Catholic in a Lutheran family

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Michael16

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Well, I now have custody of my kids. I’m the only Catholic in a family of Lutherans. My kids are eight years old and they are used to the Lutheran church they spent their eight years in. When I told my family my intention to have my kids alternate weekends between their church and the Church, they were upset.

Their basic position is twofold: One; what’s wrong with Lutheran and second; I would be upsetting their routine and taking them away from what they are used to.

I see their second point, I was diplomatic about the first one; but I still want to raise them Catholic. Seeing that’s where I see my duty as their father lies; but I don’t want to cause a rift between me and my family. It doesn’t help that I currently live with them under my father’s roof.

I’m a little conflicted and I’m hoping y’all can help me.

Any advice?
 
I understand the duty to raise kids Catholic, and it seems like alternating services might be a good way to start. Also, you would I presume explain to your kids why you are doing this.

I would hope your family would understand these are your children and you as the dad have the main say in raising them. At the same time, since their mother just died, you don’t want to change too many more things at once. Maybe start with once a month Mass and ease them into it, then work up to twice, etc?
 
Thanks, Tis. That sounds good. They’re open to me easing them into going to Mass with me; they even suggested taking them when their Sunday school classes are taking a break for Christmas.

But this problem remains: They don’t want them to become Catholic. 😞
 
It’s a tough situation. Have you considered eventually moving out? I know you are planning to get married, so maybe that would be time for you to establish a family home of your own where there won’t be constant friction.
 
I’ll be moving out eventually… with my sister and niece. They agree with my parents’ position.
 
As their father it is your duty to raise them as you see fit.

A transition period is probably good, but eventually they should be at your parish full time.

God bless you and your children.
 
Thank you, mrsdizzyd. I want to take that position; but I still want to honor my father and mother by not taking too hard of a “ they’re my kids, so back off “ position.
 
Michael16 said:
Thank you, mrsdizzyd. I want to take that position; but I still want to honor my father and mother by not taking too hard of a “ they’re my kids, so back off “ position.
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Of course you know that honoring your parents cannot be placed above your duty to bring your kids up according to the faith. It’s difficult to be sure, but your responsibility is to God first and foremost.

I have no doubt you will figure out how to handle things as time progresses.
 
Thank you, again. So, I guess it’s a “ it’s my duty and God’s will be done and all else can fly “ sort of situation?
 
Were your children baptized Lutheran? Have they expressed a desire to become Catholic?
 
Michael16 said:
Thank you, again. So, I guess it’s a “ it’s my duty and God’s will be done and all else can fly “ sort of situation?
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Bearing in mind the virtue of prudence, yes. Your idea of a transition period is prudent under the circumstances.

I’m raising my kids in a situation where my husband is Baptist and I am Catholic. They will be raised Catholic. It’s a delicate balance. Pray for guidance and an increase in prudence. You will be able to strike the right balance.
 
Yes, Baptized Lutheran. That was the best I could do; given their mother believed that Catholics aren’t Christian.

No, they have not expressed a desire to be Catholic. Though my oldest likes to go to Mass.
 
Since they are above the age of reason, they’ll need to come to that desire. You can’t just make them be Catholic.
 
I know. I guess I can just expose them to the True Faith; while hoping and praying it takes root?
 
Michael16 said:
I know. I guess I can just expose them to the True Faith; while hoping and praying it takes root?
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That’s all any of us can do. Expose them to the faith. Give them the best foundation possible.

Remember Proverbs 22:6 “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”
 
I’d be very careful not to disparage Lutheranism in the process; I think it would be counterproductive.
 
Thank you again, mrsdizzyd and JulianN. I’ll remember Proverbs 22:6. As for disparaging Lutheranism; I don’t. I know that: 1) It’s an insult to my family’s faith and 2) It’s a sure way for my kids to go Lutheran when they get older.
 
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