Well, that’s gotta be taken care of, huh?
Truth is, the only thing that matters here is what the children end up as–and this is a very simple equation which you can see at work in the dozens of mixed marriages throughout this country.
The way the equation works is like this: whichever parent’s culture/religion erects dominating religious images in the child’s nascent mental-emotional landscape will determine which the child grows to identify with.
Don’t believe me?–look at the interminable line of celebrities who have had mixed secular Jewish-Christian parentage. Secular Judaism in America doesn’t boast an especially strong gravitational field, in religious terms–most Jews who describe themselves thusly would feel out of place even at Temple. But yet, the experience of being ‘labeled Jewish,’ going on a Birthright trip, and experiencing a traditional meal commands much more psychological impact than simply ‘going through the motions’ to enter the Church (i.e., Baptism, &c.–give or take a step). Naturally, most end up around their 20s and 30s describing themselves as Jewish.
So, what I am saying, is that the biggest concern–the Catholic belief of your children–has hopeful probabilities, even with one of those 50-50 upbringings. The Baptist way of life is disintegrating, even in the American heartland, and Catholicism–if anything–is on the wax.
These are dark days for mainstream Protestants, and as long as we can still keep our Cathedrals, our Magisterium, and our priests, the Catholic world will remain at the heart of Christ’s Church.
Just stand firm, and remember not to make concessions… but still be gentle. Things will work themselves out, by hook or by crook.
It’s possible that he could attend a Saturday Vigil Mass and then go to the Baptist church on Sunday morning when it’s “her” turn, but alternating Sundays would not work for a faithful Catholic. :tsktsk:
Peace