith. He assured me that I was doing so. What changed was that my son wanted to be Lutheran during his preteen years, and with Confirmation on the horizon, I decided that I wouldn’t fight it. Fr Hayes assured me it was ok. I still cried. So, all these years later, my son and his family are Lutheran and they regularly attend church services. He is a CHRISTIAN, and to me that is what is important. Though I still wish he were Catholic. He is also following his Dad’s footsteps. So be it. My daughter and her husband do not attend any church. They live in AK, and when I am there she always brings me to Mass. But,she doesn’t attend Mass otherwise. I pray fervently all he time that she return to the Catholic Church and bring her non-Catholic husband with her. This is the huge cross I bear. Would I marry a Catholic if I could do it all over again. Absolutely. Oh, by the way…my toddler granddaughter who is Lutheran grabs a rosary every time she is here at our home. She now has her own knotted-cord- style rosary here. You bet I pray it with her and will teach her the beautiful prayer!! Her Catholic great-gramma was one of the dear ladies I brought The Eucharist to before CoVid. She has since died, and I have one of her precious rosaries, given to me by my daughter-in-law. Oh, do I ever pray “with” great-gramma about my family! Isn’t it interesting how Our Dear Lord works?
This is awesome. I was blessed with a beloved Catholic Man becoming my husband or 32.5 yrs, we had 6 children, two went to Heaven before birth and he went to be with them suddenly 4yrs ago, only three mos after our youngest graduated our homeschool. Knowing I was able to pray him back home, and understand we are praying for one another now has been such a blessing, and has helped our family and myself continue to move forward. The Gift of Catholic Faith shared as one thru the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony for me has been tremendous blessing. But I do know many who chose to marry a man notif the Faith,my only daughter on earth included, and these women are strong in Faith, and I have had a front row seat in observing these men transform into Holy men.
Wow this taught me a lot. I am a non catholic and my girlfriend is and devoted . And I do want to marry her but not ready to convert yet. But everything I’ve been saying and supporting her and your answers make everything align. Thanks for this video
I married my husband in 2012. He always came to church with us when he wasn't working and was adamant about having our children make the sacraments as we promised - this even brought me back to the church after a I lapsed. At Easter this year, I stood by his side while he made his sacraments and just bawled. Just listening to this video makes me cry tears of joy. We are home and here to stay!
I'm non Catholic. I got married to Catholic. After a year and half of marriage. I decided to become Catholic. I will be baptised in April next year. My first Sunday Mass was tears with happiness.
Suseela S. did you get baptized or did the virus prevent you?
@@sunnyandbuilder189 my baptised got postponed this year. Should be this april. Just have faith in your way.
Congratulations Suseela !!!!
Suseela. S So how does it feel after becoming a Catholic...sadly circumstances aren't favourable for you with no physical Mass but even then are you able to maintain that loving relationship with the Lord
Congratulations on your baptism through the Catholic Church here felt the love in your heart for what it represents and also you've made a wise choice if you are a woman married to a Catholic man I believe women should follow their husbands and honor them in all things I am promising but I congratulate you
I’m Hindu my boyfriend is catholic. He took me to the mass and I’m telling you I was in tears when it ended. My heart felt so nice. ❤️
Aww god bless you two❤️
God bleed u
Are you converting to Catholicism?
God Loves you ❤
How awesome!! Thanks for sharing & keep going back - I love our faith❤️✝️🛐
My husband was agnostic and was "ok" with me being Catholic. 11 years later he is the one that iniates prayers and sometimes I think he has more faith in God than I have.
So there’s Hope? My boyfriend is confused of what he believes now because I shared Christianity with him. He was a nihilist, became agnostic, and now he’s considering becoming Christian. The only thing stopping him is religious trauma, which I pray for him. But there’s hope right? 🤍
@@sorkaii I'm praying for your boyfriend💚
Thanks for sharing this! My husband and I have been married for almost 12 years. I always say he’s a better person by nature than I am by grace, but he is against becoming catholic because of the human aspect of it, and the parts of Catholicism that he disagrees with. He has slowly come around to God through the years and will come to mass with me and the kids and sits with us at night while we say the rosary, but he still says he won’t become catholic....I am hopeful with continued prayer he will get there!
Been married for almost 15 years to a non Catholics, many many many obstacles has brought me much closer to God. From a person made to church every Sunday - always late. Now I go to daily masses, 3 rosaries a day. 1 rosary with the kids. He is not joining us but stays in the same room with us. I am still praying for him. I believe God have a plan, I am and my kids are his servant, we’ll do whatever we need to.
@@clairemccallion9042 My prayrs are with you.
I married a non-Catholic and after 18 years of a beautiful marriage, he decided to become a Catholic. I never pressured him and eventually he felt called to convert. Maybe sometimes we are placed in another's life to lead them to the faith. I truly believe God had a plan for our marriage. We have now been married for 20 years and have a 16 year old son whom is also a practicing Catholic.
How did conversations of baptizing your child happen? That's been the first and constant struggle. I've been married 18 years to a non denom, I like his church, but, it's not who I am. We're supposed to get our marriage blessed in December, but I'm feeling like I shouldn't. He's only doing it for me. I would be attending church alone and believing alone.
@@VLMadre That is hard. And sad. My mom regrets marrying my dad who said he would convert but really he was just doing it for her and then never did it. Turns out even doing the marriage vows to him were just "steps that had to be taken".
Welcome home !!!
Praise be God, he does have a plan and we have to surrender to that. I used to fight about but I don't anymore and pray for him to. My husband is catholic but not practicing and the only one big problem is he doesn't like going to mass on Sundays with us.
@@mariazuniga-lopez1850 great God bless you🙏🙏🙏
I was a non Christian in love with a Catholic. Thanks to him, I found my faith in Jesus so strong that I got baptized in the church that came to my head first. Now after 8 years of our marriage, finally I am a strong Catholic preparing to become a Catechist soon... Hallelujah
Praise God.
Welcome to the truth
What a great testimony!
How did you do it?? I’m an atheist always have been my fiance was always christian later turned agnostic and now a strong catholic...He wants a catholic wedding
@@Mariemarie-uw7id Open your heart to the Lord jst once and see...Being an Athiest is your choice, no one can force you...BT atlst taste the Lord b see, He is good...not only u will experience a huge positive change in your life, BT also through you, your marriage life will be highly blessed..jst try Him once...He is the best father, best friend, best teacher, best guide and no one loves like Him...
My mom is Catholic and she married my dad when he was Jewish. My dad decided to become Catholic after they were married for a year. ❤
@gary barr I'm not Catholic, but why do you think that Catholics are a cult? They are just another branch of Christianity. What's the matter with people who believe differently than you? Also, if you think they are a cult, why are you here?
@gary barr yeah you are right
@@hazellevesque7773 It doesn't matter cult or branch , every one believes in the lord
@@ashllywellnooneisworthit9335 but if it doesn't brainwash people or make them worship other people it's not a cult. Catholicism is not a cult.
@@Adam-nu9gu a jew is the same as everyone else when it comes to saved or not. God will reward anyone who brings anyone into the church.
I married a non-Catholic thankfully he was a strong Christian. I am a devout cradle Catholic. When I met my husband I told him specifically that I hope your in this for the long haul...I want my children raised Catholic and we can never get divorced (I said it half jokingly sorta :)). He always attended Catholic mass and was very supportive of my faith. Our kids have been raised Catholic as I hoped. Fast forward 14 years later, he got confirmed as a Catholic last year. He came to this decision on his own. His reason for this decision: our oldest got confirmed this year and he felt compelled to do it and to be an example for our children. I thank the Lord for working through my husband because he is a wonderful Catholic.
Hi just click on my name and go to About tab, from there you can send me an email. Have a blessed day!
Martha R what a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing
Martha R fantastic story, I really needed to hear a story of faith, hope and encouragement tonight? Thank you for that. God bless.
Thank you for being a wonderful witness to your husband :) praise the Lord!
Martha R that’s wonderful story!!
I married a non practicing protestant. It was hard to go to Mass because “I was always messing up the family programs”. I prayed a lot for him, and for us. And in the hardness of time, the Holy Spirit illuminated me. We moved far away with our kids, and after 1 year abroad, he started paying attention to the Gospel, also thanks to the pandemic. Last year on May 2021 he was baptized, had his first communion and confirmation. 🙏🏻 So it was worth going through this path
❤️🙏❤️
My mom is catholic and my dad was RAISED Pentecostal. However, a few years into the marriage, my dad realized that he wants to be catholic but he wanted to wait. Now, he wants my brother and I (23 and 18) to be his sponsors for becoming catholic. I’m so excited about it.
aww that's so wonderful!
Good for him. I was Pentecostal before my conversion into the Catholic Church, and I must say that I am happy with my decision. Kudos to your dad and best of luck to you and your family. God bless!
yup im crying. happy for your dad, sister!! praying for and with your family 🙏❤️
How can someone just ‘decide’ to be of a certain religion 😂 and this guy is also very ‘camp’ I’m confused
@@jemmanicole6175 I think it's a little like falling in love. Sometimes two people really like eachother right off the bat but sometimes there isn't much interest on one side or initially none at all and it takes a while for them to get to know each other and the relationship is slow and takes a long time. I agree with you when you say religion isn't something you can just decide. For me and I think most people it's something that grows within them, a realization...it very much like falling in love with a person and marrying them. It shouldn't be done lightly or rushed because then it might be regretted. I hope that helps. 😊
I'm a Hindu born into a super conservative family, but I practice faith secretly and I'm happy that I found Christ. It's a beautiful feeling when you pray and I can surely say, my life has changed after I believed in Christ.
Amen.
Wow that's cool to know
@@gerarddlima Haha thanks brother 😊
I pray for you sister💛 where are you from?? How are you dealing with that??
That is some beautiful stuff right there
Welcome home
This helped cure my post-breakup blues. I was so sad to break up with my girlfriend of a year and a half. She was a very good person, very smart, and very generous, but we diverged quite a bit on our core values. Namely faith and family. I knew deep in my heart that it was the right move for the sake of my future happiness, family, marriage, and salvation, but the world around me definitely made me consider if I was being "overly picky". I was not. Thank you, Father.
Paul, I watch your podcasts! Lol It was funny for me to come across you in the comment section of one of Father Mike’s videos. I’ve been through a similar experience, it’s encouraging to see other Catholics our age truly living the faith. Thank you for being so open about Catholicism in your podcast episodes! I love the episode with Fr. Archer! Keep doing what you’re doing😊
The opposite happened to me and I'm devastated. Nearly 20 years ago, I - an adult Catholic woman who had never been married - fell in love with and married a divorced non-Catholic man in a civil ceremony in my backyard. Though I have been a lifelong Catholic, I was not brought up in a deeply, spiritual Catholic home. I was baptized, had my holy communion and my confirmation, but I did not grow up fully learning or understanding my faith or the spiritual implications of the kind of marital union I entered into. I grew up with no strong faith formation in the home. Even though we all understood the Church to be holy we were nominal Catholics. At a certain point we even stopped going to church as a family - at the time I was just a teenager! The importance of the word of God was never uttered at home. As an adult living on my own, I resumed going to church and taking the eucharist every Sunday - yes, even after my marriage. I knew that my marriage wasn't right - just how 'not right' I didn't know, but I basically ignored it. I love the church, but was ignorant of the sacrament. I did not fully understand that I was living in mortal sin and that because of this I was not allowed to take the eucharist. After a recent and very deep spiritual journey of my own, I am now FULLY aware of my situation. But my husband has never been a very religious man (I've been going to church by myself all these years). While he understands my predicament, he said he couldn't go through an annulment with his ex-wife because it would mean admitting that his first marriage was not valid from the get-go, but that was not the case. Their marriage was built on love, produced two children and ended in divorce because she cheated on him. I'm now nearly retirement age and my husband is 17 years my senior. We have been living chaste lives for some time and recently I even stopped taking the eucharist. I plan on going to confession, though I don't know what I can do to set things right. Consider yourself lucky to have had that kind of spiritual discernment BEFORE going any further in your relationship.
Good. Interfaith relationships are not meant to be.
Bless you for that tough decision.
@@ElizaDolittle you know what is the right thing to do. Confess and leave a chaste life
In the 1940’s my mother converted to Catholicism right before she married my Dad. She came from a Protestant background but she did it to please everyone. A woman true to her word, she raised us Catholic and brought us to Mass every Sunday. She was quite a woman, not only did she faithfully watch Fr Fulton Sheen but she never missed out on any Billy Graham tv special and sometimes she’d cry. She taught me to believe in God but to love God and to access God through both these preachers. Today, I’m still Catholic but I sure do love watching Joyce Meyers when I get a chance. In fact God used Joyce Meyers to bring me back to the Catholic Church…she made me want to go back to church and I slipped back to where I belonged. God works in mysterious ways. God bless my ma and dad.
I Married my Catholic Wife 37 years ago and was a smug agnostic...I converted to Catholicism at the 24th year...I never had the nerve to say there was no God and I really started to believe there was a Hell...I read the "Suprised by the Truth " books by Patrick Madrid...I was welcome into the Church on April 15th of 2005 ...It was the most important day of my existence and our Marriage is most excellent...My Wife told me she Prayed for my cold Heart everyday for conversion right up to my Baptism...God is Great and Life is good...Peace to all...
I'm so happy for you. My son m arried a Japanese buddhist. They live in Japan and have 2 sons, 7 and 8 yrs old.
My son no longer communicates with me in any way. I'm 71 and quite ill. I cry daily missing my only child but now I want to try (it will be very difficult) to do either the year long prayers of St Brigida, or the 12 year litany promise, also given to St Brigida. My request is that my son is touched by our Lord, his Blessed Mother also, in such a way he cannot ignore. He's a very GOOD person, but needs to know the unique JOY and FREEDOM that comes from giving your life to Christ Jesus, knowing God's love is TRULY there for him, along with His acceptance of him as one of his unique creations and is always waiting for his return to the Romans Catholic Church to receive Confirmation (I'm so dumb, thought that would happen automatically, being a student of Catholic Schools), remain true to the Holy Spirit, attend Mass and receive the Eucharist, helping his children to become catholics too. I'd like his wife to convert after learning the catechism and Gospel. In short, I very much hope to help my son, grandkids, those I love, avoid purgatory and one day see God.
Can you please include his name, Thomas Andrea, in your prayers? He went to good schools in Rome from St Francis, Marymount, then Notre Dame prep (now gone due to lack of funds). He was very much liked but found
to be lacking in self assurance, like his mother.
This means everything to me. Thank you to anyone who has read this. I pray we will all be helped and protected until we are finished with this world. I DO know we're ALL loved.
Thankyou, Mary
I...use...three...periods...instead...of...one...at...the...end...of...every...sentence...because...I’m...very...serious...about...ancient...dogma
Welcome home brother!
@@marylou931 I'll pray for you and for your son. May God grant you the desire of your heart🙏
I prayed for 40 years for my husband’s conversion. I never nagged him about it. He was never coerced in anyway. All I did was prayed and lived my faith to the best I could. Somehow, by osmosis, he assimilated something. Then the Holy Spirit made it happen. Now he is more Catholic than I am ! Thanks be to God.
Been married twenty years. I often thank God that I married a Catholic girl. As a Protestant, I believe that was God’s plan to bring me into the one true faith.
Like many Protestants, I made the biggest mistake: I set out to convert my wife by proving Catholic doctrine wrong. And in-turn, I became Catholic. Go figure. Can’t deny truth and the power of the Holy Spirit.
God bless
God bless you, Jason, for being the man you are and for being obedient to God's will. He will bless you both and your family as you continue on in the faith, together and united as one!
I used to be a Catholic for most of my life until God opened my eyes to the truth and I read the Gospels for myself now I follow Jesus only. Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Jesus is the only way, the only truth. Not a religion or denomination.
God bless you
@@jesusislord9337 I'm glad you no longer pray to mary
@@protaap1656 So am I, praise the Lord!
@know idont The Hail Mary mostly
i was the non catholic marrying the catholic, what i came to realise was he wasnt a practising catholic and i put the 5 kids we had through baptism etc in the catholic church as i wanted to give them a foundation.after 27 years of marriage i became catholic myself,i am so full of happiness and joy at my conversion but similar to some of the couples you spoke to i wish i had married a catholic, yes i know i did but really i wish id married a practising catholic, one who at least wanted to go to mass,so now i pray for my husband to find his faith again and come back to the church. i agree that married life is so much easier if you are of the same mind regarding faith x
Wow jen t, your story is really inspiring. God bless your marriage.
that is so inspiring and I feel your story. I'm not catholic, married to a non-practicing catholic. I often think I'd prefer if he had a clearer stance on his faith. It's very wishy washy and so hard to even have a discussion about matters of faith. My questions are typically left unanswered, I have to go off research myself. I have tried to get him to mass occasionally because I'm curious about it, but our priest does the worst sermons, so now he refuses to go full stop. It's kind of comical in a sense.
Wow! Remember the word of God says " The unbelieving husband is made Holy by his wife."- 1Cor 7:14
Keep praying, whenever I remember you, I'll offer you up in prayer as well. Trust in God. If you want a prayer msg me privately ok. God bless you!
Are you aware of how amazing your story is?
jen t Lizzieanswers she has great videos on Catholic faith too.
Thank you Fr Mike! I'm Catholic been married to a non Catholic for 18 years. You're right, it can be hard, but praise God, love makes all things possible! A marriage is a covenant between 2 people and God. If the person God has chosen for you is not a Catholic, trust in His wisdom that it will work 🙏
Same here. 15 years.
Better yet, listen to the Church and don’t marry a non-Catholic to begin with. Yes, it could turn out all right, but all of the split-faith marriages I’ve known over the years have not worked out. When the children come you need strong faith to raise them Catholic and without the support of your spouse, it is very difficult. The Church doesn’t make arbitrary rules that don’t matter if we don’t follow them. It makes rules that will help you in your life to keep your faith. Being a Christian and working to get to Heaven is a difficult journey, wouldn’t it be better to have someone with you who will support your faith?
@@suew4609 Sorry to hear all those split-faith marriages you've known haven't worked out. I hope you come across some that have in the future, they do exist.
@@suew4609 she just told you she had a great marriage. What could possibly be better? What’s your point?
@@melissachong3965 I’m sure they do exist, and I’m glad your’s is working out. God bless!
When my parents got married my mom wasn’t Catholic. She would still come to mass with the family and even take us when my dad was working. After 22 years she finally converted to Catholicism and I got to be her God Mother when she was baptized. Not traditional but it was amazing.❤️
That’s amazing 🥰🙏🏽
Aww🥰
Oh, that makes my heart leap!
Can a daughter be the godmother of her own mother ? That's new to me.
@@hubertashuli2250 Every firmed Catholic can be a "Godparent".
When I was praying for a spouse I was very specific that he should be Catholic just like me! I couldn't imagine changing my Faith because of marriage. And guess what? God sent me a better Catholic man than I even hoped for❤
Thank you God
You joined a racist white church
Try Baptist or evangelical
TD Jakes
Creflow Dollar
@Rania Georgei
I looked into Coptic and that’s paganism certainly not Christian
Egyptian pagans certainly not following Christ or the Bible
Do you go to a church or have you made up your own cult
So cool and amazing!! So happy for you and pray that you are strong together
I'm so astounded that you are always so willing to address the hard issues with the complete truth of Christ's teaching - you never duck, flinch, or hide. We need more priests like you and Fr. Goring proclaiming Christ's true teachings!! God bless you, Father!
Thank you Father Mike. Your talk makes so much sense - wisdom. I have been married for 44 years to a non Catholic and he has never joined me at any Mass apart from Baptism, Holy Communion. There have been many times when I have been at Mass and with tears in my eyes wished that we could be there together as I watched couples, young and old with families at Mass. My consolation is knowing that as I sit there alone, my Lord, my Eucharistic love, is at the altar waiting for me with arms wide open. 💞
You sound like my mom. God Bless you. I could feel the emotion in your words and made me want to hug you. My mom, since my dad left the family, knows that Jesus is there with her and will never leave her. Jesus is always with you as well. God Bless you. ✝
It has been almost 50 years for me in the same situation. My husband considered my faith as something to accept about me, nothing more. I did my best to bring my children up in the faith, but they left the church as soon as they left home. My husband does go with me on Christmas and Easter, because he knows that, coming from a large family, I can get particularly sad sitting alone at those masses. I take comfort in knowing Jesus is always at mass, waiting for me and helping me to be a better Catholic. I continue to pray for my husband's conversion.
I can totally relate to this. 36 years of marriage and struggling. We are growing apart instead of closer. I did not listen to those around me who were much wiser.
@@peedwards4943 If you could do it all over again, would you choose someone else to marry? What about the human element and the love you share minus the shared faith? Is there beauty in that to be thankful for? Is your spouse a great person otherwise?
Pray for your spouse. The lord will hear your prayers
I wish I could have heard this 30 years ago when I met my non-catholic spouse of 26 years. I has been a long hard road of marriage and through the years I choose to have arguments about raising our daughter in the catholic faith than fight about him leaving socks on the floor. The faith was more important to me. I can relate to all the points you touched on. This discussion is so on target. However, I might add in my experience that my daughter who just turned 18 still goes to adoration and confession with me and she sees how hard my marriage is so I pray that she marries another catholic. If that is God’s vocation for her. As for my husband it has been a long slow road but I do see signs of conversation every year. He’s not yet ready for RCIA but he does say grace with us at meals even when we are dining out and he has become pro-life. Thank you for discussing such an important topic. I will continue to pray for you and your ministry.
Grace before meal when dining out, that would bring God to a lot of people.
Prayer. Is the ultimate solution.and be patient and don't argue or fight. Take every thing in prayer. Organise family prayers the rosary, meal prayer, family Bible study, bed and morning prayer. Even is they don't join be persistent and pray. Leave it to Jesus. God bless you and your family 🙏
Arrgghhh that part about arguing with your spouse, so familiar... My 25 years of marriage to an atheist has been a path full of (unnecessary) thorns. As if marriage is not hard enough, just like father Mike says.
Whoever is reading this, if you are a catholic and in love with a person of another religion or he or she is an atheist that you want to marry... please please please listen to father Mikes' video over and over again. Invoke God's help and He will make it easy, very easy for you to decide and make that life saving step towards the right and wise decision. Trust me.
I was born and raised Catholic, was a devout Catholic always. But also I was too young and too ignorant and too shy to know better than to marry a non Catholic and atheist person. Whom I loved and still love dearly. And I feel stuck... Am I happy? Sadly no.. Long story short, please pray for wisdom and Lord's guidance, try, give yourself a chance to become truly happy because you deserve it.
Amelia Rowan, what do you mean? Catholics should be pro life. We can’t be pro abortion.
How about letting your children choose. I did with mine I would never tell anyone they must follow me or be this or that. YOU wish for them to follow and be what you are. Take people for what they are not what you wish of them. I married a roman catholic 30 years ago.. i am an atheist. still married and lots of children. they choose their own path religious or not. I taught them how to think not what to think. It is not up to me to dictate to others, no matter what i believe or think. I now have independent thinking offspring. 1 religious 1 not 1 on the fence. But i am proud and love all of them.
Your husband loves you and says grace so as to respect you and placate you. would you not say grace to respect him or placate him? Would you alter your life for him as he is doing for you.. I value my wife and what she wishes and wants, she values mine. We do not cross over with demands, wants, needs etc. Just as we do not cross over about politics. who she votes for is not my concern who i vote for is not her concern hence we do not argue. we just enjoy and laugh and life to the full. Peace.
As a Protestant your advice was very very helpful and it helped me understand some of my concerns with dating a catholic. Thank you Father
thank you for replying, it’s nice to see a comment from this perspective among the “i’m a catholic who converted my spouse” replies. i’m baptist and my girlfriend is catholic so i wanted to see what other non-catholic (but still christian) people’s experiences were
@@joostine3720 I think the first goal in mixed Christian faith relationships should be to help each other become better people and better Christians.
I've noticed that many Catholics do, say, think and believe whatever they want and it is a problem.
@@Murph_gaming Doesn't that create identity issues? No good can come from that.
@@mis758 how is there an identity issue? Your partner should help you grow as a person.
I am a born and raised Catholic, former Altar Server who went to mass every Sunday. I met a non catholic in high school and we dated for 6 years. He wasn't open to going to mass with me, but I was patient and always held hope that he would one day change his mind... he never did. By the end of the relationship it had been a year since I had gone to mass, strongly considering losing my virginity to him, in a battle with mental illness, and completely lost and broken. We decided to take some time apart and during that time I finally turned back to my faith. I was overwhelmed with how much it healed me from the pain I was going through. He wasn't willing to compromise with me on religion, so we broke up. Hardest thing I ever had to do, but I am beyond grateful for the lesson and that I'm here now finding my footing again in my faith.
I am really glad you found your way back. :) You are strong for getting through that situation
Hello Debbie... How are you doing today.?
And hope you do stay safe due to the pandemic over there.?
Amazing journey, a lot of sacrifice you had to go through. Welcome home!
I give my late husband, and the Holy Spirit, all the credit for me remaining and growing in my faith. We were ten years together when he made his first Communion and Confirmation. He was at my side in the pews at Mass from the first Sunday after we met. I am so thankful and feel very blessed, for the time we were given together, 4 years before we married and 46 years married. He was a wonderful husband and father to our four children and I miss him very much. May he rest in peace.
Amen
Good points made. I'm 1000% Catholic and got my dispensation from the Archbishop to marry my non-catholic husband in his church. I totally understand the other couples saying they'd marry a Catholic if they had to. I agree and I've only been married for 13 years. All 3 of our children are Catholic and my youngest, at just 10 years old is discerning if he wants to be a priest. So please pray for him.
For all Catholic/Non-Catholic people in relationships. I will say to you, PRAY, especially PRAY THE ROSARY! Also, seek wise counsel. God will work it out. He always does.
If you had a proper catholic formation you would see that you ain’t in communion with the Roman Catholic Church but a member of a Protestant sect founded in the 1960 and lacking valid sacraments and orders
Thank you Angel.
Thank you dear. I needed to hear that. God bless you!
I hope he does not become a priest. life of a is not natural and it's a man made ideal that doesn't work out.
Giselle Sheila Baptiste God bless your family. I agree, praying would move a mountains🏔
When I met my husband he was Lutheran, I told him from the beginning I would never leave my faith for him. He was fallen away from the Lutheran faith and attended mass with my family with an open heart. I remember the day he turned to me at mass and said I feel something here. :) he recieved his 1st communion and confirmed in the Catholic church at the Easter vigil in 2007 before our wedding in the Catholic church in Sept. I thank the Lord for the blessing of my husband everyday.
Lutheran seems to help /strengthen Catholic faith.
Beautiful. Pls pray for people with similar situation.
I'm actually doing research cause my girlfriend is catholic and I'm a Christian so I want to convert because Catholicism is way stronger than my Christian faith towards God and my girlfriend is an amazing person so I want to help her grow in her faith and at the same time get myself to grow in my faith so this was super helpful you are honestly a blessing to this world.
Good for you.
Yayyy!! God bless you! Being Catholic is so much fun:))! Just remember that Catholics are also Christians, we’re from the Catholic denomination but, like all Christians, we’re living martyrs❤️
How did things work out ?
Did you stay with girlfriend and become a Catholic?
Converting would be a huge mistake. Please read your Bible and find strong Christian friends or a strong Christian to disciple you. The Catholic religion has many aspects that are not found in the Bible. I.e. traditions and rituals they have added to the Bible
Please study the Bible and receive deep instruction before marrying someone who is not “equally yoked” with yourself.
The #1 decision you make in life is whether or not to repent from your sins and believe in Jesus as God’s Only Son who took our punishment for sins and then to follow Him completely. Your life here on Earth and where you spend Eternity will depend on this decision!
The #2 most important decision of your life will be who you yoke yourself to in marriage as it is a permanent decision and will affect every area of your life for the rest of your life!
@@Sweetmama4J the biblical canon is not in the bible - it was collected and guarded by, guess what, the catholic church. I think we can give them some credit when it comes to traditions
My late grandmother married my grandpa in 1929, a time when spouses were frequently pressured to convert. Grandpa believed in God but had never been baptized. He finally decided to become Catholic after they had been married 35 years, and he was a very good Catholic.
Years after he had passed away I asked Grandma why Grandpa didn't convert when they first got married. She explained that she knew too many couples where one person joined the Catholic church due to family pressure, but then they resented it and dropped out.
Ladies, when you marry a non-Catholic, don't pressure him. You can't make him Catholic. He has to do it himself. Quit bugging him, but definitely pray for him.
This is very very true. I often wonder if things would have turned out differently between my parents if my mom had been less pushy.
True
I'm married to a non catholic an it's a struggle trying to filter prayers when we have daily prayers. I have to take our baby for mass and his church on Sundays just to keep peace. I live in nigeria and our culture practice is wife submission. So my husband permitting me to practice my faith makes me lucky. So for any strong catholic out there, please marry a catholic. Love isn't enough. My baby is baptized thank God
Keep having faith.. May God bless you
Keep praying the Lord will hear you. Pray to our mother Mary of peñablanca. Blessings From Chile, the church is with you.
Europeans colonized Africans and they forcefully decultured us of our African lifestyle. Africans have lost their original culture, and what we Africans have adopted is a bastardized version of European culture. Europeans did this so that Africans should not self determine their lives but that they be depended on the Europeans even on determining what lifestyle we could have. It is not only 'African culture' that encourages a woman to submit to her husband, but also European culture, Oriental culture, Asian culture etc. My Sister I want you to know though that submitting to your husband is not a human requirement, but God's commandment. In Ephesians 5:21, God says, "submit to one another ( husband and wife)out of reverence for Christ."
God bless you and your marriage and children I pray. I love that you shared this and just offer, for the sake of the reunion of all Christians, please change the perspective and do not say, "please marry a catholic." Love is a choice made everyday. With God all things are possible. Peace.
I am praying for you!!! My parish has a Nigerian Catholic community and I can understand how wonderful your husband is for allowing that!! God Bless you and I will pray for ur husband conversion ❤️
I am a Catholic married with an atheist wonderful woman and I have 2 daughters...All Father says in the video is completely true...everything is much more difficult...I really miss things that for catholic couples look so obvious like praying the Rosary with my family, going to Mass together...I do all these things alone. I am used to it but my catholic life and marriage would be much more easy with a Catholic partner. So if you choose a non catholic partner for your life...be ready and be strong.
Hi Albert. How did you keep your faith strong in yourself and daughters while still respecting your wife? Did you and your wife talk often about expectancies before your daughters were born or how to address when your kids didnt want to go to mass or Sunday school? Asking evause my boyfriend and I are talking long term and plans to get married and he is atheist while I am a practicing Catholic. Looking forward to your i advices
Hit the nail on the head with such love and goodness! Thank you for this video that I will be sending to gals with this question over and over again!!!
You should make a video about this.
Fr. Mike said it better than I ever could :)
Emily Wilson I've been wanting to write to u personally for a long time but im not on a lot of social media sites (just facebook). It would be wonderful if you could please tell me how to contact you personally. Thank you!
Your easily fooled
I agree that as a catholic, marrying a non-catholic can be challenging. I think Fr. Mike did a great job explaining the issues. That said, my wife and I are approaching our 4 year anniversary (yes, I know we're still early on) and I wouldn't change it for anything.
My wife was raised as a non-denominational, hence her curiosity towards Catholicism. Where it can be challenging is explaining the differences to those who have little experience with the Catholic church. All that said, I agree that it was a great video.
As a protestant I find this the best video absolutely the best one in adressing the question about interdenominational marriages out there! God bless!
I'm not Catholic but this is great advice for anyone considering marrying outside of their faith. It's just easier to be married to someone who shares the same faith. That doesn't mean you are doomed to fail if you marry outside your religion, but know that you will face some complicated issues. Additionally you have to consider if you'd be okay with your kids choosing your spouse's faith instead of your own. Thanks Father Mike!
In Serbia they had this custom for religiously mixed marriages - the children are raised in the religion of the parent that shares their gender. A Catholic father would raise his sons to be Catholic and the mother would raise her daughters to be Orthodox (for example). It wasn't that widespread but I think it is a good rule whenever two parties absolutely cannot make an agreement how to raise the kids when it comes to religion.
Deseret Home- This even is true where both parties were raised 'non denominational' Christian but the churches they attended were vastly different. This has been my husband and I's experience and its just amazing how even that can be a struggle. A struggle between which style of church to attend and then sticking with it for the sake of continuity for the children.
Deseret Home agreed!!!
I'm not catholic but I have no problem with his wishes on getting married in a catholic church and our children being catholic. I will even try to understand more about the catholic religion and etc. I was raised as a Baptist but my father was raised a catholic so I think I can try.
I'm a bit late for the exchange. Interestingly, my parents and also my in-laws were Catholic / Lutheran. Since the Evangelical Lutheran families of our fathers did not like Catholic daughters-in-law, both couples married Catholic and we children were raised in the Catholic rite of worship. Even if our fathers never changed their beliefs, it was they who attended the Mass with us. Our mothers usually went to the early Mass or Eve Mass, so on Sunday at 11.30 p.a. the lunch was on the table. ;)
Fr. Mike! My husband and I enjoy your talks very much always. I was a Protestant when I got married to my Catholic husband. When we were dating we started going to each other's churches. My husband says, "I was stubborn and I said, we are going to get married at a Catholic Church." I am so glad we did it, though I didn't know much about Catholic faith at that time. We agree with you that people need to be wise to decide when one of them is non-Catholic. We are very blessed to be married and being a Protestant and Catholic, we prayed and still pray for unity of Christians in our Lord Jesus. By the grace of God, I fell in love with Catholic faith eventually and became Catholic on Pentecost this year. Praise God!
Thank you, Fr. Mike for your incredible joy in the Lord and sharing it through many talks!
I wish I had heard this talk 37 years ago when my husband and I we're married. We have had a lot of difficulties in exactly the areas that you talked about, Father. This would be an excellent talk for young couples considering marriage. You presented it in a very respectful way. Thank you
Thank you Mike for having this video up.. 5 years ago. I’m Catholic and my husband is Christian… he went to his church, but I told him that I would need to go to my church. We are married for 24 years. We have endured so much. As part of each family member, from the two families, it’s been tough!! My husband has supported me and went with me for years, but yet, he hasn’t converted in becoming one cause he believes whatever he believes. He now goes to his own church so I feel like I need to support him and celebrate becoming close to God. I joined, but it just feels like it’s a Godly concert with a man full of faith speaking. I also tell him it doesn’t fill my Catholic faith so I need to go to mass every Sunday, every holy obligation.
What a great topic to discuss. Personally, sharing the same faith has been crucial in our marriage.
Share your beliefs that Jesus is your lord and savior.
You don’t need a church or religion for that
Jesus said follow me I am the only way to the father
I would try a church with a pastor who teaches bible
How can you be sure if Catholic teachings
are true
Jesus said my people perish for lack of knowledge and there are many false teachings
You really believe in popes
Mother Goddess worshiping of Mary
Purgatory and praying to the dead
All pagan traditions not Jesus or Bible
Search for the truth and you will find it
Can you say I was blind and now I see
Have you had a spiritual rebirth
Have you been born again Jesus said it’s the only way to heaven
Do you know gods word in the Bible or do you trust a religion with thousands of years of corruption torture and murder
Can you trust your local
priest around your children
Look up Spanish Inquisition
Look up selling of indulgences
Look up Martin Luther
Look up history of the Catholic Church and
history of popes
Try an Evangelical or Baptist Church
Watch Charles Stanley. Billy Gram
or Joel on TV
Compare that to the Catholic channel
Good luck
spot on, on every point. I married a baptist girl 22 years ago & there were lots of struggles and disagreements. we ended up agreeing to attend both churches together every sunday. When the kids arrived everything got exponentially harder. fortunately after many years of prayer, my wife came into the church the same year our oldest made their first commomen. but i've often had the same thought, I wish I had married someone that was catholic, that way the first 10 years of marriage would not have been so contestable. God bless you Fr. Mike, keep up the great work.
Me as a catholic living in Turkey I can say it's really difficult.
Difficult, but not impossible! Hold onto faith! God is with you, or maybe you’ll share a similar journey as some of the people in the comments!
I’m moving to Turkey, my chances of a wife that i can treat good go up there.
Prayers for you brother
i am an indonesian, i am a catholic,already married and 2 children; i may kind of undrstand yours a bit. still, Believe Jesus Ways.
My prayers are with you, what an enormous cross to carry! But know that God gives you strength you must trust in Him and maybe draw inspiration from our founding fathers who were persecuted because of their conversation and faith.
I'm Lutheran and my wife is Catholic. We have been married for ten years. We had a lengthy discussion about our faith prior to marriage. That was a key point. I think it also helps being that the two churches are close together. After all, Martin Luther never wanted to leave the Catholic church, just to reform some questionable practices at the time. I have even been a Lutheran minister during our marriage. We have set Jesus at the forefront of our faith and, as a result, his love, mercy, and grace have bridged the gaps between the differences in our individual beliefs. Of course, there are things that have caused contention, but in the end we can see that the differences are just what they are and we accept that God's salvation for us is the central point of all of our praise and worship of him. I think another key to this situation, outside of actually communicating, is understand that we all have our biases based on the upbringing we have had. It can be hard to let ourselves be vulnerable to an outside person or group that those around us have stereotyped. For instance, I've been to Catholic churches that speak about Protestants from a very cynical place. I've been to protestant churches, the Lutheran church included, that do the same to the Catholic church. Yet, what so many fail to see is that we all start from the same place; we are all broken and sinful. The other thing that blows most people's minds, and this was always fun as a minister when someone would bad mouth another denomination, is that the Apostle's creed says "catholic church" not "Catholic church." There is a big difference when you recognize that we are all covered by the sacrifice of our Lord, and it has nothing to do with which brand of Christianity you practice. A little bit of respect, can go a long way folks, especially in our marriages. God bless each of you and your families.
Thank you for sharing this. Do you have children? How did you deal with the different formalisms and traditions regarding the children? (Even if you as Christians look in the same direction)
I'm not sure I get the catholic church part in the apostles creed. What do you mean by that? All you did was capitalize the C in catholic?
@@josephlugo6770, as I understand it, Catholic (cap. “C”) is the Roman Catholic Church, whereas catholic (small “c”) means universal and inclusive. Small “c” is used in the Apostles Creed in at least two dominations I have worshiped with (Lutheran and Episcopal) and I am guessing other denominations may include it as well.
@@daver8334 I understand how in the Apostles Creed it does have the capital C. But in the Nicene Creed it actually has the lowercase c when it says "I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church..." And this is recited by everyone in all of catholic churches. I think either way you put it, we do want it to have the idea of being universal and inclusive but under the catholic church because it is the true faith of christianity. Well, that's just what I believe anyway.
@@josephlugo6770 Thank you, I reread the comments and I misunderstood your point. How someone spells it in a RUclips comment aside, I wonder if the difference between the two creeds in the Catholic church was intentional. Perhaps a product of translation? Interesting.
I married a non Catholic. He became Catholic one year later. One our daughters is now an enclosed nun.😁
Jacqueline Harrod enclosed nun? Please explain?
@@jemmanicole6175 cloistered nun
Oh ok, ya learn something new everyday huh!
Sad. Is it true you hardly ever get to see them if at all and no phone calls even?
meli well it is good I guess if she wants to live that lifestyle
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this, Father! My boyfriend is theist and although we haven't been in a relationship for that long, I did tell him that my end goal is to share in the Sacrament of the Eucharist with my future husband at our wedding, therefore I want to marry a passionate Catholic. Thank you for your wisdom!
scoutlyadventures Do not put yourselves into a position as you are now, only date good Catholic men. Preferrably Traditional Catholic.
Marijo Heitman thank you for the insight. But I truly believe God put us together for a reason. He is very open to Catholicism and he already knows that to marry a Catholic man is my end goal. Fr. Mike hit on the point that some of the couples he’s had interactions with on his college campus have converted. This is what I pray happens for me, so I’m not losing hope.
Thank you Father Mike! Everything you say in this video is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! I'm married to a non denominational christian, baptized lutheran, raised Presbyterian, he told me he would convert for me and was going to start RCIA when his father adamantly opposed. My in laws don't like the fact that I'm Catholic at all, my husband would never go against their opinion, I've had to defend my faith in so many occasions....... It's made me a stronger Catholic! My children are being raised Catholic, that was non negotiable for me and I made that crystal clear to my husband, it's hard sometimes but I've grown in my faith because of this, pray for all Catholics married to Protestants, PLEASE!
My father was never religious but raised Protestant. He and my mother married in the Catholic Church in 1975. He went to mass with us a lot. Eventually he became Catholic around 10 years before he passed away from cancer at age 67. He received his last rites.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this November. He was Methodist though we agreed before marriage that we would attend a Catholic church and our children would be raised Catholic. If I had to do it over again - I would have married a Catholic. Two years ago, my husband was welcomed into the church with me as his sponsor. I didn't think that I would feel as different as I did, but it was so comforting to know we were all one as a family (we have 3 children)... If at all possible, marry a Catholic or someone who is open to converting (hopefully not 18 years later! LOL). Love the videos, Fr Mike.
Sadly he wasn’t received into the Roman Catholic Church. Unless he renounced his heresies,received the completion of baptismal rites and confirmation,he ain’t truly catholic
What is with people on these boards? Did you even read what she wrote? Andrea clearly states that her husband went through RCIA--she was his sponsor. If you believe what the Catholic Church does, that counts... And "renouncing heresies." That's offensive. That's what makes people leave the church, not join. Fr. Mike, I think it would have helped limit these kinds of comments if you had led the video with the part about our Christian brothers and sisters not being "less than." We seem to have a problem with some people understanding that.
+Miss Judacia Are you sedevacantist?
Thanks, Miss Judacia, but I think I'll take the words of Jesus, our Bishop, and both parish priests over yours... He's good and official... God bless you.
Miss Judacia what is your problem? I don’t think anyone who isn’t a monk,priest or nun has the right to tell someone they are not living a catholic lifestyle or that they’re truly catholic
I'm Catholic and I'm marrying a non catholic in a month. We have been together since we were 14 and 15 and have a 2 year old girl together. (We got pregnant shortly before my re-version.) I have to say a few things though,
Every mass, every rosary I pray for his conversion. Prior to my conversion he wouldn't even give religion a thought. Now he comes to mass with me when he can, hes happy to marry in the church, hes also wanting to speak to our parish priest because he genuinely wants to get to know what Catholicsm is. He is showing more and more interest in converting and it makes me so happy for him. But regardless, even before he was thinking about it he was more then happy to baptize our daughter and to raise her Catholic.
In my opinion, it's recommended to baptize your daughter when she is old enough what original sin is.
Here is a video reason why.
WARNING! IT WILL QUESTION THE CATHOLIC'S DOCTRINE!
m.ruclips.net/video/YJPUd6BTbKo/видео.html
I'd like to say that this will work out but my experience tells me differently. My wife wasn't Catholic when we met. She converted before we got married. We had an almost 2 year old when we got married. We had been together almost 4 years when we got married. Just last May she served me divorce papers. We had been married 21 years. She told me that she had been pressured to become Catholic and didn't ever fully buy in to the Catholic faith and practices. This was not the main reason for the divorce but it obviously didn't help. I would listen to this video again and really ask yourself if this is the right thing to do. I wish I had heard this 24 years ago.
Take him to adoration.
This is so so sweet! I truly want this in my life and for my relationship! I am so so happy for you both💖
@@KrispyKebab good luck. it's like water and oil. too many girls open their eyes after the fact.
First time here, father Mike is amazing. This is exactly what I needed.
Hi
Fr Mike - I have been married for 32 years. I am a practicing Catholic and my husband is a practicing Muslim. He supports me in practicing Catholicism and I support him in practicing Islam. We both know religion is a huge part of our life and God is important in our marriage. Yes, I agree marriage is difficult so we need God in our lives! We got married in church and went to precana and followed the laws of getting married in the church. I thank God I met my husband, we love each other and respect each other and understand God is the most important thing in our lives. Thank you for your time and presentations.
Hi sister, can I possibly talk to you? I have been looking for a long time someone who has been/ is in that situation
What about your kids, how did you manage what religion to guide them in?
Iam in the same situation for 24 years but my husband has never agreed we solemnize our marriage in church but he has no problem with me practicing my Catholic faith
María, it feels so good to hear of someone in my same situation. I have been with my husband for 19 years including 10 years of marriage, he is a practicing Muslim and I a practicing catholic, he is the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn’t trade him for anything. He is my rock, my everything. I go to mass every Sunday and he does his thing, and we encourage each other and know that without God we wouldn’t be. We pray together and praise God together, we are both God fearing. You don’t have to have the same beliefs to have a successful marriage, my husband is my best friend and #1 supporter.
What about Jesus Christ? And what about the children? MARY?...Learn your Faith! Before you marry outside the Faith.
Great video! I dated a non Catholic and let him know I would only marry a Catholic. He told his extended family who were Catholic and he converted. We've been married for 18 years!
I wish you were my priest when I was a teenager and dating. I love the way you explained this topic. You are so kind. You explain this topic in such a kind, loving and meaningful way without the shame and guilt. I love how are you explain that it’s not a sin issue, it’s a wisdom issue. I am so glad that God has put you where you are working with young adults who have questions about their faith and the world they live in. God bless you and your ministry.
Thank You Father Mike. We have been married for almost 25 years. I am Catholic and when we first married my husband was not Catholic. It was very difficult for me the first several years because WE were not connected on the same spiritual level. But I prayed for him before I met Him. I had to finally had to just give him to Jesus. Then out of the clear blue He announced to me He was becoming Catholic. I only believed it when He actually started going to RCIA. I am so glad he decided for himself and He did not do it for me. Now He is so strong In the faith. It's what I prayed for way back in 8th grade. I homeschool my children. My kids are so Catholic. I am Just amazed. They remind us to pray at times, they say the rosary daily, on their own, not being asked to. I am just in awe of God and what he has done. We are by no means perfect. I can name many of our faults, but I ca. say the family that prays together stays together. With that said, I believe it usually would be much easier to be married to another Catholic. God just took us Down a different road.
That's beautiful I am so happy for you! My mom and dad got married but he is not catholic, but I still pary for him. Recently I was thinking that it was hopeless to pray, however, I see now after reading everyone's comments that it is foolish of me to think so little of what God can do! God bless you and your family!
Brought tears to my eyes reading this!!!! Thanks be to God!!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 God bless you and your family!!!!
Christian non-Catholic here ✌🏽married to a Catholic. We both respect each other’s beliefs and make it a priority to attend church and mass together on Sundays. We love to reflect on what we learned after attending church/mass. If anything we help each other become better people. Most importantly we keep God in the center of our marriage. I’m not saying our relationship is PERFECT, but religion isn’t an issue. Thank you Fr. Mike! I love your Bible in a Year podcast. Extremely grateful for you. So much love you! God bless you always!
I'm a protestant and I love this as a teaching tool. I think any faith couple could benefit from this wisdom applied to their beliefs. Thank you.
I was always a devout Catholic but when I met my husband, I was exploring other spiritual ideas. We got married by a nondenominational Christian minister. We’ve had many conflicts and challenges. Since then, I have returned to my Catholic roots. Our daughter is baptized and attends Catholic school but my husband isn’t interested in returning to Catholicism himself. Sometimes I wish I had found a truly Catholic spouse; other times I just resign myself that this is one of the crosses (of many) that I have to bear. Without him, I wouldn’t have my daughter. But, I do pray she finds a wonderful Catholic husband one day.
Does he make you happy though and do you feel like he's your best friend?
he will, in God's time.
Did you have your marriage convalidated when you returned to the Church?
For me, having a Catholic wife is a non negotiable. I pray God grants me a good woman with faith.
@@isiomaogbolu1963 Are you Turkish? I didn't know there were many Catholics in Turkey yet I see them all the time in RUclips comment sections. Also it's probably unwise to publish your email address on the internet lady.
Paolo, I prayed the rosary daily and also said a special prayer to St. Joseph for a good Catholic husband and God sent me a wonderful man and we’re happily married after 33 years. Ask our Blessed Mother for a good Catholic wife, and I’ll also pray for you.
♥️♥️♥️
This is kind of cheeky. 😁 I'm Catholic and Single. 😉
I agree for me my husband has to be Ahtiest or nothin at all.
I tried dating a woman who was of another faith. The dating went extremely well, she was everything I wanted. However when the situation of kids and marriage came up, there couldn't be more disagreement. There is so much strength in having a partner with the same faith as you when it comes to marriage and especially the kids. Personally i'm sticking to only Catholic women going forward, it was a really sad situation because the love was there however we both saw too many issues with the longevity of the relationship since we were both steadfast in our faiths
Shouldn't That Haven Been Enough To Show You The Deceit Of The Catholic Church.
God Gaves Us A Free Will For A Reason., He Will Never Violate That.
But The Catholic Church Takes That Away.
Me too but with men. xD
I agree. My maternal grandmother married my grandfather, an agnostic in the 1920s. Back then there was tremendous pressure on the non-Catholic spouse to convert. My grandfather did not, but he fulfilled his promise to raise my mom and my aunt in the Catholic faith.
Years after she was widowed, I asked my grandma why she never pushed him. She explained that she had seen many situations where the one who was coerced ended up dropping out because they resented the pressure.
Her approach was to wait and pray, and I am sure she was right. About six years before he died, my grandfather became a devout Catholic.
Remember the goal of marriage is to bring your spouse and children to Heaven with you. It will be easier if you marry someone who takes this responsibility seriously, whether they are already Catholic on your wedding day or not.
Julie Oelker well said. Thank you.
I like the idea that we can just respect our lovers belief system even without converting or feeling pressured to, I don't believe in god or any religion and neither does my partner but i support his spiritual journey and anything he chooses to research :) anything goes if you keep an open heart and mind
The part about your grandfather becoming a devout catholic 6 years prior to his death is extremely heartbreaking!! My stomach literally jumped when I read that. How sad.😢😢😢😢😢
I love your story and I will pray for my husband just like your grandmother.
@@cynthiaosby3356 it’s not heartbreaking. It’s a blessing.
I totally agree. I was baptised as a baby and didn't really discover the church until 2016, when I finally got my confirmation and first communion. I was already civilly married so my (Protestant) husband and I had our marriage convalidated. We then had our 4 year old baptised, and then my 11 year old daughter went through RCIA/C and had baptism/confirmation/communion/ confession Easter 2017. My husband will often go with me to church when he had Sunday off, but it's usually just me and my now 5 year old (who I had do preschool at the church and then had in Sunday school through the year). My daughter got 13 and has become difficult and defiant. I feel lonely when I go to church. I want my whole family there with me. But it's mostly just me and my little guy.
My 5 year old asked me one day "mommy, what, makes the flowers grow?" I told him the sun.... and he said "oh, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen".
Janellelle Pray... without ceasing.
Yes, pray daily and with fervor. God, bless you and your family.
@Janellelle Please pray the Rosary, God will hear you!!!
Pray the Rosary. God will help you.
Father...it's not a matter of maintaining a balance of mutual respect or simply for peace keeping...or interfering with one's liberty to avoid the Truth about our Lord's specific teachings on marriage. We are called to be our Father's handpicked soldiers, at the very least, to sternly encourage our brothers and sisters to live and love as our Saviour "Jesus Christ" commanded us to. Forgive me, please...your job is to bring His truth to us. And be very clear that marriage is a "Blessed Sacrament" in which Jesus Blesses the union in marriage. I'm not sure if it's permitted to offer any other of the Catholic Church's sacraments to non-Catholics . How is it that the Sacrament of Marriage is any less important? Are we giving in to the old boy's tricks and believing that it's ok to ignore our Lord's purpose and sacrifice? I'm terribly afraid. I'm worried father. I really don't want to believe that Jesus came here to spare and protect our feelings , as I understand it and believe it , Jesus came here to save our souls. I've learnt that our Lord will never go against His word, who are we to? I thought only Protestants tried to reinvent the wheel. Please say something I can understand, and something that would warrant a big huge apology cuz that's truly what I want to do I'd like to apologize if I'm out of line but mainly and also if I'm wrong.
My mom was a devout Catholic and my dad was raised a Methodist, they got married Catholic but my dad stayed a Methodist. My mom raised my big brother a catholic. They went to church without my dad. But after my sister/2nd child was born (I was third), my dad converted to Catholic. My parents became very active in church and also became church leaders.
Very well said and I completely agree. I told myself I would only date/marry a practicing Catholic and boy did I stray from that and give excuses. If I had a redo I still think it’s best. However…God is so good. And after 7 years of praying and even almost separating, my husband had had a huge conversion and will be officially Catholic this Easter. Pray, pray, pray.
Amen! God has intervened in your situation
I grew up with a Catholic mum and an Atheist dad, and I love them both. They have a wonderful marriage, they are very supportive of one another. My dad was supportive of my mums faith and he encouraged me to follow my faith. My dad doesn’t understand our faith but he is supportive and loving, and that to me is more important than anything else.
That is beautiful !
An Athiest cannot love a Catholic.
Thank you Father Mike. I love the way you explain things. I found your video looking up differences between protestant and catholic. My dad was protestant. Mom catholic. They taught us faith at home but never encouraged us to go to mass. However I was baptised catholic. I did attend Sunday mass as a teen with friends. I got away from the church as I got older. I recently decided to get closer to God again and am doing research out of curiosity to reconnect with my faith.
My heart sank when you told the stories of the the two couples who would marry a Catholic if they had to do it over again. I have been feeling this way after 15 years of marriage. I love my husband and he is helping me raise our children Catholic, for which I am very grateful. But there is an emptiness there, because I want to grow more in faith together. I know I can grow and pray for him, but would much rather have married a practicing Catholic. It's just something we don't share that is very important to me.
I do hear you. I married a non catholic. He decided to become a Catholic and so he did. We raised our children on the church and he never ever questioned a day to mass. But, after our girls went to college and got on with their lives he just doesn’t do anything church related. I have always been a devout Catholic, The Church runs through my veins, the sacraments, the prayers, Mary, etc. It is a very lonely road and I have accepted it. My advise, think very seriously about meeting a non Catholic if it is that important to you or fully accept that you will be on your own. It os also hard to explain the ways we Catholics vision life.
@@piafassold9444 I had to leave my atheist/agnostic bf, dated over 2 years, feeling sad that I had to end things because of this reason.. We knew faith is important to me, but he wasn't in board of this but still support to go to mass with me but thats about it. Questioning myself how Im able to introduce Jesus to our future kids if it just me doing this, he doesn't pray either not even for me if I need help or if I'm sick, so yeah I cant reach him out for help.. he thinks all of this isn't good for anybody anyway, -- I had a feeling in the long term, I would feel lonely spiritually if I do stay and married.. I'm pretty heart broken but probably for the best in the future..
This is so helpful and timely.
I want someone that wouldn't just be Okay with me living out my catholic Faith, but someone that'll help me live out my Catholic faith
I want my future children to grow up 100% Catholic and for that I will need a loving and supporting Catholic husband. So will stick to marrying a Catholic man. 👌 Thanks a lot Fr Mike, you help us understand our Christian calling! Love from Dubai
B Rozario 100% Catholic marries a Catholic that is the ideal.
Totally agree
My sister's husband and my brother's wife both became catholic prior to their weddings. Dating a non Catholic therefore isn't always wrong. Knowing how strong they are in their faith and how open they might be to becoming Catholic would be a good early discussion before making a commitment of marraige.
B Rozario - my sister in law is Christian. At the time she married my brother, he was church going. You never know what trials & tribulations will occur in life. If you set it up as a non negotiable, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Let your children do what they want. Don't try and brainwash them
This hit home for me, going through RCIA classes now, my wife is protestant (and said that she would never convert) she does support me though, I love her, respect her opinions, continue to pray for her as well to grow in Christ as she does me
Steve S keep her in your intentions when you say the rosary every day! Miracles happen, because the rosary is our sword!
Steve S you may want to ask her to go the the RCIA classes with you. I recently came back to my Catholic faith after leaving it for 33 years. I started a protestant Church when I started dating my wife 33 years ago now after 26 years of marriage I felt lead to come back home to my Catholic roots and complete my confirmation. She said to me “that may put a wedge in between us” so I asked her to join me in the classes and by the end of the RCIA classes she converted to Catholicism, Alleluia!!! Ask her to join you in your RCIA classes, you never know. God bless you.
She won't go she's too comfortable with her church
Steve S I can relate to your struggle. Lay it all on the alter. Our God knows all our needs and he is faithful. He will answer. Take this as a learning curve. Humble yourself and continue to love your partner. Be blessed.
Check out Scott Hahn, and see if there is any wisdom he can offer you. He went through the same thing with his wife and it took a toll on their marriage. I don't want to spoil his story, so check it out and I will send you my prayers.
My father is Roman Catholic and my mother is LCMS Lutheran -- they are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and I have learned so, so much from them. I have been exposed to two different perspectives on Christianity, and am so thankful for it. I have also seen the reality and struggles that they have faced because of their differing beliefs, and have seen them both be challenged and grow in their faith due to not seeing eye to eye on every facet of their beliefs. Overall, though, I've seen them overcome their differences and support one another through thick and thin, and they have always, always put God first. Both are so passionate in their faith. I am so blessed to have such wonderful role models as parents.
@@emilynicole121170 No u. It's called Luthers canon. "Luther made an attempt to remove the books of Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation from the canon (notably, he perceived them to go against certain Protestant doctrines such as sola gratia and sola fide) but his followers did not generally accept Luther's personal judgment in this matter."
The protestant heresy makes me laugh. "our doctrine is Bible alone. Except these books we are removing those"
New Noise I was joking because you said Martin Luther King Jr when it was Martin Luther. Two different people. One (MLKJ)was a civil rights activist and minister. The other (ML) was a German professor and important figure in the Protestant Reformation. Other than that, I 100% agree with everything you said! :)
Bridget Ulrich how was that for you spiritually/emotionally/mentally? Did you attend Sunday school? Which did you choose/how do you practice your faith?
New Noise you’re not rude
You’re stupid!!!!
@@emilynicole121170 true, it's rude towards our protestant friends, however different they are
I contacted my priest yesterday. He replied to me at 9 this morning and told me he’s really happy I’m interested in the Catholic faith and would like me to call him after Easter vigil to set up a meeting. I’m really looking forward to this meeting with great anticipation. This is the best decision I ever made
Great job!! God bless you
I think you made a really important point that people tend to ignore: marrying a non-Catholic isn't bad or a sin, it's simply harder to be Catholic, and it's harder to be married. And usually people want tips to making making marriage easier. Thank you for the eye-opening video Father.
The 4 deal breakers mentioned:
1-faith
2-family
3-finance
4-intimacy
Politics too
@@Chiefab22 possibly, but i think it's more about morals, which is connected to politics
Thanks 😊
@@Chiefab22 yes don't forget that!
Faith and family was one of the reasons my “ex” and I broke up. He didn’t like me praying when he was around. And he didn’t want our future children to not be catholic.
I do know several couples with wonderful marriages where one is Catholic and the other is not. Despite that, I agree with you about it not being wise and I think most of the couples I'm referring to above would agree. When I was 33 and still waiting on God's timing to meet my husband, I had several people question my sanity when I decided to no longer date anyone who wasn't Catholic. In their minds, I was limiting my options at a time I couldn't really afford to. In my mind I was choosing to focus my efforts where they would do more good and I couldn't really afford not to. I met my husband a couple months before my 34th birthday and we have been blessed with two miracle children via NaPro. I'm so glad I chose to prioritize marrying a Catholic. I can't imagine going through infertility and then parenting in today's world, with someone who wasn't Catholic.
I am Catholic. I married the “I’m okay with you going to church” person. I remember recently telling my pastor the same thing the two couples told you. Hindsight is 20/20. I wished I had married a Catholic. Our son left the church at 18 and it has been a sore spot in our marriage as my spouse doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I do. I believe every point you made is true. Although we don’t know what the future holds, I wish every couple who is considering marrying someone who is not Catholic has a priest who holds the same views as you and has them watch this video. It is spot on!
I recently lost a great friend and partner due to our religious beliefs. We were both cradle Catholics but through most of our relationship, we rarely practiced together. However, in the last two years we both found God. I found Him in the Eucharist and she found Him through other Protestant means. We parted ways because of those differences and whenever I wanted to share the fullness of the faith, she would mention that I was just trying to deceive her. Fast forward a year later after our break-up, I found another girl with a great heart too but she's an atheist. Totally different level playing field and totally different challenge. However, she's been to Mass with me more times than my ex and she's ok with raising kids and a family the Catholic way. I don't know why God crossed our paths together. Please pray for us, that God will is done.
I find it bizzare that people raised as Catholics believe lies Protestants tell. Understand if you never met a Catholic...but to ignore Mom for a stranger's take on your family religion. Strange.
Bizarre!
@John Doe I'm no saint and I definitely have lied. But I don't understand your point...
Dear Luis, I am very glad to see that you are fed and strengthened through the Eucharist. That means the heavens and the Church here on earth are all praying for you. I understand your concerns. Atheism comes in all forms; agnosticism is usually much easier to work with. Either ways a person who is kind, respects others feelings and beliefs, and has an open personality can be worked through. An atheist who is open to the possibility that there are things that transcend us (eg. purpose of our life) will eventually see, may not be in entirety, that's what we do is reasonable. In the mean time, be virtuous and charitable - it's through your actions that Christ becomes manifest in the world around you. When in doubt, do remember you are not alone - you have the entire communion of Saints guarding and guiding you. May God who made you, give you comfort and make you whole.
@@TheTijuT thank you!
I've been seeking for an answer, praying about this for months, and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank You Fr. Mike, God spoke to me through you.. The world is blessed for having you in it..A Thumbs Up from me :)
Step #1 : find a passionate Catholic partner
Step #2 : Marry your partner
Step #3 : serve God together for the rest of your lives
Step one find a true catholic who doesn’t attend a novus ordo sect temple but a fully traditional Roman Catholic Church
How BEAUTIFUL
Help me then
That’s not the point of the video... you’re watching the wrong one.
@@Lulue_90 the hands that served
the wine and the bread
and the sons of the earth
Thank you, Fr. Mike Schmitz, for talking about this topic. This is all so true and important in life too! Am a Roman Catholic since birth. Been married 45 years. Our children were raised Roman Catholic too. Please pray for my husband, Tom. He just said last night "i'm not sure what i'd classify myself as Angie?" He was born and raised a Methodist, but "no longer wanted to go to church after he turned about 15 years old",he said. He so questions a lot! Prayers for him and our adult children are said with fervor everyday. He was born on July 3rd, which i just learned about a year ago, that is St. Thomas the Apostle's feast day. Prayers for all. Thanks again. 🙏🙏
I'm a Baptist and my husband is Catholic and we have struggled for years with our marriage due to faith and beliefs. I'm glad you advise young couples to have those conversations upfront because it can be very difficult through the years in marriage.
Pray to God and talk to your guardian angels.
@@tonyale749
Two separate religions and beliefs don’t belong in a marriage
Someone needs to convert and since the Catholic religion is a mother goddess worshiping pagan cult convert to the other
religion
@@walterromanoff2953 i have been and still praying. St Monica is my role model.
@@walterromanoff2953 🙈 Wow. Nice words. God bless you though.
@@tonyale749
Gods son Jesus died on a cross for your sins. Are you saved and born again?
Jesus said you must be born again to enter heaven a spiritual transformation
Father Mike,
Excellent video!
1.) Everything explained very well.
2.) Examples you gave were very helpful
3.) Good information on a topic that a lot of people today deal with. Needed by many.
Continuing to pray for you, your work there, your vocation, your staff and the students you serve as well as all Priests and all with Religious vocations who serve in the Church. God Bless.
That was perfectly communicated Father. Thank you. I'm a devout catholic who married a non-catholic and it is a struggle. I have the sole responsibility of being the family spiritual leader for us and our 3 kids. I love my wife very much and It is so worth it but very difficult at times . My wife is very supportive and even goes to church with us most of the time but it would be better for our family if we could share this together. I thank God we have a great priest and a great Catholic school that has made a great impression on my wife, who I hope will essentially share this faith and journey with me and our children. But to anybody thinking about marrying a non-catholic listen to exactly what father mike says in this video and communicate very specifically about your faith and what you want for your future.
Oh ffs trying the dictate her opinion i say fair play
But if she supports you and goes to church together as a family, doesnt that mean u guys already are sharing the experience together? Many Catholics are not extremly religious and never go to church. So why do you seperate it into a different thing if she actively participates?
I am a Catholic and married to a non-Catholic. My husband is very supportive and going to mass. We have 2 teenagers but I have to agree that it is not easy. I have to lead all the faith journey and sometimes my kids complain that my husband fall asleep during mass. As Fr, Mike said, I don;t feel that my husband help me to grow my faith and I have to plant the seeds for my kids by myself. and when you get questions from your kids about Catholism, it will be nice if we both can work together instead I do it by myself. It is very nice to have a partner. I don't regret our marriage and I know this is I meant to be. Just follow God's plan and I hope one day, my husband has the free will to get baptized.
@@Cutiejuliya it's more than just going to church.
My 65 yr old husband asked me recently if I was nudging him to become Catholic. I answered,
“ No, it doesn’t work that way. You will come, when Jesus calls you.” He smiled an unbelieving smile. I said with excitement, “I admit it, I pray for it daily” . He chuckled and said, “I bet you do”. I smiled: “There’s no harm in asking Father a couple of questions.” Hubby raised his brow, you could have knocked me over when I heard, I suppose not!
Any updates?
There are several points that i didn't think about. I'm the only Catholic in a Protestant family. We rarely see eye to eye on key issues. Why would I want my marriage to be the same.
Couldn’t agree more right now I’m in the same boat.
Me too. I 100% agree
Because children of mixed marriages have a higher likelihood of leaving Christianity altogether is at least one thing to consider. Disagreeing with your parents or siblings is one thing but you and your Spouse need to be of one mind on serious lifestyle decisions such as these.
Marie Ji I’m a convert as well. I will not get into an interfaith relationship.
What key issues do you disagree on? Protestant churches believe Jesus is the Son of God, Divine/human nature, virgin birth, only way of salvation, death/resurrection, Bible as Word of God, Triune God, the spiritual gifts .... the basic theological tenants. Are you arguing over non-essentials/style??? Sometimes non-Catholic families misinterpret under the old feelings of “us and them”. We are one body, one faith, one baptism.
I’m a Catholic and my husband of 32 years is not Catholic. He made sure that our sons were at SAY (St. Ann Youth) every Wednesday for their faith formation. I could not ask for a more dedicated husband and father. I am blessed.
Thank u for this video Father Mike. I’m Catholic and my husband is Hindu and it’s hard to live like that but still have faith in Gods will to convert him soon. We have been together for 12 years and wish we could be together in this wonderful path with our Heavenly Father and Mother so please have us in ur prayers Father Mike and thank u so much for all the wonderful videos u make for us.🙏
Nothing wrong with Hinduism. Hinduism will teach you to be God-loving without having to convert each other. In Hinduism, every family member will have his/her own God beliefs. And no one criticizes or tries to convert each other. All the best sister. MAY GOOD GOD love us all. May God shower HIs blessings on all of us
@@nainajdn I’m sorry but this is not catholic teaching
I am 49 and my husband is 64. First marriage for him and 2nd marriage for me. We have been married 5 months. He is a non Catholic. He has the kindest, most gentle spirit. He comes to church with me twice a month. While, I hear what Fr. Mike has to say about him not encouraging my growth as a Catholic, I would say that being around someone as kind and gentle as my husband does help my spiritual growth.
Believe it or not, my mom and her three brothers all converted to the Catholic church for their spouses. They none of them were even baptized at birth, and they joined the fullness of the faith.
Just Call Me Oscar My uncle marry a non-denominational woman, and know most of the family of my aunt is converting. Btw they have kids, and are baptized. No Communion (ages are 3 and 1).
Always marry within faith and preferably within denominationon. Not because you need your potential spouse to adhere to your standards, but because a relationship without shared values is primed to collapse. And religion is the best marker for one's values.
I was an unbaptised Christian when my Catholic wife and I were married in a Catholic Church. The parish priest had us seek permission in person with the diocese Archbishop. He granted permission because I agreed to become a baptised Catholic after we finished working abroad. April 1st 2018, Easter Sunday, I was baptised.
Sadly you ain’t Roman Catholic, you have joined a Protestant sect that pretends to be Catholic. There is lots of signs that your sect was created in the 1960s and doesn’t contain the four marks of the church nor valid succession of orders
We were both working in the middle east and had no time for RCIA. I completed that and was baptised after our contracts. I thought SSPX was traditional roman catholic? Or are you you a modernist?
Judging by her hounding of Catholics in the comments I'm fairly certain that +Miss Judacia is sedevacantist. But I'd love for her to confirm that because I'd love to debate her on the basis of her error. But do not worry David you are truly Catholic as long as you were baptised by a Catholic and under the licit form of the Catholic baptism. She is the one in error. SSPX is validly Catholic. Source: www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/sspx_fssp.htm. Congratulations on your baptism by the way!!
The sacraments are valid. The SSPX, however, is a mess that any devout Catholic should really stay away from. The 4 Bishops _do not_ report to Rome as far as I know. It's all inside baseball and technically speaking the SSPX (the FSSP are fine) are Protestants because they do not report to Rome. (There will be a song and dance about acknowledge Rome's authority but no Bishop actually is part of any registry, etc with Rome.)
The SSPX is actually in a schism. It's really a huge mess. Your Baptism is valid because their sacraments are valid right now due to apologetic succession, but it's unlikely it's actually on record with the Roman Catholic church, as no parish that is SSPX reports to the Roman authorities as a far as I knew. You might want to go to a non-SSPX parish to sort out the mess, if it exists.
My wife and I were married in the Catholic Church 40 years ago. We were both raised in Catholic families. Unfortunately, 20 years after being married, she was born again in a Protestant church. Our two children also left the Catholic Church at that time. It’s been tough for me not being “united” with my wife in the Catholic faith that means the world to me. It’s been tough not having a “soulmate”. I’m married but feel really alone.
you're never alone, God is always with you! the best way to combat the loneliness, in my experience, is to 1) go to spiritual direction and 2) get involved in more church activities (ie daily Mass, adoration, volunteering, men's groups, knights, etc). never forget that Jesus loves you and still loves your wife and kids. keep praying for them to come back to Catholicism. God bless you.
Thank you for this video Fr. Mike! I actually did a mini-presentation for my pastoral counseling class on inter-faith marriage and gave very similar notes to the seminarians on what to keep in mind when counseling an inter-religious couple. I myself have dated a young Jewish man and we talked about out goals in life on our first date which led to the topic of marriage and children since it is important to both of us. He was very accepting on me wanting to raise my children in the Catholic Church especially since I am getting my masters in pastoral ministry and want to work in faith formation/ evangelization. He even said that he would attend mass with me if we were to become more serious as a couple. I do believe inter-faith marriages can yield wonderful fruit, but it also takes prudence, wisdom, confidence, faith, and discernment.
Thank you Father. My misses isn’t a member of the Catholic Church, but we were married in the church and our son was baptized in the Roman church. Your words are so comforting. Thank you.
I'm dating an atheist right now. Things are getting serious between us. I'm very fearful of our future. I was an atheist for a few years. Deep down I know I will never find someone else like her. I think I love her. What do I need to do?
It gets depressing when you realize you're the only Christian in the family. Take his advice
I cant do it. Being with a non Catholic is like a big albatross on my neck. Never works. I'm still single.
@Ian Hernandez how old are you?
You should pray for your family.
Not for me.
Ian Hernandez I’m assuming cuz you said @not around my age” so they’re curious why you said that lol
I’m going on my 23rd year of marriage with my non catholic husband. Don’t get me wrong, I love him, but if I was to redo, I would definitely marry a Catholic. So I agree, but you can’t just marry a Catholic, be sure to marry a practicing/devoted Catholic. If you marry a Catholic who isn’t practicing their faith, you might as well have married a non Catholic.
Thank you for your sharing Mama.
LOL, I love this guy. He was funny at the end. I consider myself part of the evangelical denomination but since I have a one year old and there's only Catholic Churches my area, I'm seriously considering returning to Catholism. These videos are helping me.
Miss Kimberly Joy Hi 😊 I was a cold catholic but now I am trying to be a devoted one. Try to watch this and other catholic channels (mine are in spanish) so you can understand catholicism. If we dont know something, we cant love it. Hugs to you and your baby.
If you’re still discerning, Breaking the Habit here is also awesome!
Read the New Testament through. You can do it in two weeks or less. Beats videos.
Thank you everyone. I am actually pregnant with our 2nd child 🥰 but because of Covid and just busy life with a toddler, I never joined a church. Hopefully after I give birth and the pandemic is controlled, I will join a church.
Dr Brant Pitre videos must watch
My dad is catholic and my mom is protestant. He married her hoping she would one day convert. 23 years later I think its a big point of contention in their marriage. My brother and I were raised catholic but my brother has never really believed in the faith. Hes still in those rebelious adolescent years though. A lot of really solid points in this video and I completely agree that I want somebody who is on FIRE with their faith and dedicated to getting us both into heaven, raising strong catholic children.
Hey Fr. Mike!! I have a couple of questions that maybe you can discuss in future videos:
1. Masturbating and the millennial (feminist) reform.
2. The supernatural (I’m trying to say unbelievable but I don’t mean that I don’t believe) stories of the Old Testament and refuting atheist response to these extraordinary stories (we’ve all descended from Adam and Eve etc)
3. Preachers/teachers who are put on a pedestal after performing miracles. Or. Discerning a prophecy that someone has given your life.
4. How to pray? Hear the voice of God?
5. How to be okay with the fact that there are some answers that we don’t have and that’s okay?
6. Tithing and the corrupted church (no offense)
7. Something to hold on to when the world says that humans can convince ourselves of anything even the idea of God.
Yeah... haha! There are so many more but I’m doing my own research simultaneously so it will be nice to hear your opinion aswell. ❤️❤️
Much love and God bless!
Natasha Pereira No, to masterbation and feminism. Yes, to Confession and Mass. This IS how you will hear the Voice of God. Pray the Rosary daily to our Lady. Let God worry about deceitful priests or ministers. Tithe 10% no matter what, you are responsible for the giving. The more God has shown me, the less I know. We will always, here on Earth, have unanswered questions, trust God, trust the Magisterium pre Vatican 2, trust the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. Talk to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, daily. Blessings
NO to feminism? PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY? Do you vote? do you pray/wish for equality?
Masterbating is natural and how can you show your partner how to pleasure you if you don't know yourself? DO IT and love it :) x
These are awesome topics!!
Guys, easy on the trite answers. Of course Natasha would have a good idea on the direction the Church would give on each topic, but wouldn't you want to see videos giving food for thought?
@@jemmanicole6175 it not about pleasure but procreation
I’m 70 and my hubby is 73. We married 40 years ago. He is a Missouri Synod Lutheran and I am a cradle Catholic, who loves my faith dearly. I sing in our church choir, volunteer with the finance committee, attend Bible studies, and have been an EOM many years to the nursing home before CoVid hit. I love being a Catholic! Our marriage has lasted despite the religion differences…and we actually met on a blind date! We believe it’s because we have a great sense of humor. God must’ve wanted us to be together!!!!!! I struggled to raise both children as Catholics as there was constant interference by his parents, who lived nearby. I finally went to Fr Mike Hayes, my pastor at the time, and cried for hours telling him about the struggle. (Yes, I live in MN…God’s Country.) He had me read what I had signed regarding bringing up the children in the Faith. He assured me that I was doing so. What changed was that my son wanted to be Lutheran during his preteen years, and with Confirmation on the horizon, I decided that I wouldn’t fight it. Fr Hayes assured me it was ok. I still cried. So, all these years later, my son and his family are Lutheran and they regularly attend church services. He is a CHRISTIAN, and to me that is what is important. Though I still wish he were Catholic. He is also following his Dad’s footsteps. So be it. My daughter and her husband do not attend any church. They live in AK, and when I am there she always brings me to Mass. But,she doesn’t attend Mass otherwise. I pray fervently all he time that she return to the Catholic Church and bring her non-Catholic husband with her. This is the huge cross I bear. Would I marry a Catholic if I could do it all over again. Absolutely. Oh, by the way…my toddler granddaughter who is Lutheran grabs a rosary every time she is here at our home. She now has her own knotted-cord- style rosary here. You bet I pray it with her and will teach her the beautiful prayer!! Her Catholic great-gramma was one of the dear ladies I brought The Eucharist to before CoVid. She has since died, and I have one of her precious rosaries, given to me by my daughter-in-law. Oh, do I ever pray “with” great-gramma about my family! Isn’t it interesting how Our Dear Lord works?
As a devout Catholic, I think I’ll just stick to a devout Catholic partner should he ever come along in the future . It’ll make things so much easier!
The operative word is DEVOUT not a luke warm Catholic.
I agree with you Alina. I’d like to hear your perspective on this topic. Send me a dm.
Hope you both find each other soon
I am in the same boat as you, stay strong 💪
I'm not called to the vocation of marriage. However, if I was (God forbid it, though), then I would definitely marry another Catholic.
This is awesome. I was blessed with a beloved Catholic Man becoming my husband or 32.5 yrs, we had 6 children, two went to Heaven before birth and he went to be with them suddenly 4yrs ago, only three mos after our youngest graduated our homeschool. Knowing I was able to pray him back home, and understand we are praying for one another now has been such a blessing, and has helped our family and myself continue to move forward. The Gift of Catholic Faith shared as one thru the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony for me has been tremendous blessing. But I do know many who chose to marry a man notif the Faith,my only daughter on earth included, and these women are strong in Faith, and I have had a front row seat in observing these men transform into Holy men.
Wow this taught me a lot. I am a non catholic and my girlfriend is and devoted . And I do want to marry her but not ready to convert yet. But everything I’ve been saying and supporting her and your answers make everything align. Thanks for this video
I married my husband in 2012. He always came to church with us when he wasn't working and was adamant about having our children make the sacraments as we promised - this even brought me back to the church after a I lapsed. At Easter this year, I stood by his side while he made his sacraments and just bawled. Just listening to this video makes me cry tears of joy. We are home and here to stay!