Michele Stanek’s dating Web site was born of a desire to become involved in ministry to singles, young adults and teens.
In an effort to boost membership and give members more potential matches to choose from, Stanek is offering a free lifetime membership to the first 200 people who sign up, complete an online profile and post a photograph. The dating Web site is just the first phase of Stanek’s ministry, however.
Stanek eventually hopes to launch a separate Web site for teens. This site would have content geared toward Catholic youths and provide a place to advertise teen Masses and events. Message boards and live chat sessions would also be available.
Through her ministry, Stanek would eventually like to organize retreats and music-filled youth Masses, where teens could learn that it’s alright to be passionate about God, she said.
WNYCatholicConnect.com is a nonprofit organization, and the money raised through membership fees will be used to build these ministries and bring the faith alive to young people, Stanek said. For this reason, she doesn’t think people will mind paying a membership fee to use the Catholic dating site.
"They know that even if they don’t meet anybody their money is going to help build youth ministry," Stanek said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In October 2011 Stanek notified the Catholic Courier that WNYCatholicConnect.com is no longer an active site.
