So your spouse isn’t Catholic. Or he was, but he doesn’t practice anymore. Do you ever scroll through Catholic social media feeling as though you’re never going to live up to the standard? You can never be as good a Catholic as the women whose spouses pray the Rosary with them, take Insta-perfect post-Mass photos with them, and facilitate their children’s spiritual formation?
I know how you feel, and I’ve felt that too. But God has spoken into these feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. He’s shown me that my faith is just that: my faith. Although there are particular challenges presented by this situation, it does not need to limit your faith.
When Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith
Here are a few things I’ve learned things in prayer and practice about living faithfully and fruitfully as a Catholic woman whose spouse does not share her Faith.
Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) gives us answers to questions about faith, morality, and doctrine. This includes the topic of “mixed marriage and disparity of cult” (i.e. a marriage between people of entirely different faiths/beliefs, or between different denominations).
To summarise, the CCC tells us that although there are undeniable challenges presented by this situation, such marriages are licit (subject to dispensation from the Bishop) and can be conducive to a rich faith life for the Catholic spouse. The Church wants to facilitate such marriages by giving a clear model for success. For example, the Catechism states that the Catholic spouse should be guided by “sincere married love, the humble and patient practice of the family virtues, and perseverance in prayer” (CCC 1637).
I strongly encourage you to look directly to the Catechism for wisdom and guidance on this topic (CCC 1633-1637).
Look to the Saints
Find a Saint, or a few, whose intercession you can seek. A favorite of mine is Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur. Her husband was an atheist until he found her writings after her death. He then converted and became a priest!
Others look to St. Monica, St. Augustine or St. Rita. But it doesn’t have to be a saint who was in a comparable situation to you. For example, I’ve been drawn to St. Joseph Moscati lately, who was a celibate doctor from a faithful family. Although his patronage might not make him an obvious choice, I’ve been getting to know him and I know he’s interceding for me. Simply find a Saint you “click” with, and ask them for help.
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Check the “Rules”
The Church absolutely welcomes those whose spouse may not be Catholic. However, check with a priest whether you are in good standing to receive the Eucharist. In particular, if your marriage has not been convalidated by the Church then you may not be able to receive Communion. (However, you may explore the option of radical sanation with your priest if your spouse is not open to having your marriage convalidated).
Practical Tips
Be open about discussing issues that may be problematic. Think kids, sexual ethics, and participation in the Sacraments. How are you going to find solutions that respect your Faith without your spouse feeling confused or rejected? Approach these conversations with patience, charity, and humility.
Stay away from social media if it makes you feel bad. While many Catholic social media accounts can be encouraging and inspiring, sometimes it can cause “Catholic marriage envy.” Envy can compromise mental and spiritual well-being, so be smart about whether the accounts you follow build you up, or make you feel bad.
Don’t miss out. It can be easy to feel out of place at Mass, Bible studies, or other church activities. You look around and see couples kneeling together, jointly wrangling their children, or sharing about the verses they prayed over during family prayer time last night. You feel pangs of jealousy and ask God, “Why can’t I have that?” Many of us have been there! Try to remember that God wants you—not you as part of a devout Catholic couple. Just you. He knows your challenging circumstances and is delighted that you are pursuing Him in spite of them. Ask Him to deliver you from envy, and to grant the grace of gratitude for your faith and your family. Above all, keep showing up. Go to Mass, to Bible studies, and whatever you can manage that will nourish your faith. Don’t let self-consciousness or envy keep you away.
Surrender control. Ultimately, it is in God’s hands whether and when your spouse will embrace Catholicism. Sometimes it can feel like there’s a magic formula. If we just find the right prayers, the right Saints, the right novenas…God will grant our desires. Of course, these things are good, and they are pleasing to God. But He works outside of space and time as we know it. The best thing we can do is submit gladly to His will in the knowledge that His ways are perfect.
Respect your spouse and his beliefs. Don’t view him as “lesser” because he doesn’t share your beliefs. Avoid the temptation to consider yourself smarter, or wiser, or better because of your faith. Remember that faith is a gift and a blessing from God, rather than a personal accolade.
You are Not Alone
This cross can feel very heavy, and some days leave us feeling weary, even hopeless. God knows your pain, as does Mary. Ask them to use it to draw you nearer to the Cross. But rejoice! God loves you, just as much as He loves those in “perfect” Catholic marriages. He loves your spouse, too. And He can’t wait to show you the meaning of your trials once you reach Heaven.
Living Faithfully and Fruitfully When Your Spouse Doesn't Share Your Faith #BISblog // Click To TweetGina is a SAHM living in Paris, France with her husband and young daughter. A convert to the faith, she feels blessed to live in a city full of rich Catholic treasure, where she can explore and grow in faith. You can find out more about her here.
My spouse was not Catholic and did not practice any religion for most of our 36 years of marriage. (I am now a widow.) I wish I had read your post or something like it years ago. Thank you for your insights. They are helpful to me even now.
Thank you for sharing. It’s good to know that I’m not alone.
Thank you so much. Feeling less lonely after reading your post. My husband actually was confirmed about 5 years into our marriage, but never really embraced the faith and has not gone to mass in years.
I want to thank you for this post. It brought me to tears. My husband and I have been married for two years. Recently I began having thoughts that I married the wrong person, and that there had been a more suitable Catholic man out there for me somewhere. This post helped me remember what I so strongly believed at the beginning of this marriage: that I was called to marry a non-Catholic in order to bring the Catholic faith to him in hopes that he would one day embrace it and become Catholic. I had gotten away from praying a daily Rosary for his conversion, but this post has given me the courage to begin this devotion again. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
In the same boat; was just flat out told by Mother Miriam (who I have a lot of respect for) that by marrying a non-Catholic non-Christian – despite my dispensation from the Bishop and having it in a Catholic Church – I had gone against God’s law. Gee thanks, kinda useless now that I have been validly married in a Catholic Church. Praying daily for his conversion, but I worry about his immense dislike for the Church and trying by myself to raise our son Catholic
Oh friend, I’m praying for you right now!
I feel exactly the same way.
Thank you for this post. It is a topic that is not discussed often enough. It can be an extremely painful cross.
With you sister
My husband received every sacrament except for confirmation but is a staunch “non-denominational” Christian who loves to use parts of the history of the church that has been less than ideal- corrupt is his term- and dogma. He is a strict “sola scriptura” believer.
I’ve had these thoughts many times. Why did God bring me to marry a man who ardently dislikes my faith. Why couldn’t it have been a nice Catholic man. And social media is massive fuel to that fire.
Thank you for this article. It definitely is a heavy cross as I question all the time, will I have to raise our children in my faith alone the entirety of our marriage?
Use corruption and dogma against me**
Also just realized I commented on someone else’s comment sorry about that!
praying for you, sister! and hugs.
Thank you for this article. My husband was raised in what I like to say was a non practicing Catholic family. He was baptized and made his first communion, but was never confirmed nor does he have a desire to. He comes to church with us if it is convenient for him. I have always felt blessed that he supports me in my faith and raising our children Catholic, but I often feel like you described…that it would be nice to have someone to pray with, or won’t make me feel guilty for finding a mass to go to on vacation. Thank you for helping me to remember that I’m not alone and to just love him for who he is.
This is a very encouraging message to me – my spouse has drifted away from the catholic faith and I feel i live a persecuted life for my catholicism. My prayer is for our return to serving in unity of faith, in truth, as one flesh.
Thanks for this article. My husband is Catholic but not strongly so. I’ve made sure our son has all the sacraments and my husband is faithful about Sunday Mass. But our son knows he isn’t serious about it. My son tonight said if it were up to him and Dad they would go to Mass 30 minutes late and leave right after communion. He said it like a joke. I wanted to cry because I knew it was true. I guess I should be happy that he said he would go to Mass! But his Dad is weak in his faith and it hurts to carry this alone. My son is off to college next year and I don’t know how strong of a Catholic he will be since he likes to be like his Dad. Sometimes I just wish I had a stronger Catholic spouse to share my faith with. He’s a good guy just not a very religious man and it is painful for me sometimes.
Thank you for the post. Most of the time it seems to be the men who are not so spiritual. In my case I’m the one who goes to Church weekly and confession and thinks about the future world while my wife (who is Catholic) is pretty indifferent and in some ways rebellious (she doesn’t believe in confession). On the other hand, I am the more sinful of the two and more prone to falling into the darkness of serious sin if I drift away from the Church. Thank you for contemplating and sharing this – it reminds me that if I want to love Christ I need to love her better and pray for my own as well as her conversion. God bless you.
Bless you and your wife, friend. Glad you’re here with us. <3
Wow- I’ve been feeling alllll the things you’ve written here but just didn’t know how to word them. Resentment that other Catholics don’t see my pain? Check. Catholic marriage envy? Check. I could check every one of them off. This burden has felt so heavy lately and I’ve fallen into discouragement. When my husband mocks my faith it stings. When I remember our full catholic mass at our wedding 12 years ago I feel cheated, because out of justice he should be living up to what he promised. BUT- the lord chose this husband for me and I love him and we have a beautiful life together. My blessed mother knows my struggle. If I love him well, he will come to know Christ eventually through my patient love. I do stay involved in every way I can, praying a daily rosary, fasting, frequenting the sacraments and endlessly praying his heart will open to Jesus. Vowing to keep persevering in holiness and not give up on god or my husband!
Praying alongside you, friend.
Please pray for me and my husband too. </3
Praying!
My husband converted shortly after we were married. I, at that time, was the indignant one having been raised Protestant (and my husband was a new believer altogether when we met so I thought I simply knew more, ha!). Now over ten years later it’s I who am seeking conversion, learning as much as I can, finding true fullness in the Catholic faith, wanting to complete our children’s sacrements and include the faith in our homeschooling, and it’s my spouse who has left the faith behind, almost entirely. I feel so overwhelmed by trying to live this out alone, attempting to convert during a pandemic lock out no less. He will “go along” but is not invested. It’s such a sureal feeling and I’m very disheartened.
praying so much, sister
I was raised Protestant. We were married for 22 years, but I became Catholic in 2019. We were married by a Justice of the Peace. My husband was never baptized and is an atheist. I pray for him daily. It is very difficult for him to understand why I did something so radical. Fortunately, I have Catholic friends who are very supportive. Patricia
love and hugs, sister
Cannot explain how this is an answer to a prayer. God helps us at the moment and time we are ready to receive the help and grace he wants to give us. Thank you for this blog. I hope I can get on properly.
I’m engaged to marry a non practicing Catholic. I recently came back to the Church and am throwing myself into ALLL the Catholic “things.” I’m feeling very insecure about whether or not I should marry someone who isn’t interesting in practicing Catholicism. I’m seriously concerned that I am being “dumb” for being so committed to this relationship. Am I doing the wrong thing? Am I putting my future children at risk? Am I setting myself up for failure and/or sever resentment? I already have issues with resentment. I know we balance each other out well, we work well together, he helps me be a better person in his own way! He even encouraged me to go back to church! I just can’t seem to stop worrying and just trust God and His plan. I don’t want to do the “wrong” thing. Please pray for me and my fiancé.
Praying, sister!
My goodness I am in the same situation! Praying for you!
Thank you for this post. I am a re-vert to Catholicism and am so lonely having a non-Catholic, non-Christian spouse.
If I could tell others not to marry outside of the Faith, I would. It has caused problems in every corner of our lives, especially concerning our kids.
It is heart-breaking to be always without your spouse in Mass, to be unable to share the love of your life (Jesus) with them, and to be resented for anything you do that is Catholic.
My husband now has one foot out of the door because of our religious differences. Please pray that he will stay and try to work on our marriage.
I am in the same boat…
If I could advise anyone about marrying a non-catholic – please think carefully before you do it, even if your faith isn’t that strong right now. This will cause issues and a lot of heartbreak on both sides,not to mention the confusion it will bring into your children’s lives.
We tend to think love is enough to carry us through this… believe me, it’s not enough,not nearly enough.
I grew up in a fully practicing Catholic household but my husband, although baptized Catholic, did not. While dating he would not attend Mass with me and that practice continued throughout our Marriage. I raised our daughter in the church. She went to Mass, received her sacraments, attended CCD and even Vacation Bible school programs, but she always questioned her fathers absence. Now she barely attends Mass. I stopped practicing for a while myself. My husband tells me not to blame him for my laxness but he didn’t help me stay on track either. I returned with gusto and am feeling more at peace for me. I continue to pray for him and my daughter. This blog has been very helpful. Thank you
Thank you so much for this post. It can definitely be a lonely position to be in and makes me feel not so alone. My husband had a rough upbringing and because of this he has become quite bitter and cynical. He has searched for God all his life and in college decided to become Catholic in the hopes of cementing some small belief. Unfortunately, he says it didn’t work and doesn’t want to be let down if there ends up being no Heaven. Now, he is showing great disdain for the faith and openly in front of our young children. It completely breaks my heart for him and for them. I did find this one prayer that I wanted to share as it brings me some hope and peace:
I pray for my husband today. May you fill his heart with joy as you remind him of your love for him. Reveal to him his value and purpose. I pray that you build up and transform him into the man you desire him to be. I pray against temptation that tries to lure his heart to sin.I claim freedom from bondage and freedom from darkness in Jesus’ name! I pray that he matures in his role as a husband. Equip him to lead us through your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It sure is a heavy cross that really affects my sanity.
Thank you for sharing this prayer.
Thank you for being with us <3
Amazing article! I am in a relationship with a Baptist and he is an amazing man, he comes to church with me every Sunday, prays with me, and agrees to raise our future children Catholic. He never belittles Catholicism and never tried to persuade me to leave it. I firmly believe he is the one God has called for me to marry so I could bring the Catholic faith to him. Yes I do have my doubts but it’s because my mother is very adamant on converting him, and she loves him but she says she would love him more if he converted. It causes me to have my doubts because my mom feels like Catholics should only marry Catholics and it makes me feel like I could do better, and every time I read this article I feel 100x better. I have to constantly remind myself that God loves my boyfriend and I just as much as those in Catholic relationships/marriages. So thank you sisters for posting this article, I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way♥️
Thank you. This is what I needed to hear. I’ve been married over 30 years. My husband is not an easy person to deal with. He used to go to Mass, but no longer. I’ve been praying for a long time and nothing changes. I get very discouraged and feel upset all the time. I do feel envious of other couples thinking if my husband was holy I could be holy.
I really don’t know why God brought me to this page but if this is his message for me I accept it. Thank you for sharing your stories.. This was my Google search: ” I am married to a non-believer and I want to walk away”. I feel very lost, because this cross is too heavy.
I have known my husband for 9 years and married for 5 years, but not yet married in the Catholic church as he promised. I m giving up on that promise. I have never prayed in my life for anyone like I did and still doing for my husband. For 9 years, I have been praying and I feel like we are making one step forward and two steps backwards. At first, I used to pray for his conversion to Catholicism, then, I said to myself that maybe I’m asking God for too much. My husband claims to be Baptist but this is just a cover up. He doesn’t believe in God in my opinions and this cross is heavier by the day especially now that kids are involved. Why is God silent to a my prayers to win one more souls?
I was warned before I got married that this will be hard, but my stubborn self didn’t believe it.
I need your prayers. I knew who he was before we got married, so I can only blame myself. Would his faith in God make him sin no more ? I don’t think so but it will at least set a standard to raise our children as God fearing children and help him become a better person.
God hears you and knows the desires of your heart, sister. We will absolutely be praying for you. <3