Remarried Catholics raising children in the faith?

[TheAdvocate]

The CCC states in ¶1665:

1665 The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion. **They will lead Christian lives especially by educating their children in the faith.
**

So here we have a couple living in sin, and yet they are somehow to educate their children in the faith? Is teaching by example the most powerful way?

 

[agnes_therese]

The CCC states in ¶1665:

1665 The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion. **They will lead Christian lives especially by educating their children in the faith.
**

So here we have a couple living in sin, and yet they are somehow to educate their children in the faith? Is teaching by example the most powerful way?

Of course, teaching by example is the most powerful way. But do you want them to leave the Church entirely? Raise their children as Protestants?

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

And perhaps the divorced party is actively seeking an annulment. It wouldn’t make any sense to defer the religious education of a child until a decree of nullity was finalized.

 

[fastenatingguy]

A bit of a hijack–My best friend has been divorced from his wife for about three years. He now has a child with another woman (Catholic, single) whom he lives with and loves. They are postponing marriage until his annulment (although he hasn’t filed yet, thinking it unlikely) and/or until there is more information from the synod next year. In the meantime they are hoping for baby #2. But they are not attending mass and the baby hasn’t been baptized yet.

Is there a ministry for people in circumstances such as this? These are cradle Catholics who have lost their way. It is unfortunate that they have chosen this path, but now that they have, what can be done? They are considering an Episcopal Church as their “alternative.”

 

[TimothyH]

The CCC states in ¶1665:

1665 The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion. **They will lead Christian lives especially by educating their children in the faith.
**

So here we have a couple living in sin, and yet they are somehow to educate their children in the faith? Is teaching by example the most powerful way?

We are asking them to do the best they can given what they have done. Everyone makes mistakes in life. There are murderers who have repented and are raising their children to be Christians.

Please be realistic. What are they supposed to do - get another divorce and deprive the children of a two parent home?

-Tim-

 

[ProVobis]

The CCC states in ¶1665:

1665 The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion. **They will lead Christian lives especially by educating their children in the faith.
**

So here we have a couple living in sin, and yet they are somehow to educate their children in the faith? Is teaching by example the most powerful way?

Yes, by continuing to go to Mass, praying, etc. and by refraining going to communion. Teaching by example is the ideal, but very few of us are raised in an environment where tempers aren’t lost, wrong choices are made, etc, etc. Parents, whether single or married or remarried, are still responsible for their kids’ spiritual and physical welfare. I’m sure a few saints have come out of imperfect homes.

 

[Catholic1954]

The CCC states in ¶1665:

1665 The remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ. They are not separated from the Church, but they cannot receive Eucharistic communion. **They will lead Christian lives especially by educating their children in the faith.
**

So here we have a couple living in sin, and yet they are somehow to educate their children in the faith? Is teaching by example the most powerful way?

Teaching by example may be the most powerful way, but it’s not the only way. Would it be better for these parents NOT to raise their children Catholic?

 

[TheAdvocate]

Teaching by example may be the most powerful way, but it’s not the only way. Would it be better for these parents NOT to raise their children Catholic?

Yes, but by living in sin in a sustained, perpetual way? It’s one thing to lose your tempter, or cave in and cheat on your taxes, but living in sin day in and day out, and have your children watch you not receive communion ever?

 

[ProVobis]

Yes, but by living in sin in a sustained, perpetual way? It’s one thing to lose your tempter, or cave in and cheat on your taxes, but living in sin day in and day out, and have your children watch you not receive communion ever?

You do have a valid point but divorcing may not be the most viable alternative.