Catholic Online Dating Tips: How to Support the Newly Converted

couple hugging

Joy, anxiety, curiosity, confusion. Joining the Church comes with a mix of emotions that can be just as overwhelming as it is exciting. Converts need an ally to help guide them through this process. While the catholic online world can provide a lot of support for the newly converted, nothing replaces having a significant other.

Up to 72% percent of new Catholics credit their conversion to their significant other, you can make a significant difference in your partner’s faith journey.

If you’re dating a new convert, chances are you’re excited to play a key role someone’s story of salvation. That being said, you may have some reservations of your own. How do support your partner on their faith journey? How do you safeguard their heart as they are exposed to new doubts and temptations?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process so you can be a pillar of strength for your favorite person. In this blog, we’ll be talking about:

  • The benefits of dating someone who shares your faith and values
  • 3 ways you can help newly converted Catholics
  • 11 ways you can support a newly converted Catholic in this journey
  • How to place God at the center of your relationship

Being With Someone With Your Same Values and Beliefs Is A Beautiful Thing

couple dating

While there is nothing wrong with dating outside your faith, going out with a fellow Catholic has its benefits. Having a set of values in common allows you to build your relationship on a strong foundation.

It also makes it easier to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and imagine how they view a particular situation.

This ease of empathy is a major relationship boon, because it makes it simpler to communicate with your partner, solve problems, and navigate disputes.

Not to mention, dating a fellow Catholic allows you to share intimate moments in prayer. Opening your hearts to the Lord in front of the Eucharist is a moment like no other. It’s a bond blessed by the Holy Spirit.

It Doesn’t Matter Whether They’re a Recent Convert or Born Into The Faith

Of course, new converts are always a warmly welcomed into our Church, but reverted Catholics are celebrated just as joyously in heaven.

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

Think of the story of the prodigal son. He returned to his father after years away and an endless list of poor choices. His father was so ecstatic to receive him home, that he threw a huge celebration, even though his son came home broke, dirty, and stinking like a pig.

How to Support Someone Else Building a Relationship With God

couple reading bible

Everyone experiences life and faith differently. That means each and every person has a unique starting point in their faith journey, but we all have the same finish line: heaven.

Supporting a new convert can make a huge difference as they build a relationship with God. This process may look differently for each person. Try meeting your partner where they are. Listen and encourage them as they discover all the Church has to offer.

3 Ways You Can Help Them

There’s no doubt that you care deeply about your partner and the state of their heart.

Helping someone navigate a leap of faith is an intimidating process. That’s even more the case when the aspiring convert is very dear to you.

Feeling the pressure? Don’t. Supporting a new convert is as easy as 1, 2, 3…

1. Understanding The Catholic Faith

Know your stuff. Share your Catholic traditions and welcome your partner with pride.

Brush up on the meaning behind our many rituals so you can pass along a deep understanding of, and value for our faith.

2. Understanding Catholic Routines

Get in the habit. No, not a religious habit. Get in the habit of praying daily, attending mass, and making use of the sacraments.

Decide with your partner how often you’d like to go to confession and whether or not daily mass will be part of your weekly schedule.

Pray before meals and sign up for a holy hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Practicing daily faith routines will help your partner express their newfound faith. It will also help them become more comfortable with a set of practices that may seem foreign at first, and maybe even a bit bizarre.

Open the door for questions and conversation during your daily faith routines so your partner can approach each practice with curiosity and cement it in clarity.

3. Understanding Catholic Doctrines

Do your homework. Your partner is bound to run into roadblocks as they work to grasp the depth of this beautiful faith.

When their curiosity inspires questions, be prepared to answer with grace and kindness.

11 Ways You Can Support Them In This New Journey

couple reading bible

Let’s get down to the bottom line and talk about real ways you can offer support to a new convert. Anecdotal evidence via lay leaders says that up to 50% of new converts will leave the church before their first baptism-versary.

It’s up to you to be a guiding light to your partner during this trying time.

1. Guide By Example

Matthew says it best: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14). Show up to Mass, make it to confession, and set up time for prayer.

Your efforts will not only show how much you value your partner’s calling, they will also act as a template of behavior for your partner to follow when they’re not sure how to act.

2. Share Your Testimony and Feelings About Your Faith

Sharing is caring, right? New converts experience frequent jolts of emotion and vulnerability as they discover their place in the Church. They may be forced to relive past hurts or confront fears that seem all too real.

The best way to offer strength during this process is to become vulnerable yourself. Share your highs and lows and tell your partner why you feel at home in the Church.

3. Read The Word of God Together

Fun fact, if you were to attend daily mass every day for three years, you would hear the entire Bible read aloud. Of course, that’s not practical for most of us. That’s why it’s important to make time to read scripture with your significant other. It’s a practice that protestants often hold in esteem, and Catholics tend to neglect.

If Bible reading leaves you feeling underwhelmed, try joining a couple’s Bible study. You’ll be able to meet like minded friends, bounce your ideas off others, and maybe enjoy some homemade treats.

4. Help Them Through Their Doubts

The devil loves to destroy newly built foundations. He whispers doubts into a new convert’s ear.

These doubts pile up and create a crushing weight which can squash a budding faith. Be aware of the common doubts that plague new converts and be ready to address them with grace when they crop up in conversation.

5. Go To Church With Them

Attending mass alone can be a chore for new converts. They may be new to sitting, standing, kneeling and crossing, and they may feel like all eyes are on them.

Having a friendly face nearby can make all the difference. Plus, they’ll have someone to giggle with if they do it all wrong.

6. Be There For Them

Chances are your partner is feeling overwhelmed by a landslide of unfamiliar “rules” and routines. It may seem like everyone is telling them what to do and what not to do, when they really just need someone to listen.

It’s as easy as being a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

7. Pray With Them

Don’t just pray for your partner, pray with them.

Reciting prayers like the rosary together will help your partner memorize common prayers and associate warm memories with the act of prayer.

8. Build a Loving and Respecting Relationship With Them

Appreciate your partner as they are, and don’t force them to change. Recognize their inherent dignity and make honest, effective communication a priority.

Your relationship will be a foundation that they can fall back on in hard times.

9. Introduce Them To Other Members of The Church

Fancy a donut? Taking advantage of your parish social events will allow you to meet other couples and build a community of support around you and your significant other.

Volunteer together, participate in ministries, check out your bible study groups…new converts are much more likely to stick around when they feel connected to their parish.

10. Encourage Them to Tell Others About Jesus Christ

Sharing the good news is a great way for your partner to cement their new faith. Just don’t push them to do it before they’re ready, or else they may develop a fear of sharing.

11. As They Mature, Encourage Them To Lead Others

If your significant other shows interest in leading a parish group or ministry, be their biggest fan.

Cheer them on and give them some space to practice their faith in the sight of others.

Make God The Center of Your Relationship

couple holding hands

Now listen carefully, because this is the part that matters most. When dating a new convert, it’s important to tune out distractions and focus on the Trinity of your relationship: you, your partner, and God.

Ask the Lord for grace, guidance, and a love that overflows. You can also turn to Our Lady. She’s always ready to lead you to her son.

Visit the sacraments together often and find a home in the Church through ministries and social events. Make your relationship a tabernacle where the holy spirit can dwell.

Conclusion

It may be true that nearly half of all converts leave the Church in a matter of months, but keep in mind…those converts don’t have you. Your love, guidance and understanding can make all the difference for your partner as they navigate this monumental and joyous change.

Start your search for your match today!