The Catholic Sun :: Phoenix Diocesan Newspaper

Adore 2097, a national worship ministry, is sponsoring “Dating Really Stinks,” a four-part series offering reflections on dating, relationships and marriage, both musically and through adoration, over the coming months.

The dating message “is so important because no one is telling young adults what the purpose of dating is,” said Bill Marcotte, director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization.

“We have all kinds of ideas that we have all learned through today’s media,” he said. “If we follow what we see in this culture, dating relationships end up a mess.”

Marcotte hopes the series will reveal God’s purpose for dating in a humorous and entertaining manner.

The “Dating Really Stinks” series will follow the same format throughout the program’s duration. After worship through song, led by local Catholic musician Matt Maher, Adore 2097 founder Paul George speaks on the topic of the night. Participants then end the night in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, then worshiping again in song.

George focused on the purpose of dating last month. He said dating should be conscious of its purpose, of human dignity and should have “God-ward momentum.”

Young adults should also carefully examine their potential partner for a faith commitment, he said.

George said that a great test for a potential dating partner would be to ask if “that person would love God more than they love you,” George said. “When that person has that priority, that is attractive.”

That point is one that stuck in the mind of Stephanie Cannon, a junior at Arizona State University.

“I’m agreeing with the whole ‘dating stinks thing,” said Cannon, indicating past relationships and “bad break-ups” as the cause of her opinion. However, in attending the “Dating Really Stinks” night, she realized she was not alone in her thoughts.

“It’s cool that other people are going through the same thing and it’s just cool to know that you’ve got God, no matter if you have anybody else,” Cannon said.

“If you can meet someone that says they love God more than they love you, then that’s cool. Just to have a God-driven relationship” would be great, she said.

Future “Dating Really Stinks” programs include March 28, April 11 and May 2, at 7:30 p.m., at the All Saints Catholic Newman Center. The nights will maintain a similar format, but its topics will gradually trace the steps to marriage.

Marcotte hopes the “Dating Really Stinks” series is just the beginning of a vibrant Catholic young adult community in the Valley.

“I believe the Holy Spirit has a plan for young adult ministry here in Phoenix and having these Adore 2097 evenings is just the beginning,” Marcotte said.

“I believe it is through worship and bringing people to Jesus in the Eucharist that great transformation and conversion will take place in the hearts of young adults.”