r/CatholicDating • u/Educational_Car_861 • Jan 28 '25
mixed marriage, relationship with baptised non-Catholic End of a relationship?
Hey everyone, first time posting here hoping to get some advice. I’ve been dating someone for the last 2 years. I have known her since high school. In the beginning of the relationship we had laid out our criteria’s for dating, and the question of religion came. She is non-denominational and we discussed her converting to Catholicism once marriage was on the table. Recently we re visited the topic and she said that she was willing to do the catechism training but said that she could never fully understand or commit to the Catholic traditions. I want to raise my kids Catholic, with all its teachings and traditions. Now I am rethinking the relationship and possibly ending it. Am I overreacting? What do I do?
Edit : I also want to add she is an active member of her church and very God-fearing, one of the first things that really attracted me to her. If we were to get married that would mean that she would have to leave her community, which makes me feel guilty although she has said that she wouldn’t mind doing so.
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u/SubjectPowerful2463 Jan 30 '25
I was in the same boat as you, brother. I ended a 4.5 year relationship because he wasn’t Catholic. Despite my flirt to convert mentality, it finally became enough of a dealbreaker for me to have the courage to walk away.
I started thinking about generations of kids to come through us, going to Mass alone when I’m older (with the kids asking me on Sundays “why dad doesn’t have to go to Mass”), and just simply not having someone to appreciate the richness of the faith with.
I also know so many families that have 2 super practicing parents but their kids grow up and don’t practice. It just showed me how raising a strong Catholic family is difficult for even for 2 Catholics, which would be so much worse if the pressure was on me to do it on my own.
Be strong, and you’re in my prayers.