text: There is no problem with Catholics dating non-Catholics (and for that matter non-Christians).  The problem that comes in when marriage occurs is that now your lives are completely joined.  And yet, there is a separation between you . . . a big one in some cases (more so for non-Christians, but even between Catholics and non-Catholics).  Some potential issues include separate worship on Sundays, disagreements over what faith to teach your children, disagreements over contraception and timing of children, etc.  Certainly, many people have worked through these issues.  There is hope for you, because you are thinking about this now, before you jump into marriage.  I would encourage you to check out the forums at www.catholic.com.  There are frequent discussions about problems in "mixed" marriages as well as dating issues (and there are many, many non-Catholics who post there, do not be afraid!).  As far as requirements for you upon marriage; to be married in the Catholic Church, you must take a marriage prep course with your future wife and during your marriage ceremony you will be asked if you will be open to children in your marriage, if God intends them for you.  (The Church desires, of course, that you raise these children Catholic.)  You do not have to be initiated into the Catholic Church in any way.  However, for your marriage to be considered valid by the Catholic Church, it does have to be performed by a Catholic priest (my DH and I were married in my parents Methodist Church and are preparing to have our marriage validated).  This will probably be important for your girlfriend.  (BTW, Catholics believe in one baptism.  If you have been baptized they will not baptize you again . . . though there is such a thing as a conditional baptism, in certain circumstances. . . but I digress.)  Hope this helps.