She may think of herself as an atheist, but what she really is is a lapsed Catholic. She was baptized as a Catholic and can never NOT be a Catholic! You probably shouldn’t tell her that, though - it might lead to a nasty argument.
URGHHHHHH!!! I hate that the Church promotes such silly thoughts, acting like they are a street gang. “There’s no escape!” :dts:
She’s probably been an atheist for a LOT longer than you think. You don’t just become an atheist overnight, so I bet you she was just going through the motions for many, many years just to please you. And it probably broke her heart to have to tell you that she’s an atheist, but it also must have broken her heart that she had to have to live a lie in order to please her family!
But truly there is no escape, baptism leaves an indelible mark on ones soul as does priesthood. Once a Catholic always a Catholic and (side note) once a priest always a priest.
I struggle with this teaching immensely. I was baptized as an infant, and although I’m happy I’m Catholic now, I’ve been to the other side–and the resent is incredible. Maybe we should wait to baptize people until they’re old enough to make decisions for themselves?
Our Church is not a street gang. Baptism does leave a mark on your soul, so to speak. And that is why it is a serious undertaking for a couple to baptize their children. Those children now have more of a responsibility to learn and grow up Catholic, because they are so “marked,” and their parents must take that responsibility seriously.
And risk them dying without being baptized?
I was once a Catholic and now am not a believer. I accept entirely that Catholics think I am still a Catholic. This view is no more or less rational than the other views on ‘spiritual’ matters held by Catholics. While I do not believe in ‘an indelible mark on my soul’, since I do not think I have a soul, I am sure there is an indelible mark on my brain. I still react to things in part as if I were a Catholic. I am predisposed to support strong families (although I support some strong families which would upset Catholics). And I respect people as equals no matter what their state in life, and do not assume that material success has anything to do with goodness, or the positive impact a person may have. I also retain an interest in the history and current activities of the Church. I support some Catholic charities. I explain (accurately I think) Catholic belief to others who misstate it. My advice would be: your daughter is your daughter, and was your daughter, even in your own belief, before she was a Catholic. She will have many positive attributes, and do many things and have many ideas with which you agree. You will love many of the same people in your own family and among your friends. You may have a common interest in family history, which will (probably) shown many religious comings and goings. Neither of you know what the future will bring. You each need the support of the other. Do what you can, within the reality of your beliefs. Enjoy your each others’ company. Be a family.