Despite actor and ex-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's confession of having fathered a child with his former housekeeper -- an admission that captured headlines in New York and elsewhere -- new reports say that Maria Shriver may be reconsidering her planned divorce from Schwarzenegger.

Sources close to Shriver say she has been struggling with the decision, as her Catholic faith forbids divorce, although marriages may be annulled in some cases. One source says that she may also back down due to Schwarzenegger's gestures to win her back. He has reportedly given Shriver numerous gifts in an effort to reconcile with his wife.

According to one source, Shriver and Schwarzenegger were spotted attending Christmas Eve mass together. The source added that while Shriver and Schwarzenegger were separated by their children for most of the service, they occasionally spoke and hugged the priest at the conclusion of the mass.

People Magazine also reported that the family spent Christmas together. The couple was also reportedly seen together at an NBA game.

Neither Shriver nor Schwarzenegger has spoken publicly on the rumors that the divorce may not happen. Shriver has already moved out of the family home and purchased an estate of her own.

Families going through a divorce or contemplating a divorce all handle it in different ways. Schwarzenegger and Shriver may be putting on a happy face in public for the sake of their children, or they may actually be working toward reconciling. It is important to remember that whatever decision they make is their own, and if they decide to go through with a divorce they go into it with as many scenarios planned out as possible.

Source: International Business Times, "Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger Divorce May Not Happen," Cristina Merrill, Dec. 28, 2011