Who is Catholic speed dating for?
Catholic speed dating is for those who are discerning (or have discerned) God's call to marriage and family life...but who have not yet met the person God is calling them to. Whether you are single, widowed, healed after an annulment, and regardless of whether or not you have children, Catholic speed dating is an opportunity to meet others of the same faith.
Why speed dating?
Sometimes spending just a few minutes face-to-face with a person is a great way to know if you would enjoy spending more time with them. Knowing that the other person is Catholic ensures a greater chance of sharing the same values. And the great thing about speed dating is that you'll get to easily meet several people in a short amount of time. Even before the National Catholic Singles Conference officially begins, you'll know people!
What are we discerning?
The purpose of Catholic Speed Dating is to discern if you would be open to communicating more with the person sometime later. Our hope is that more communication might eventually lead to a few wonderful dates...which might eventually lead to strong, Catholic marriages and families -- which our world so desperately needs! At the very least, we hope that the event will introduce you to new friends who share the same state of life with you.
Isn't speed dating superficial?
Not Catholic speed dating. We, as Catholics, understand
that God made us to be both body and soul. We are just as much of a soul as we are a body. And while initial attractions can
sometimes be because of the body, husbands and wives must love each other as WHOLE persons. What is inside counts. A person’s faith, character, values,
and ideals are what make us who we are. And we want GOD at the center of our dating relationships
because we want GOD at the center of our future marriage! Catholic speed dating is about being purposeful with our language and actions. It's about inviting God into our dating experiences and keeping Him at the center. It's about sincere and intentional interactions with those whom we meet. It's about using the natural gifts and talents that God has given us as we await His perfect timing in meeting our spouse. It's about being open to whatever is God's will for us.
When and where is this event happening?
On Friday, September 27th 2013, the Catholic Speed Dating event will take place in the Junior Ballroom of the Double Tree Hotel in King of Prussia. Registration (and sign-in for already registered participants) will begin at 1:30 PM. Speed dating will begin at 2 PM and conclude at 4 PM. If you're flying in from out-of-state to participate in this event, keep in mind that King of Prussia is about 30 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport. With Friday afternoon traffic, though, you should allow yourself at least one hour of travel time. The address of the hotel is 301 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
I can't make the 1:30 PM sign-in, and I also can't be there for the 2 PM start. May I come late?
Yes! Although the amount of people you'll meet will be less if you are late, it is better to come late than not at all! Our unique format will allow you to "join in" at whatever time you arrive. Speed dating will conclude at 4 PM.
What does it cost?
To participate in Catholic Speed Dating, we ask for $20 in advance or $25 at the door. On the day of the event, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Personal checks will not be accepted.
Do I need to be registered for the National Catholic Singles Conference to attend this event?
No. Any adult can participate in Catholic Speed Dating. Our event is considered a "pre-conference" event which is being hosted by the National Catholic Singles Conference and which will be happening in their reserved ballroom. You should have plenty of time after speed dating to grab a bite to eat before the opening mass of the National Catholic Singles Conference.
Does age matter?
No! Any adult of any age is welcome to participate. We usually see a wide range of participants that are in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. But, don't worry about age differences; our unique speed dating format will allow participants to choose who they wish to meet. We want you to feel comfortable!
How many people are participating in Catholic speed dating?
We won't know until the actual event begins, but many people have already paid and pre-registered through this website. We're hoping for high numbers (since the National Catholic Singles Conference draws 400 to 500 people each year), but we'll just have to see what God does with it. Please join us in lifting up this event in prayer!
Will there be the same amount of men and women participating?
Roughly, yes. We cannot guarantee that there will be the same amount of men and women participating, but our unique speed dating format should get the numbers to be roughly the same -- and allow everyone an opportunity to meet as many persons of the opposite gender as possible.
Do I need to show ID at the door?
Yes, please bring an official form of photo identification (such as a driver's license or U.S. passport). This will especially be important for those who have pre-registered.
What should I wear?
Please dress as you would on a first date! Dress comfortably and tastefully.
When should I arrive?
Although speed dating won't begin until 2 PM, please try to arrive at 1:30 PM. Whether you've registered ahead of time online or plan to pay at the door, we'll need some time with you in the beginning for simple things like obtaining or confirming your contact information, giving you a name tag, and giving you other things, like recording paperwork and something to write with. If you are running late, though, do not panic. You can arrive and "join in" at any time up until its conclusion at 4 PM.
What's the format?
You will have approximately 5 minutes to chat with a person of the opposite gender. Unlike the photograph above, you and this person will SIT comfortably and speak privately at your own sweetheart table. You may ask questions and talk about whatever you wish, and a list of helpful "conversation starters" will be there at the table to facilitate discussion. We'll give you note paper and something to write with so that you can take notes on the people you meet, if you wish. Remember, you are not yet discerning if this person is your spouse; you're simply deciding whether or not you'd like to communicate more with them in the future!
Do I need to make a decision about the person within 5 minutes?
No. Your dignity and privacy are our priority, so there will be no need to verbally say "yes" or "no" to a person when you are face-to-face with them. In fact, we strongly suggest that, during a 5-minute date, you do NOT exchange contact information. Instead, all exchange of contact information will be done later...and privately...and only with your consent.
How long will the speed dating event last?
Dating will last for two hours, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Our goal is make you comfortable, so you may stop and take a break from dating at any time if you need refreshments or want use the restroom. Our unique speed dating format will make it easy for you to "jump back in" whenever you are ready again.
When will I receive the names and contact information of those who are interested in me?
Just before you exit the ballroom at 4 PM, you will receive this information privately and confidentially.
If online registration is temporarily closed for my gender, does that mean I can't participate?
You CAN still participate! Please come to the event early and stand in line. If you bring a friend of the opposite gender with you, this will make your entrance even easier, since doing so will help us to keep our numbers even. Or, you can email us at BlessedBePhotographyLLC@gmail.com if you'd like to be notified as soon as online registration is available again. Say a little prayer and have confidence that you will get in! :)
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We're happy to answer any further questions you may have about the upcoming Catholic Speed Dating event! Please send us an email at BlessedBePhotographyLLC@gmail.com.
