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Interfaith Marriage
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that comes up in every faith tradition, but we’re approaching it from our experience as Catholic women: interfaith marriage. What does the Church actually teach? Is it allowed? Is it ideal? And what does it look like in real life when spouses aren’t on the same spiritual page?
We also share our own thoughts on whether we’d personally be open to an interfaith marriage — and why the discernment around this is more important than most of us realize.
What the Catholic Church Teaches:
The Church does permit interfaith marriages, but only with certain conditions meant to safeguard the Catholic spouse’s faith and the spiritual well-being of the family.
There are two categories:
- Mixed Marriage — Catholic + baptized non-Catholic Christian→ Requires permission from the bishop. (Canon 1124)
- Disparity of Cult — Catholic + non-baptized person→ Requires a dispensation from the bishop. (Canon 1086)
Before a bishop grants permission, the Catholic spouse must promise:
- To remain faithful to the Catholic Church
- To “do all in their power” to raise the children Catholic
The Church also teaches that:
- A marriage between two baptized Christians is sacramental, even if one is not Catholic.
- A marriage with an unbaptized spouse is valid but not sacramental.
And while these marriages can be challenging, the Church is hopeful: mixed marriages can become powerful places of witness, evangelization, and the slow work of grace (CCC 1636–1637).
Our Guest: Natalie Jordan
Today we're joined by Natalie Jordan, wife and mother of seven (four living, three in heaven), who spent most of her 21-year marriage in an interfaith union before her husband Quaid entered the Church last year. Natalie shares her story with honesty, humor, and deep faith — from the early years of marriage, to the ache of spiritual mismatch, to the unexpected grace that led her husband home.
- What did faith look like for you and your husband when you first married?
- When did you sense that your own spiritual journey was diverging from his?
- How did your deepening faith affect your marriage — practically, emotionally, spiritually?
- Were there seasons when you felt spiritually alone?
- What ultimately opened your husband’s heart toward the Church?
- How did your marriage change once you were finally aligned spiritually?
- What advice would you give single women considering dating or marrying someone who isn’t practicing?
- And what would you say to women who are currently in interfaith marriages?
Natalie’s story is such a gift — honest, encouraging, and full of hope for anyone navigating spiritual difference in a relationship.
Can you do us a huge favor? Please rate and comment on our podcast! Thank you in advance.
If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach us via:
HOTLINE NUMBER:
(361) 857-9338
361-85-SWEET
EMAIL:
View all episodes
By Marilis Pineiro and Gabrielle EstradaIn this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that comes up in every faith tradition, but we’re approaching it from our experience as Catholic women: interfaith marriage. What does the Church actually teach? Is it allowed? Is it ideal? And what does it look like in real life when spouses aren’t on the same spiritual page?
We also share our own thoughts on whether we’d personally be open to an interfaith marriage — and why the discernment around this is more important than most of us realize.
What the Catholic Church Teaches:
The Church does permit interfaith marriages, but only with certain conditions meant to safeguard the Catholic spouse’s faith and the spiritual well-being of the family.
There are two categories:
- Mixed Marriage — Catholic + baptized non-Catholic Christian→ Requires permission from the bishop. (Canon 1124)
- Disparity of Cult — Catholic + non-baptized person→ Requires a dispensation from the bishop. (Canon 1086)
Before a bishop grants permission, the Catholic spouse must promise:
- To remain faithful to the Catholic Church
- To “do all in their power” to raise the children Catholic
The Church also teaches that:
- A marriage between two baptized Christians is sacramental, even if one is not Catholic.
- A marriage with an unbaptized spouse is valid but not sacramental.
And while these marriages can be challenging, the Church is hopeful: mixed marriages can become powerful places of witness, evangelization, and the slow work of grace (CCC 1636–1637).
Our Guest: Natalie Jordan
Today we're joined by Natalie Jordan, wife and mother of seven (four living, three in heaven), who spent most of her 21-year marriage in an interfaith union before her husband Quaid entered the Church last year. Natalie shares her story with honesty, humor, and deep faith — from the early years of marriage, to the ache of spiritual mismatch, to the unexpected grace that led her husband home.
- What did faith look like for you and your husband when you first married?
- When did you sense that your own spiritual journey was diverging from his?
- How did your deepening faith affect your marriage — practically, emotionally, spiritually?
- Were there seasons when you felt spiritually alone?
- What ultimately opened your husband’s heart toward the Church?
- How did your marriage change once you were finally aligned spiritually?
- What advice would you give single women considering dating or marrying someone who isn’t practicing?
- And what would you say to women who are currently in interfaith marriages?
Natalie’s story is such a gift — honest, encouraging, and full of hope for anyone navigating spiritual difference in a relationship.
Can you do us a huge favor? Please rate and comment on our podcast! Thank you in advance.
If you'd like to get in touch, you can reach us via:
HOTLINE NUMBER:
(361) 857-9338
361-85-SWEET
EMAIL: