Catholic Dating Basics
A New Roadmap
for Catholic Dating
A small group program for campus ministry and young adult groups
The Mission
Create a Healthy Dating Culture
Create a better, healthier Catholic dating culture—and do it together in a fun, informative, supportive small group!
Welcome to Catholic Dating Basics!
This dynamic small group program is based on the widely-acclaimed book Pretty Good Catholic: How to Find, Date, and Marry Someone Who Shares Your Faith.
With videos from author Rachel Canto and her husband, you’ll dive into controversial dating topics and get real-world advice.
So get ready for some deep discussion and a grace-filled transformation of your dating life!
A Small Group on Catholic Dating
- Discover a new vision of Catholic dating
- Grow in virtue with your peers
- Get practical tips and take real steps toward building a healthy, holy relationship
- Prepare for a potential future marriage
- Make friends, go on dates, and have fun!
Based on the Book
Pretty Good Catholic
“Witty, honest, and thorough… Pretty Good Catholic is a comprehensive ‘bible’ for dating that will transform your dating life into the glorious life that God intends for you. I wish I had this book when I was single! I would have had less anxiety and more real joyful fun!”
Cristina Pineda, Professional Matchmaker
How it Works
What’s involved in
Catholic Dating Basics?
01
Seven Meetings
Groups gather seven times, typically seven weeks in a row. The first meeting is a kick-off mixer with both men and women. The next five meetings will be held in separate, small groups of each sex.
02
Pretty Good Catholic
This highly-acclaimed book will be the foundation of your discussions.
03
Videos
Each meeting will start with a video from Enrique & Rachel Canto to kickstart your group discussion
04
Discussion questions and challenges
The discussion guide helps groups dive into important topics and share their personal experiences. Plus there’s a “weekly challenge” to take small, manageable steps forward in your dating life.
05
Final Social Activity
For the final meeting, the men’s and women’s groups come back together for a social event, such as a dance, party, or speed dating session.
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
Song of Solomon 3:4
An Offline Experience
Catholic Dating Basics happens in the real world, without phones or apps.
Men and women get together to learn about dating, discuss real issues, and build healthy relationships.
What It Covers
How to Date as a Catholic
in the Modern Culture
Catholic Dating Basics presents a vision of healthy dating while at the same time being realistic about the difficulties men and women face in today’s culture.
At each meeting, participants will dive into the big questions about life and love, while also getting very practical about where to meet people and how to have a great date.
At the end of the program, both men and women will have a clear roadmap on how to start and sustain a happy, holy relationship.
Leading the Group
As a group leader, you’re not expected to be an expert on relationships. Rather, you’re a facilitator, encourager, and example of how to approach dating with joy and intentionality.
Seven Weeks to Healthy Dating
Meeting 1
Why is Catholic Dating so Hard?
Meeting 2
How to Meet Matches
Meeting 3
Friendship as Foundation – No “Friendlationships”!
Meeting 4
Discerning Marriage – The Tough Questions
Meeting 5
Dating with Faith Differences
Meeting 6
Chastity and Physical Affection
Meeting 7
Conclusion and Social Event
PRETTY GOOD CATHOLIC
Real Talk About Dating
“Pretty Good Catholic is shockingly relatable. I think every young Catholic should read this before, during, and after college! This is the real stuff you need to know to date well in today’s culture.”
Chloe Quigley, Catholic social media manager
Needed Materials
What You Need to Get Started
The Leader Package includes access to all seven videos, plus one Leader Guide, one Discussion Guide, and one copy of Pretty Good Catholic. Then simply order enough books and discussion guides for participants.
About the Author
Rachel Hoover Canto
Rachel became deeply interested in the Catholic dating scene while leading a Catholic singles group in Nashville. She consulted experts, interviewed folks at CatholicMatch, and even befriended a professional matchmaker. After publishing several viral articles on Catholic dating, she wrote Pretty Good Catholic as a how-to guide for single men and women. While writing the book, Rachel took her own advice and met the love of her life. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and their son.
Catholic Dating Basics
A New Roadmap
for Catholic Dating
A small group program for campus ministry and young adult groups
The Mission
Create a Healthy Dating Culture
Create a better, healthier Catholic dating culture—and do it together in a fun, informative, supportive small group!
Welcome to Catholic Dating Basics!
This dynamic small group program is based on the widely-acclaimed book Pretty Good Catholic: How to Find, Date, and Marry Someone Who Shares Your Faith.
With videos from author Rachel Canto and her husband, you’ll dive into controversial dating topics and get real-world advice.
So get ready for some deep discussion and a grace-filled transformation of your dating life!
A Small Group on Catholic Dating
- Discover a new vision of Catholic dating
- Grow in virtue with your peers
- Get practical tips and take real steps toward building a healthy, holy relationship
- Prepare for a potential future marriage
- Make friends, go on dates, and have fun!
Based on the Book
Pretty Good Catholic
“Witty, honest, and thorough… Pretty Good Catholic is a comprehensive ‘bible’ for dating that will transform your dating life into the glorious life that God intends for you. I wish I had this book when I was single! I would have had less anxiety and more real joyful fun!”
Cristina Pineda, Professional Matchmaker
How it Works
What’s involved in
Catholic Dating Basics?
01
Seven Meetings
Groups gather seven times, typically seven weeks in a row. The first meeting is a kick-off mixer with both men and women. The next five meetings will be held in separate, small groups of each sex.
02
Pretty Good Catholic
This highly-acclaimed book will be the foundation of your discussions.
03
Videos
Each meeting will start with a video from Enrique & Rachel Canto to kickstart your group discussion
04
Discussion questions and challenges
The discussion guide helps groups dive into important topics and share their personal experiences. Plus there’s a “weekly challenge” to take small, manageable steps forward in your dating life.
05
Final Social Activity
For the final meeting, the men’s and women’s groups come back together for a social event, such as a dance, party, or speed dating session.
An Offline Experience
Catholic Dating Basics happens in the real world, without phones or apps. Men and women get together to learn about dating, discuss real issues, and build healthy relationships.
What It Covers
How to Date as a Catholic
in the Modern Culture
Catholic Dating Basics presents a vision of healthy dating while at the same time being realistic about the difficulties men and women face in today’s culture.
At each meeting, participants will dive into the big questions about life and love, while also getting very practical about where to meet people and how to have a great date.
At the end of the program, both men and women will have a clear roadmap on how to start and sustain a happy, holy relationship.
Leading the Group
As a group leader, you’re not expected to be an expert on relationships. Rather, you’re a facilitator, encourager, and example of how to approach dating with joy and intentionality.
Seven Weeks to Healthy Dating
Meeting 1
Why is Catholic Dating so Hard?
Meeting 2
How to Meet Matches
Meeting 3
Friendship as Foundation – No “Friendlationships”!
Meeting 4
Discerning Marriage – The Tough Questions
Meeting 5
Dating with Faith Differences
Meeting 6
Chastity and Physical Affection
Meeting 7
Conclusion and Social Event
PRETTY GOOD CATHOLIC
Real Talk About Dating
“Pretty Good Catholic is shockingly relatable. I think every young Catholic should read this before, during, and after college! This is the real stuff you need to know to date well in today’s culture.”
Chloe Quigley, Catholic social media manager
Needed Materials
Create a Healthy
Dating Culture
The Leader Package includes access to all seven videos, plus one Leader Guide, one Discussion Guide, and one copy of Pretty Good Catholic. Then simply order enough books and discussion guides for participants.
About the Author
Rachel Hoover Canto
Rachel became deeply interested in the Catholic dating scene while leading a Catholic singles group in Nashville. She consulted experts, interviewed folks at CatholicMatch, and even befriended a professional matchmaker. After publishing several viral articles on Catholic dating, she wrote Pretty Good Catholic as a how-to guide for single men and women. While writing the book, Rachel took her own advice and met the love of her life. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and their new son!