Molly, originally from Narragansett, Rhode Island, and Patrick, from Metairie, Louisiana, where the pair now reside, matched with each other in June, 2023. Molly had created a CatholicMatch profile a year or so prior, but was not regularly active on the site. At the persistence of a friend, she became a paid member just thirty-two days before Patrick became a paid member. Patrick was in a similar position - he was on and off for about 9 months after a long-term relationship fell through, but ended up paying for a subscription 2 days before they matched.
Molly was drawn to CatholicMatch because she had tried other dating apps but felt that many of the men on those sites didn’t take their faith seriously.
They would put on their profiles that they were Catholic, but when going on dates, she would learn they didn’t attend Mass regularly. Patrick was drawn to CatholicMatch because he knew he wanted to find a spouse whose faith was a priority in her life. If faith was her priority, then he knew other morals, values, and interests would automatically align. He also explored other dating sites, but found most individuals not to be practicing their Catholic faith.
Molly was living in Dallas, Texas, at the time and decided to expand her radius 500 miles, which is how she came across Patrick in Louisiana.
She thought he was cute and a bit mysterious because his profile didn’t share a lot of information, so she liked his page. Patrick was intrigued by her love of fantasy football and her faith, and so decided to like her back and send the first message.
After messaging back and forth for about a week, they had two FaceTime calls. Patrick, coincidentally, already had a trip to Dallas planned a few weeks later to visit a friend and watch a baseball game! Molly was excited to meet in person and curious to see if the conversation flowed as smoothly in person as it did over text and FaceTime. She was, however, nervous about it going too well due to the fact that they lived in different states. Patrick was also intrigued to see how the in-person date would go; he was somewhat nervous, given how well things had gone thus far, but equally as hopeful that this could be something truly special.
Molly found that it was often hard to transition a conversation from messaging online to talking over the phone or meeting in person.
It could be a challenge not to overanalyze every message, and every emoji, when online dating. Someone might seem interested in you, but they were more interested in someone else they were talking to. Patrick’s concerns were that it was challenging to engage in serious conversations while online dating, since it’s much easier when messaging to discuss fun topics, but folks can be hesitant to bring up the serious ones. Overall, though, they both had friends who had met their spouses and significant others through online dating, so they knew it was a method that could be successful with time and intention.
Patrick was initially drawn to Molly because of her exterior beauty, their common interests, and how she worked in a similar profession. He also appreciated how close she seemed to her family and friends and how she appeared to have a strong supporting cast in her life. Now that they have been married 4+ months, Molly’s organization, initiative, and communication when planning and her focus on all the details were admirable traits that Patrick greatly appreciates. Molly was drawn to Patrick's profile because he lived just outside of New Orleans, a city she had never visited but had often hoped to see someday. She could tell from his pictures that he loved to travel, a shared interest that would continue throughout their relationship, and he enjoyed attending live sporting events. Patrick left a few questions blank on his profile. One of them asked how many children he might like to have. This, of course, intrigued Molly and opened the door for some immediate questions during their early conversations.
Now that they are married, Molly greatly appreciates Patrick’s care and concern for her health and well-being and how his primary goal is to lead her closer to Christ. Their birthdays fall on the same week (June 3 and June 9), so that was another fun fact about them that was great for them to learn.
Their first in-person date was Saturday, July 1, 2023. Patrick happened to be visiting Dallas with his dad to watch a baseball game and visit some friends for a long weekend to celebrate Independence Day, and they met at a casual bar called “The Old Monk” for a glass of white wine. Patrick’s dad actually waited in their rental car in a gas station parking lot next to the bar in case the date didn’t go well, but it was a fantastic time! The conversation was wonderful and flowed well, and they both desired to continue getting to know each other.
They met again for ice cream on July 3rd before Patrick left town, which was also a great time.
A few weeks later, Molly came to New Orleans for a weekend. It was a magical time which included some great food, Mass at the Cathedral of St. Louis in the French Quarter, and more great dialogue. The relationship was defined (on July 23, 2023) before Molly left town.
The primary challenge for them was living and dating long-distance for the first year or so of their relationship. When they matched, Molly was living in Dallas, where she had moved for work in 2021. When they agreed to define the relationship, they also agreed to fly back and forth. The constant back-and-forth trips to Dallas/New Orleans was fun at first, but exhausting toward the end. Over a fourteen month period, each of them flew over fourteen times to visit the other, with additional trips to Washington D.C., Rhode Island, and Florida to meet family and friends. They really tried to visit every other week.
They became very accustomed to the airports!
Dallas to New Orleans was about a 1 hour flight, so not too long. Having to celebrate major holidays apart was also difficult, and not being able to give the other person a hug after a challenging day at work often hurt. While dating long-distance, they spoke every day over the phone and even had weekly virtual Bible Studies to continue growing in their faith together.
They knew it made the most sense for Molly to move, as she was renting in Dallas, but Patrick owned a house in Metairie. Additionally, Molly didn’t have family in Dallas (they are back in her home state of Rhode Island), and all of Patrick’s family was in Louisiana. Deciding the right time for Molly to make the move took a lot of prayer, but financially, it made the most sense when her apartment lease was up in August 2024.
Since they were dead-set on not living together until marriage, Molly lived with Patrick's parents for sixteen months before they officially tied the knot. Needless to say, she became very close very quickly to her future mother-in-law and father-in-law!
She is beyond grateful for their hospitality and for welcoming her with open arms. She was even asked to be the Godmother of Patrick's (now their) youngest nephew during this time. Another sweet story is the first time Patrick flew up to Rhode Island to meet Molly’s extended family in December, 2023, and he brought a King Cake (a popular New Orleans dessert) to share some of his culture and hometown. Molly’s family absolutely loved it and now asks for one every time they go to visit.
The proposal took place on December 7, 2024, after the Saturday vigil Mass at their home parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie, LA. They visited the Marian Grotto, and at the opportune time, Patrick asked if Molly wanted to take the next step in making all they had talked about come true. He got down on one knee and Molly said “yes” without even looking at the ring! She was not expecting the proposal that day at all!
They were married on December 13th, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts (the Feast of St. Lucy) after a 1 year engagement.
Boston is where Molly attended college and a city they both love. The highlight for Molly was exchanging handwritten letters the night before, which was the last time they saw each other before walking down the aisle. While dating long distance, they mailed each other many letters, so this was reminiscent of those times. The highlight for Patrick was the Nuptial Mass which was celebrated by one of his high school teachers from his Catholic High School. They both enjoyed dancing with their friends and family who had traveled many hours during the holiday season to celebrate with them. The wedding was also on Molly's parents’ twenty-eighth wedding anniversary, which was very special. The food was delicious as well!
Highlights of their marriage so far have included an amazing honeymoon to Paris, making plans together for the future, discovering they are expecting a new addition to the family,and building a daily routine as husband and wife. The most difficult parts have been making sure expectations are known and clearly communicating what they are in regards to various marital topics like household chores and finances. Doing the dishes is never fun, but as St. Mother Teresa says, “Wash the plate not because it is dirty, nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” Despite any challenges, their love of travel, football, and their faith remains strong as they begin their married life together.
They are expecting their first child on October 31st, 2026!
They are extremely excited to begin this new chapter of life and feel blessed that God has provided them with the opportunity to be parents. They prayed for fertility during their engagement, and while they were on their honeymoon in Paris, France, and visiting different churches. So far the pregnancy has brought them closer together. They think that it’s beautiful to have so much love for a human being that they haven’t met yet. They found out they were expecting on Ash Wednesday and told their families they’re expecting on Easter Sunday. Lots of tears were involved!
Their advice to any current CatholicMatch users is that if you are serious about finding a spouse, become a paid member! The benefits are much greater. Additionally, don’t be afraid to expand your search radius and trust in God’s plan for you. You never know who might feel a calling to move. Molly’s maid of honor met her fiancé on CatholicMatch as well, and they have encouraged several of their single friends to sign up.
