Married to a Baptist. Help!

[BShirley]

My husband and I are newlyweds and were married after the birth of our first son. We just gave birth to my second son and as of right now life couldn’t be better. We love each other deeply and he’s my other half.

However, we are getting ready (or rather I’m planning. =] ) for our church wedding in October. We got married quickly by his paster back in April of last year. And he’s not really comfortable with the possibility of him not receiving communion with me because he’s not Catholic. At first I was hoping we could just take that part out but now I feel like by him not wanting to do this is his lack of support that I’m a Catholic. He’s worried of what our families will think if half of the people there aren’t allowed to partake in communion. I’ve told him that it’s not about what they think but about us but he can’t seem to get around that idea.

Any ideas on what I can do or say to push us past this? Being married to a baptist is hard but it’s been worth every step so far and I don’t want this day to be the beginning of a tragic downfall, especially since we already have two sons.

 

[funion987]

I feel like Michelle Arnold on the Ask an Apologist forum would have a good response to this.

Anyways, why is he not comfortable with not being able to receive? What does he not want to do? Get married in the Catholic Church? I feel like if he has respect for you he will acknowledge your responsibilities as a Catholic, which includes marriage laws.

I guess it would be good to tell him the reasons why non-Catholics cannot receive communion, and how even Catholics have to make sure they’re in a state of grace before receiving, and how they can only receive twice a day.

Perhaps he is put off because he doesn’t see the profoundness of the sacrament, and what accepting it truly means. Certainly, if he is Baptist, he cannot accept the mystery of transubstantiation, and thus it makes no sense for him to receive what he does not believe in.

If he does accept transubstantiation, then he may as well join RCIA.

In my opinion, again, it is good (if you have not already) to outline the significance of Christ’s true flesh and blood. While these mysteries are beyond human comprehension, certainly what deepness can be understood goes way beyond silly things like societal norms of guests invited to any other temporal food sharing.

 

[jilly4ski]

Since he is not Catholic you should not have your Sacrament of Marriage witnessed during Mass. Therefore no communion will be given to anybody, including yourself, it will be readings and vows, but no Eucharist. It will be a very nice wedding, just not in the context of a Mass. Speak with your priest (in fact you should do this soon anyways as most parishes require 6 months of marriage prep before a marriage).

A few minor points. You are not married yet, or you wouldn’t need a “Church” wedding in October. (Well you are legally married, but not married in the eyes of the Church). As such you should fully inform yourself about when a Catholic can receive the Eucharist.

Congrats on the new baby!

 

[joanofarc2008]

I think it would be good not to have your wedding celebrated in the context of a Mass. Everything in your wedding should be about unity. However when you get to the point of the Eucharist which is the source and summit of all ecclesial life you will be at a point of disunity. This will be a very profound statement at your wedding. This is my opinion but if your husband is uncomfortable than his feelings should certainly be considered and honored.

 

[1ke]

Mixed marriages are typically held outside the Mass. It is the Rite of Marriage only.