Potential concern

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Jds85

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Greetings, I had a pentecostal upbringing and was baptized around 12 years old. I quit attending around the age of 17 and haven’t stepped foot in any place of worship in 18 years. Within that time, I’ve got married and have two children. My wife was raised baptist but was never baptized and our children haven’t been either. In recent months, I’ve had a pull towards Catholicism, the more I read, I see a deeper beauty, meaning and essence in Catholicism that I didn’t see in protestantism. I have discussed this with my wife and she supports my decision to attend RCIA, however as of now, she has no desire to do so. From what I understand our marriage would be considered non sacramental, which would hold me back from participating in the sacraments. Just looking for any advice, on how to deal with that. Thanks.
 
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Jds85 said:
From what I understand our marriage would be considered non sacramental, which would hold me back from participating in the sacraments.
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This is partially accurate. Since your wife isn’t baptized you would have a natural marriage.

A natural marriage in no way holds you back from becoming a Catholic or practicing the faith, receiving the sacraments, etc.
 
You might want to discuss that with a priest. It is my understanding that Catholics can marry a non-Catholic so long as they agree to raise the children Catholic and that it will be a Catholic household. I could be wrong though. In regards to your wife’s faith you cannot nor should you attempt to the control that. The best thing you can do is become a Catholic and enjoy the spiritual journey. Her seeing all the magnificent things that Catholicism has done for will likely be the best way for her to convert and know the faith. When your faith is the reason that you are the man she knows and loves it will encourage her to at least look into Catholicism. There is a reading list kindly provided by the Catholic Information Center in Washington D.C. that I’ll be more than happy to send to you if you want.
 
Augustine-More said:
It is my understanding that Catholics can marry a non-Catholic so long as they agree to raise the children Catholic and that it will be a Catholic household.
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The OP is not a Catholic. If he becomes a Catholic he does not get married again, he’s already validly married. He doesn’t make any promises and neither does his wife.

Although if they are still or childbearing years it’s something they should discuss— whether future children would be baptized and raised Catholic.
 
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