Features
CatholicMatch is aimed at singles that are serious about their Catholic beliefs and takes great care to guarantee that only those of faith are able to sign up and talk to other members. It is also very careful in making sure the content posted by its user-base is appropriate for and does not conflict with, or go against, the church’s teachings or the Catholic way.
Getting Started
Before signing up, you can see a preview of the kind of members available in your area. If you like what you see, you can go ahead and sign up. All you have to do is enter some personal details. It also requests information on your background – for example your upbringing, family, children, work and education – as well as extensive details regarding your Catholic faith, like how much you practice your faith, how often you attend mass and which of the church’s doctrine and teachings you accept. Though it is somewhat more demanding than the majority of dating sites, these specificities not only help make the site a safe place for genuine Catholics only, but will also help CatholicMatch to find you the best matches and save you from wasting time on people you are not fundamentally compatible with.
Matching System
Matchmaking is a strong point for CatholicMatch, who established a strong user base over the years. All the faith-related questions you’ve answered during the registration come in play later, when people are checking out your profile. Your similarities in belief and lifestyle can be a strong link between two people. As well as your profile picture. Interestingly, the system limits your options when watching other users’ images, until you upload your own. CatholicMatch notifies you every time someone visits your profile page, so you can pay a visit as well. Although the site presents you a list of possible partners, you can start a manual search too.
The service boasts three interesting features exclusive to CatholicMatch only. The first is the Match Portrait, which works similarly to a personality test. It evaluates your answers, and compares them to your partner’s. The second feature is called the Personal Interview. Here you can create multiple-answer questions that will be shown to the others. Their answers then help you decide whether you are a match or not. The third feature is another test, called the Temperament Test. It evaluates your natural tendencies and habits.
Communication
CatholicMatch allows Christian users to meet online and share their thoughts on multiple levels. The basic way of communicating with your partner is done through email messages, but you are allowed to start chatting as well, if you feel yourself ready. Besides these two options, you can also partake in some group conversations. CatholicMatch has an active blog section where people share their ideas and opinions on different topics. You also find some pages dedicated to helping newcomers. Even better, the site sports three different chat rooms, where up to 20 slots are open for people. Unfortunately, you need to be a premium member to enjoy these benefits.
Mobile
Currently CatholicMatch lacks proper smartphone support. They only enabled a mobile-compatible version of their website, while an actual app for Android and iOS systems is still pending. Luckily, the mobile friendly website is compensative enough. You basically get the same website, with the general look and design carried over, only with some tweaks here and there to make things easier with a touchscreen. Your profile holds all the information you set up from your desktop, and you can find all the major features as well. Even though accessing the site from a mobile’s browser comes with connectivity issues and lengthy loading times, this is your only option at the moment. Which is a shame, as a strong mobile app adds to the value of a dating site, because people can easily check on their mails while sitting on the bus or having a lunch break.
Pricing
CatholicMatch offers its services for an affordable price. Keep in mind that your account remains free as long as you wish, but your options are restricted this way. In case you don’t feel committed enough, you can start with one month, although it’s more expensive this way. One month of subscription costs you $29.95, but it can be renewed or upgraded. The 3-month plan comes for a friendlier price, as they bill you $19.95 per month (in one easy payment). The semi-annual plan is not only the most budget-friendly option, but it also gives you a unique protection. The CatholicMatch Guarantee ensures your best chance to find a partner. If you fail to get in a relationship during the initial 6 months, the system automatically renews you for another 6 months for free! This plan costs $12.49 each month.
Customer Service
Given the nature of the site and its user base, CatholicMatch.com has strict profile guidelines to which you must adhere to get accepted. There are also strict rules you have to accept and follow before using various features of the site, such as the chat rooms. The system eliminates any user who shows improper behavior or shows signs of a fake account. In case you face a problem, need an advice or want to report someone, you can do so by sending the customer service an email or by visiting the community forum. The site also maintains an active presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Bottom Line
CatholicMatch was a pleasant surprise for us. Besides having a solid matchmaking service that caters to people who value their faith in their relationship, the site has many minor extras that make your membership a group experience. You can send messages, chat, or join one of the three chat rooms and talk to others. CatholicMatch also allows you to express yourself in forums and blog sections, or partake in an interesting poll. Even though the site locked all communication functions behind a paywall, they make up for it with the three extra matchmaking features and the matchmaking guarantee. In case you long to be part of a Catholic community where you not only find love but friends as well, CatholicMatch is perfect for you.
