She almost skipped his profile altogether!
Before joining CatholicMatch, Theresa had tried other dating apps but struggled to find someone who shared her faith in a meaningful, lived way.
She had a clear vision of what she was seeking, and brought it to God through prayer. She said, “I was praying for a mature, Godly man who was ready for the adventure and responsibilities that came along with marriage and family life.”
Erick’s profile initially caught her attention because of the effort he put into presenting himself with sincerity and clarity. Still, one line gave her pause. His profile clearly stated he was not open to long-distance relationships, and since she lived in New York while he was in Massachusetts, she moved on.
Then Erick reached out anyway...
What followed felt unexpected but providential.
Despite the distance, they began talking regularly on CatholicMatch and quickly built a strong connection rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
And then, they started dating exclusively right away!
From the start, their connection felt natural, joyful, and deeply aligned, both spiritually and personally.
Because of demanding work schedules, Theresa and Erick spent a full month talking on the phone before meeting in person. That time allowed anticipation to build naturally, and by the time they met, both hoped their connection would translate offline.
Their first date did not disappoint. Erick traveled several hours by ferry to visit Theresa, and they spent the day exploring local farms and waterfront areas near her home.
From the get-go, they made the intentional choice to put God first. Theresa recalled, “We included Mass in our first date, and it was beautiful to pray with him right off the bat since that would be a crucial piece of our courtship and marriage later on.”
As the sun set and Erick boarded the ferry home, they parted ways, both feeling that something beautiful was beginning.
They chose each other with clarity.
Theresa said she knew almost immediately that Erick was different. She recognized in Erick a level of intentionality and clarity she had not found before. Theresa recognized early on that Erick was different. His intentionality and clarity stood out to her in a dating culture that often lacks both.
As she put it, “When he pursued me with direct questions, stating his intentions and having a plan, I felt safe and like I could trust that he could be a formidable partner for whatever life might throw at us long term.”
While she had initially remained open to meeting others, that changed after their first date.
Erick, she later learned, had quietly reached the same conclusion.
Their shared profession as teachers also strengthened their bond. They connected over the challenges and joys of their work, often laughing about shared experiences while supporting each other’s vocational callings. That natural alignment made their relationship feel both grounded and life-giving.
And their faith was at the center of everything!
From the start, their shared faith shaped the way Theresa and Erick built their relationship. As a cradle Catholic, Theresa had always approached her faith intellectually, often drawn to deep theological reading and reflection. Erick, a convert, brought a different perspective. His practical, action-oriented spirituality helped her see how to live out her faith in daily life.
During a year of long-distance dating, they developed a powerful habit to help them stay connected in both ordinary and sacred moments. Theresa explained, “We began using our morning and afternoon commutes to school as teachers to connect over the phone and pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and ask for each other's intercessions.”
That routine, which they continue to this day, created a strong spiritual foundation between them.
They also faced practical challenges that strengthened their relationship. Long-distance dating required intentional communication, financial planning, and difficult decisions about where to build their life together. Through those conversations, they clarified their priorities and learned how to function as a unified team.
Then came a marriage rooted in intention!
Some of their most meaningful memories are also the simplest, shaped by a shared faith that consistently anchors their relationship. Erick chose to propose after daily Mass, guiding Theresa before the Blessed Sacrament in a quiet, reverent setting. There, he asked for her hand in marriage with intention and clarity, keeping the moment focused on Christ rather than spectacle. No photographers were present and no elaborate plans were made, only a deeply personal exchange rooted in prayer and devotion.
The night before their wedding followed a similar pattern. They attended a vigil Mass together and remained afterward to entrust their future marriage to God.
Those intentional choices continue to define their life together today, shaping how they approach both ordinary routines and major milestones.
Today, Theresa and Erick are continuing to build a joyful, faith-filled marriage. They are raising their young son together and eagerly preparing to welcome their second baby boy this fall. Each day brings new opportunities to grow as spouses and parents, and they approach this season with gratitude and purpose.
Their advice to Catholic singles now...
Theresa said she understands the frustrations that can come with modern dating, especially when it feels artificial or discouraging. Still, her advice remains grounded in hope and realism. She encourages singles to trust both God and the process, even when it requires patience and persistence.
“Just keep meeting new people and going on more dates until you land on a person who you respect,” she said.
Even something that feels inorganic, like online dating, can become a means God uses to bring about something meaningful. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Theresa and Erick emphasize the importance of staying open, taking breaks when needed, and continuing to place yourself in situations where grace can work. With patience and trust, she believes God will bring the right person at the right time.
After all, He did for them!
