For Daniel and Theresa, love wasn’t something they were actively chasing—it was something they entrusted to God.
After both navigated the end of marriages that lasted more than 20 years, the idea of starting over came with uncertainty. In many ways, they were entering unfamiliar territory again—older, wiser, and more grounded in their faith, but also aware of the risks that come with opening one’s heart a second time.
They weren’t searching for a fairy-tale ending. Instead, they joined CatholicMatch hoping to meet people who shared their faith and values, trusting that any meaningful connection would have to be rooted in something deeper.
“We weren’t necessarily looking for ‘the one’ right away,” they said.
What followed felt less like a coincidence and more like providence.
A Perfectly Timed Beginning...
Their approaches to CatholicMatch reflected different expectations. Daniel signed up for just one month, while Theresa committed to a full year from the start.
“The timing was almost comical: I had signed up for just one month, while she—perhaps with more long-term faith in the process—signed up for a full year,” they said. “As it turned out, she only needed one day.”
They connected on Theresa’s very first night using the platform, an early moment that neither of them could have predicted would lead to something lasting. What began as a simple exchange quickly deepened into a more meaningful conversation.
Once they began chatting through the app, it became clear that there was a connection they both wanted to explore more deeply. Their conversations reflected not only shared interests, but a common perspective on faith, relationships, and the role God plays in both.
The First Date: A Sign from Above!
Their first in-person meeting took place in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they spent the day on a walking scavenger hunt—an experience that was both lighthearted and revealing.
“We spent the day in the city and slowly getting to know one another,” Daniel said. “The ‘hunt’ came to an unexpected and perfect end when we found ourselves standing in front of a local Catholic Church just as Mass was beginning.”
Without hesitation, they joined the congregation and went inside to worship together, setting aside their plans in favor of something more meaningful. For both of them, it was a moment that brought clarity.
“Ending our first date in the presence of the Eucharist was the clearest sign we could have asked for.”
Faith Across the Many Miles...
As their relationship developed, they faced a practical challenge: distance. For several months, they maintained a long-distance relationship between Texas and Mississippi, separated by a five and a half hour drive.
The logistics were not simple. Time, travel, and the demands of daily life required effort and sacrifice. But both were committed to seeing where the relationship could lead.
“It wasn’t easy, but the foundation we built through prayer and constant communication made the miles feel shorter,” Daniel said.
Rather than allowing the distance to create strain, they leaned into the habits that had already begun to shape their relationship—consistent communication, intentional time together, and a shared reliance on prayer.
Their faith was not just something they had in common; it became the anchor that sustained them through uncertainty and helped them discern what came next.
Eventually, a job relocation brought Daniel to Texas, giving them the opportunity to continue building their relationship in closer proximity and to see how their connection would grow without the barrier of distance.
Then Came A New Beginning
The move marked a turning point in their relationship.
“Eventually, a job relocation brought me to Texas, allowing us to see if our ‘long-distance’ love could thrive in the same zip code.”
They continued to date for three years, building a relationship grounded in trust, shared faith, and a deeper understanding of one another’s lives and experiences. Over time, what began as a hopeful connection became a clear vocation.
They eventually decided to get engaged. Today, they have been happily married for over two years.
They say their marriage stands as a testament to patience, faith, and trust in God’s timing—especially in seasons when the path forward is not immediately clear.
They still find joy in how their story began.
“We often laugh about those initial subscriptions. She still has about 364 days of ‘unused’ time from that first year—but we wouldn’t trade our story for anything.”
For Daniel and Theresa, their journey is not just about finding each other—it’s about recognizing how God was present in every step along the way.
“We are living proof that even after a long chapter closes, God has a way of writing a beautiful new one when you least expect it,” they said. “We truly would have never met without CatholicMatch.”
