How to Date at a Catholic College

“Many young Catholics find more than truth on campus — they may just find a future spouse!” Kelly Salomon wrote for the Cardinal Newman Society.

Salomon wrote that the kinds of colleges recommended by The Newman Guide are good at promoting health relationships and teaching authentic Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality through academic courses and Student Life programs.

“Graduates of these colleges are bright lights in a culture that often distorts the true meaning of relationships,” she wrote.

The article’s primary example of this is Cecilia Pigg — a Gregorian Fellow graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.

“While a student at Benedictine, Pigg discerned her vocation to marriage during spiritual direction, and she met her husband Ryan on campus,” sums up Kelly Salomon. “Now she serves as the editor of CatholicMatch.com.”

Cecilia’s number one advice, she said, is simple: “Ask people out on dates!” and “If you are asked out by someone, say yes.” You have to make yourself vulnerable to advance. Remember:  “It’s just a date. Dates are opportunities for growth.”

But don’t date someone exclusively your freshman year, she adds.  “If you are both still interested sophomore year, go for it. But most people change a lot freshman year, and it is better to be single and navigate life and yourself without the added pressure of a relationship,” Pigg said.