She Widened Her Search Criteria and Then Found Her Soulmate Locally!

Though both were hesitant about online dating, Sarah and Andrew found each other online with a little help from St. Joseph and CatholicMatch.

At her mother’s urging, Sarah joined in August 2022. She was skeptical, but inspired by a friend’s success of finding their spouse on the site. Living in a remote area, she struggled to meet eligible Catholic men and wanted to give it a chance.

Sarah had recently completed a dating fast for Lent when she discovered Andrew’s profile during Holy Week.

She had prayed for St. Joseph’s intercession in finding her future spouse just days before.

Andrew, as it turned out, was also praying to St. Joseph with the exact same intention. Finding little success dating locally, he turned to CatholicMatch to expand his options.

"My dad told me not to date every woman at church," he joked.

Fresh off a dating fast in spring 2024, Sarah spotted Andrew’s profile during Holy Week. When she reinstated her account, she decided to widen her search parameters in an attempt to see more profiles.

“I was flexible,” she said. “I was willing to talk to anyone, travel anywhere—even Spain or Portugal.”

Ultimately, her priority was finding a partner who truly shared her faith.

She began to manually read through each profile she came across, rather than relying on the app to filter her options for her.

She didn’t need to look far from home, after all. Andrew was just over 100 miles away, and within the same state.

Sarah said Andrew’s profile immediately stood out because his first photo showed him holding a baby, and his bio expressed his desire for a big family in his future. 

“He knew what he was doing,” she laughed. Noticing their shared love for the Latin Mass and commitment to starting a faith-filled family, Sarah took a leap of faith and liked his profile, even though he didn’t fit all her usual criteria.

Andrew messaged her soon after, but was sure that a typing error he made may have ruined his chances. He mistakenly called her "McKenzie," confusing her hometown with her name. Sarah, however, found it funny, and they began corresponding.

Two weeks later, they met at a Latin Mass in Nashville, followed by brunch.

Sarah’s first impression Andrew of was simple: "I like him."

The couple described their courtship as a slow burn. While they got the big questions about faith, morality, and vocation out of the way early on, they took their time to fall in love.

They describe that they had a love that grew slowly but surely...Sarah said that though it wasn’t love at first sight, “there was never any doubt." Their relationship deepened through thoughtful conversations, shared faith, and a steady, intentional courtship.

By Labor Day weekend 2024, Andrew was certain. A work bonus provided the perfect opportunity to take Sarah to look at engagement rings. They ended up walking out of the store with a ring in hand, only realizing the gravity of their decision once they got into the car!

On October 6th, Andrew proposed outside the church where they had first met, on the very lawn where they had said their first goodbye. Sarah had an inkling—she had polished her nails that weekend. But her mother, who happened to be nearby, was completely surprised. The moment was so intimate that they didn’t notice the gathering crowd until applause broke out.

Looking ahead to their future!

Andrew and Sarah will be married on June 28th in Columbia, Tennessee. Their marriage prep has been a time of growth and grace, strengthening their bond and deepening their devotion to St. Joseph, the saint they both prayed to before meeting.

Together, they pray the rosary, read spiritual books, and attend Mass. Their faith is the cornerstone of their relationship, guiding them through challenges and joys alike.

Advice for current Catholic singles...

For those still searching for their spouse, Sarah and Andrew offer this wisdom: "Men, put more details in your profiles. Women, broaden your search criteria. Be open, be willing, and trust where God leads you."

Above all, they encourage single Catholics to seek the intercession of the saints, take the leap of faith—and maybe, just maybe, send that first message.