The Impact of Interfaith Marriage on Catholic Families, by J.C. Miller

Approximately a quarter of Catholics are married to non-Catholics, even among those married in a Catholic parish. As detailed below, interfaith marriages are more likely to have marital problems and produce children who are less religious. Like anything that involves marriage, this can be a very sensitive topic. Those married to a non-Catholic may view even a discussion of this topic or the data as an assault on them or a criticism of their marriage.

Parents whose children married outside the Faith may see this as a criticism of how they raised their children. Others may push back on the evidence because they know a great and holy woman who is raising her kids Catholic despite her husband’s non-Catholic religious affiliation or lack of faith. They might point to the example of St. Monica and express hope for the conversion of not only the child but the spouse too. Regardless of our personal situation or personal feelings, the data, surveys, and research indicate that marriages to non-Catholics are not good for the faith of the Catholics or their children. St. Monica is so remarkable because that outcome is hard and it took such great faith and perseverance. …

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>>