TENNYSON WROTE, TO paraphrase: In spring, a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy turns to thoughts of love. For young Catholics entering, re-entering or thinking about deepening the dating experience, there is no better time of year. And what better place to do so than Orange County? With its stunning landscape and diverse cultural opportunities, the OC is blooming with date-night ideas.
When it comes to dating as a young adult, “There are a lot of ways to be creative,” said Tricia Tembreull, coordinator of the Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange. In her role, Tembreull helps guide young adults in their faith journey, discernment, formation and relationship with faith, God and each other, including dating.
ORANGE COUNTY OFFERS A STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH ABUNDANT BEACHES AND HIKING TRAILS. PHOTO BY MOS SUKJAROENKRAISRI ON UNSPLASH
“In Orange County there are so many great options,” said Emily Wilson Hussem, a Catholic speaker, author and co-founder of Sacred Spark, a Catholic dating and matchmaking app. However, before diving full-on into the search for romance and a soulmate, both Tembreull and Wilson Hussem said one should take a moment of reflection and prayer.
“You should ask yourself, ‘Why do I want to date?’” Tembreull said. “Make sure this is the place you want to be and ask yourself, ‘Why I’m single?’”
Wilson Hussem, whose dating app includes a Dating 101 section, as well as advice, including from peers and other tools, said of young adults, “So many jump in without guidance. They haven’t prayed about what they’re looking for, the kind of person they want to meet. It’s important to pray, to discern.” It’s not just about dating, but “dating well,” she said.
The diocese is in the process of expanding its young adult ministry efforts not only at the diocesan level, but at the parish level also. This is where young adult groups are flourishing, and more groups are on the horizon. Such groups can help ease young adults into like-minded communities before taking the leap to one-on-one relationships.
“We’re trying to create environments and relationships where they can network with other young adults,” Tembreull said, noting many young adults entered dating age during COVID-19 and lacked the opportunity to develop face-to-face human relationships. The diocese recently hosted a speed dating event, which it hopes to make a periodic feature, with about 40 attendees between the ages of 25 and 35. The diocese also offers periodic “Date Night Kits” for couples, which offer selected items and a list of local date ideas. There is even childcare available for young married couples with kids.
Here are a few places and concepts for young Catholics to consider for dating:
GO ON A MISSION
You don’t have to be Catholic to be entranced by Mission San Juan Capistrano; hundreds of visitors from all faiths visit there each year. With 10 acres of manicured grounds and gardens, including the Sacred Garden adjacent to the Serra Chapel, the Mission is abloom with spring flora.
This is also the time to look for the legendary swallows, who nest in the mission eaves March through October. Although the number of the small cliff dwellers has declined over the years, it can be fun to search them out. This is also the 250th anniversary of the Mission with special programming and displays scheduled.
THE TEA HOUSE LOCATED ON HISTORIC LOS RIOS STREET IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO IS ONE OF SEVERAL DINING OPTIONS NEAR THE HISTORIC MISSION. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY
After visiting the Mission, you can explore historic and cultural sites, such as the Los Rios Historic District, with an array of shopping and antiquing opportunities. And talking about a foodie paradise, SJC has it all from coffee to high-end eateries. There’s even a Metrolink station that will drop you downtown.
While San Juan Capistrano may be the crown jewel of the Missions, it is not the only one.
“Any one of the missions is an amazing option,” Wilson Hussem said. “And usually there are eateries nearby.”
If you’re game for a road trip, the Old Mission Santa Barbara is “the Queen of the Missions.” Or there’s Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside. Both are steeped in history, classic architecture, noted for their gardens and feature proximity to dining and entertainment.
CHRIST CATHEDRAL
The diocesan seat is not just for worship, it is also a destination for visitors. Docents offer tours with insider views and history of the home church. Or feel free to stroll the grounds on your own and take in the statuary and sights spread across the campus, including the Our Lady of La Vang Marian shrine. If you come at the right times, you can hear the world-famous Hazel Wright organ filling the Cathedral with sacred sounds either during a Mass or in concert. We suggest www.christcathedralcalifornia.org as a good launch spot.
The campus is also playing host to the acclaimed “Shroud of Turin: An Immersive Experience.”
CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS OFFERS BEAUTIFUL WALKING PATHS.
Wilson Hussem suggested bringing a picnic and spreading out in one of the many grassy areas or at a table in the courtyard.
OTHER THOUGHTS
Sometimes, it makes sense to be gradual about working faith early into dating until you have a sense whether a budding relationship has roots. Or you can combine a little of both. How about Confession followed by a coffee, or an aperitif after Adoration, or perhaps attending Mass followed by a meal at a local restaurant?
Otherwise, there are countless options in Orange and Los Angeles counties where young adults can see if they mesh. From world-class museums to entertainment venues, to shopping and downtown destinations, the possibilities abound. An escape room, cooking, dancing or craft classes. Beaches, parks, sports, hiking trails or a standby like dinner and a movie.
Tembreull and Wilson Hussem suggested the best activities are those where you can get to know the person you are dating one-on-one without stress or expectation.
Save the big stuff for later and don’t sweat it.
“It’s important to trust in the Lord and his timing,” Tembreull said. “Bring it to the Lord and trust he has your back.”