By Laura Kilgus
Catholic News Service

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (CNS) — Brian Barcaro, co-founder of Catholic Match, could be considered partly responsible for the nuptials of thousands who met their spouses through the dating Web site that got started in 1999.

Many couples memorize their vows instead of repeating the words spoken by the presiding priest or deacon. CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

He said the site — www.CatholicMatch.com — currently has 100,000 active users and nearly half a million singles have used it over the past decade.

“There is no question, looking at outside statistics, that the religious dating sites are finding more growth,” Barcaro said. “People are re-evaluating what makes up a marriage. They really want someone to share their faith with.”

What sets Catholic Match apart from secular dating Web sites, he said, is the strong sense of community. “If we can build a community of singles, the relationships will build themselves,” Barcaro said.

Catholic Match asks members whether or not they accept specific teachings of the Catholic Church, including: abstaining from premarital sex, use of contraception, sanctity of life, papal infallibility, Immaculate Conception, Eucharist and holy orders.

“Unlike a secular Web site, people are coming to Catholic Match for a uniquely Catholic experience,” Barcaro explained.

“There are a lot of things that you want to know about someone which may not be appropriate for a first or second conversation. The questions allow people to meet others where they are at.

“We have also found that people who honestly answer those questions may be one of the first times they reflect on where they stand with certain Church teachings, and it gets them in conversation with others.”

Barcaro explained that even though members are meeting and corresponding with fellow Catholics, it is still important to be cautious online.

“The Church, just like our Web site, is made up of sinners,” he said. “While we are confident we have a higher concentration of good people on Catholic Match, then say a general site, it is even more important to use due diligence and to really be prudent. You should use the same due diligence whether you meet someone at Mass, a bar or online. There is no reason to let your guard down until you feel that you have really discovered what you need to know to make sure the person is credible.”

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