What can families do when all members are in a different space with their religion?
When members of a family are no longer in the same church or worship in the same place, what is the response of mothers, fathers, grand-parents, god-parents, uncles, aunts? How can the family be brought together and unified without making those that have made a change feel uncomfortable? How is the hirarchy reacting to this and what if a child or grandchild is brought in for baptism? How about communion when feastdays are celebrated together and family members want to join in or are not even aware of the "church regulations" covering such items? Who has the grace to explain this situation to members? Much work bneeds to be done in this area to help all parties concerned to feel loved and accepted.
The obligation to follow
The obligation to follow one's conscience. We and everyone has that obligation from Vatican 11. This must to be accepted completely and discussed openly and with sincerity. The one gift that we give to others is to accpt that, what another person believes is sacred to us, even if not believed by us. The same applies to sexual preferences. Most people who look for other beliefs are uncomfortable with the peripherals of religion which are not the essentials. If a child is presented for Baptism [or not] then baptise the child [He does not have to say the Nicean Creed--ever] If a person wants to go to Communion encourage them to go [They have a conscience and God has a way of working that is not our way].
There are probably two opposing bishop's statements on the question but why expect them to supercede the teaching example of Jesus.
Elizabeth, are you asking
Elizabeth, are you asking about people leaving one Catholic parish to go to another out of personal preference and then coming back on occasions to the original parish or are you asking about people who have changed religions?