I am forever spoiled because I have had meet-cutes in the wild. You know, when the girl bumps into the guy in the rom-com and spills her coffee, but he somehow has her same order. They laugh, they exchange numbers, and voilá. That kind of moment.
I was quick to find out that an incredible meet-cute didn’t make for an incredible relationship. Undeterred, I’ve always had a hunch I'll meet my significant other in person. My friends constantly advocate for me to throw my hat into the ring of online dating. They all met their boyfriends that way. Despite all my meet-cutes and real life interactions, I was the one coming up empty.
Reimagining Catholic dating
I always thought that the apps were one of those activities that would put me in the camp of being “of the world” instead of “being in it.” This changed when I learned Emily Wilson, renowned Catholic dating aficionado, speaker, and youtuber, and now author, created a dating app. Hello, SacredSpark. The app officially launched October 29, 2025 and was rolled out based on how many people signed up per diocese. Wilson, or rather Wilson-Hussem, experienced the ultimate meet-cute. In 2013, she met her husband Daniël while traveling overseas for the first time on day one of her four-day trip. That happenstance meeting led to their own fairytale ending.
Wilson created a Catholic matchmaking post on social media. Catholic singles dove into the comments, sharing who they are with other like-minded believers. The likes and comments over shared interests turned into conversations with other users off of a single Instagram post from Wilson. It turned into a viral phenomenon leading to hundreds of new couples, 16 engagements, and 20 marriages and counting, according to her website. With this in mind, I figured I could try an online dating app without cringing.
What sets SacredSpark apart
SacredSpark was created for Catholic young adults disillusioned with the dating scene. It comes prepared with a secret weapon. Spark+ enables singles to invite their friends and family to act as their personal matchmakers. An homage to Wilson’s matchmaking Instagram posts, users receive handpicked, curated matches right in their account with the help of family and friends.
In theory, by paying for a subscription to Spark+, you can receive more matches and find “the one” even faster.
Luckily, my friends were up for the challenge. I paid $30 for one month and could invite one matchmaker to help in my search. You can change your matchmaker by removing their email and adding another. With Spark+ I received unlimited matches, could see all three profile photos, and see the profile photos of those who liked my profile. It felt more like a numbers game, but results were definitely quicker in terms of less time swiping. With all hands on deck, was it easier to find someone? Not necessarily, but I think God still has His own personal timeline for me.
Dating101
Dating101 is a free course included once you sign up for SacredSpark where Emily is your personal dating coach. I found the worksheets to include thoughtful reflection questions that challenged me to evaluate my intentions, my relationship with God, and readiness in dating.
The course encourages those wanting to date to do the inner work. Hurt people hurt people, and dating well starts long before the first date. It starts with how you see others, past relationships, how you handle conflict, and how you view yourself and God. You’ll learn how women can be receptive, the ways men can pursue well, and unique Catholic dating challenges, including long distance dating and signs of relationship growth or if it’s time to let go.
Dating should not be a high stakes wedding interview, but it also isn’t aimless. The goal should be creating a connection that mirrors Christ. You are asking in a place of freedom and peace, “Can I build a life with this person? Are we going to grow in holiness? Is God calling us to be a team in love, service, and sacrifice for the long haul?” Wilson asks these questions in the introduction, but also reassures viewers that dating is a process. Figuring out the answers to these questions takes time.
A soul versus a swipe
The app is broken down into four sections.
1: A traditional profile complete with photo, age, and name. On the free version, the second two profile photos are intentionally blurred. You have to match to see more. A profile includes pre-set liturgical preferences along with interests and traits. On each there is a timeline for how soon that person wants to get married.
2: The heart icon shows you who has liked you.
3: The speech bubble icon is where your messages are.
4: And lastly, your profile. It shows how many “likes” you have left and where you can find settings.
When the app first launched, you weren't allowed to look at the first photo. All you had was an audio message. Without a photo, I was much more intentional about truly reading someone’s interests on their profile.
Then, the first photo became unblurred and psychology took over. Glazed over by dopamine swipes and a dwindling resolve after having a match end over Eric (not his real name) recognizing they too want a real-life meet-cute over love at first swipe, I fixated on a 6' average height and cute profile photo. I started to participate in mindless, non-intentional judgements based on if I found someone attractive. Only then, would I match or bother to look at their interests. Despite good intentions, the typical dating app slot-machine design of scrolling and liking on SacredSpark won.
On a better note, I struck up conversations with three men and was pleasantly surprised. The conversations were intentional, fun, and Christ-centered. And, I promise there are attractive, faithful singles on this app, but they just may live a bit farther than what you expect. There were not a lot of people located within my home diocese, so I had to adjust my settings.
Can an app support holy love?
If God wants you to find the person that will lead you to heaven in the sacrament of matrimony on a dating app, you will. SacredSpark is now another option to do so. Part of discernment is taking steps and watching God open and close doors. If I’m not in a position to marry, I shouldn’t string someone else along who is. Dating is about getting comfortable with the opposite sex and learning your non-negotiables, but relationships should ultimately lead to marriage.
Dating apps are not necessarily the solution to loneliness, finding dates, or even a spouse search. Do I secretly wish to meet my spouse on a European holiday like Emily? Of course! Until then, I know I’ll never have to force something that is meant for me. God doesn’t want that. All the swiping has shown me I need to first become the woman my future husband would marry.