Catholic Dating Struggles Discussed at National Eucharistic Congress
The National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis recently hosted a lively discussion on dating as a single Catholic. The event, held on July 19, 2024, was part of a larger five-day evangelization event organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The panel addressed various aspects of Catholic dating, including challenges in finding a partner while discerning religious vocations and the dynamics of modern gender roles.
Key Discussion Points and Panelists
The panel, hosted by the Catholic Project, featured six speakers, including Mari Pablo, a ministry consultant; Chika Anyanwu, author of “My Encounter: How I Met Jesus In Prayer”; Cody Etheridge, a marketing specialist; John Mittel, Phocus beverage co-founder; Lucas Kaliszak, a medical student and CatholicMatch content creator; and Lillian Fallon, author of “Theology of Style: Expressing the Unique and Unrepeatable You.”
The discussion covered several topics:
- Dating and Discerning Vocations: Panelists explored the complexities of dating while considering religious vocations. Rev. Mike Schmitz’s advice, “Discern one at a time,” was highlighted during the session.
- Meeting Other Single Catholics: Finding like-minded individuals was a significant concern among attendees. The event aimed to create opportunities for singles to connect, although an initial attempt at a speed dating event was hindered by a gender imbalance.
- Gender Dynamics: Panelists discussed current gender expectations and dating norms. Fallon advised women to avoid pursuing men who do not show clear commitment, while Kaliszak addressed misalignments in expectations between men and women.
Audience Reactions and Experiences
The audience, comprising mostly single Catholics, engaged actively with the discussion. A QR code survey revealed a prevalent sense of hopelessness regarding dating. Attendees expressed frustration over the limited pool of committed Catholic partners. Ryan Rivera, a student at the University of Notre Dame, noted difficulties finding a partner who shares strong Catholic and pro-life values. Emily Schmidt found the event comforting due to the shared commitment among participants.
Sara Perla, communications manager for the Catholic Project, co-moderated the panel and discussed the challenges of organizing events that cater to both genders equally. The initial speed dating event faced difficulties due to a higher number of female sign-ups, attributed to perceived declines in Catholic masculinity.
Interactions and Outcomes
JD Flynn, co-founder of The Pillar, interacted with attendees, creating a dynamic atmosphere by encouraging networking. Despite attempts to foster connections, some advice, like using adoration as a dating venue, was met with mixed reactions.
Georgetown University’s 2023 data highlights a decline in Catholic marriages over the decades, reinforcing the panel’s focus on addressing these trends. Flynn and Perla’s efforts to encourage meaningful connections and discuss challenges faced by Catholics seeking relationships were central to the event’s goals.
Conclusion and Moving Forward
The National Eucharistic Congress provided a platform for single Catholics to discuss dating struggles openly. Despite the challenges and differing opinions, the event fostered a sense of community among attendees, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and support in navigating Catholic dating dynamics.
FAQ
1. What was the focus of the discussion at the National Eucharistic Congress?
- The discussion focused on dating challenges for single Catholics, including balancing dating with discerning religious vocations and navigating modern gender dynamics.
2. Who were the panelists at the event?
- The panelists included Mari Pablo, Chika Anyanwu, Cody Etheridge, John Mittel, Lucas Kaliszak, and Lillian Fallon.
3. What were the main concerns expressed by attendees?
- Attendees voiced concerns about the limited dating pool of committed Catholics and difficulties in finding partners who align with their values.
4. How did the event address gender dynamics in dating?
- The panel addressed expectations and communication issues between men and women in the context of Catholic dating, with varying perspectives on commitment and pursuit.
5. What were the outcomes of the event?
- The event facilitated discussions among single Catholics, highlighted the need for ongoing support and dialogue, and aimed to connect like-minded individuals despite challenges.
