Non-Christian Wife; Sacraments for Daughter

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unknownarts

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Hi. My wife is a “jack” Mormon. For many years, I was the Catholic equivalent (as well as being agnostic and atheist for some time). Our wedding was not in the Church (or hers, for that matter) and I suppose - presumptions aside - I’m not technically married under canon. We have a number of marital issues but I am trying to avoid divorce.

Real issue is this though: We have a three year old daughter. She’s in a Catholic school. I attend Mass with her there on Wednesdays. She goes to Mormon church on Sundays (I attend that service with my wife and child and then go to Mass alone). She likes “Daddy’s church” better and I am very hopeful that she will end up Catholic. She was baptized at 8 months. I’m looking forward to her experiencing all the sacraments. I pray Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be with her every night. Etc.

Is there any reason she cannot with the current family situation? A family friend with children at the same school said his daughter was not allowed to go through first communion with the rest of her class at the school due to the fact that the mother is not Catholic. My brief research says that this can’t be correct on its face but I am worried I’m missing something. And I worry that the odd circumstances regarding my wife’s faith might add more complications.

I know I should just go talk to the school and priest but, frankly, I don’t want to look silly if there’s something obvious here - and I don’t mind looking silly to anonymous strangers!

Thanks for any help.
 
From what you have said here, I see no reason why she couldn’t receive the Sacraments. But keep in mind, she should be attending Mass.

Now, at 3 she doesn’t need to, but as she gets older and reaches the age of reason (around 6-7), she would.
 
Thanks. She does attend Mass every Wednesday. She does not on most Sundays.
 
Catholics have an obligation to attend on Sundays.

But again, at 3, it isn’t a problem.
 
When she was baptized Catholic, she was bound to follow the laws of the Church. Once she reaches the age of reason, taking her to Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of obligation becomes important!

Sit down and speak with your priest, work on regularizing your marriage (it does not require your wife to Convert).
 
Thanks. I’m trying to figure out convlidation now. I’d never heard of it.

I suspect my wife will not be interested. Again, there are many many many issues (along with some very bright spots). I’m most interested in providing stability for our daughter.

I will try to influence my daughter to do Mass on Sunday as she grows. I appreciate the help.
 
unknownarts said:
I suspect my wife will not be interested. Again, there are many many many issues (along with some very bright spots). I’m most interested in providing stability for our daughter.
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I would certainly resolve the issues first. It may even be possible to broach a convalidation with your wife at that point as a recommitment after all you have been through.
 
unknownarts said:
She likes “Daddy’s church” better and I am very hopeful that she will end up Catholic. She was baptized at 8 months.
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If you had her baptized into the Catholic Church she already IS a Catholic, and you’ve bound her to the Catholic Church and its requirements for her entire life. There is no “choosing” later. She IS Catholic. And you are responsible for her faith formation and ensuring the receives the sacraments.

Was this not explained to you prior to her baptism?
unknownarts said:
A family friend with children at the same school said his daughter was not allowed to go through first communion with the rest of her class at the school due to the fact that the mother is not Catholic.
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What a family friend “says” means nothing. Get your information from your pastor, not the internet or friends. There must be more to the story than has been shared with you, or some misunderstanding. Children with non Catholic parents receive the sacraments all the time. The faith affiliation of their parent is irrelevant.
unknownarts said:
I know I should just go talk to the school and priest but, frankly, I don’t want to look silly if there’s something obvious here - and I don’t mind looking silly to anonymous strangers!
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You need to discuss that fact that you are not taking your daughter to Sunday mass. At her age right now, she has no obligation, but when she reaches first communion age, she will have an obligation. And, if you’ve set up 7 or 8 years of going to the Mormon church, you are going to confuse her greatly when she has to stop going to Mormon church and go to Sunday mass. Or worse, she keeps going to both and learning different things about God.

Definitely talk to your pastor about how to work through your marital and faith situation so that your daughter is brought up Catholic and not confused by mixing religions.
 
1ke said:
f you had her baptized into the Catholic Church she already IS a Catholic, and you’ve bound her to the Catholic Church and its requirements for her entire life. There is no “choosing” later. She IS Catholic.
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I’m not sure of the theological implications you may be referencing here. I’m saying that it is at least conceivable that my daughter might one day say “I am a Mormon” or “I am an atheist” or even “I am a Presbyterian” somewhere down the road. When I say “I’m hopeful she will end up Catholic” I mean I am hopeful that she will not do this - and I’m saying I’ll do my part. Maybe there’s no “choosing” later in some sense, but in the ordinary sense of course there is; she may choose to not attend Mass, she may choose not to get confirmed, etc.
 
My Step Daughter was baptised Anglican
Her Father (my fiancée) is an atheist
I was raised in an Anglican Church that followed the Catholic Mass and reading etc
We now attend a Roman Catholic Church
I am welcome to take the sacrament but need to be confirmed as a Catholic.
My Step Daughter is taking her first Holy Communion in May.
As long as she is active in the church there is no reason she shouldn’t take her first Holy Communion with her class, although taking her to Mass with you on a Sunday may be beneficial.
 
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