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+--- Thread: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On (/showthread.php?tid=403)
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RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - enchantmentadm - 08-23-2026
(08-23-2026, 05:48 PM)MaryAlice Wrote:(05-14-2026, 05:28 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: We are approaching two years since Catholic Match forums ended. I believe the date is May 18. How is everybody doing? Are you still on CM? I reluctantly renewed my membership for another year but sometimes wonder why. Apparently, they have dropped speed dating for no apparent reason and now have their own version of the Dating Game, which seems rather silly. I am grateful to still have this forum to keep in touch with old friends. But it seems that many have fallen by the wayside since the beginning. A lot of work went into this forum. Consequently, it is sad to see it so underused. Any ideas about how to give this forum a shot in the arm?
Here's an idea, Armand ........
Open up the topics to current and historical events. There are huge numbers of things going on in the world, and I, for one, would like to have a civil, reasonable, rational conversation, along with a large dose of common sense, with someone about these events.
In the CM fora, I know that many people were censored [I was censored twice
With that, if Catholic Hangout would allow topics relating to current events, this might give us the shot in the arm for which you're looking. Frankly, I've lost interest in this platform because of the incessant drivel regarding alphabet soup and the play on words' threads. Those topics don't really give me much reason for any deep thought or commentary.
Lastly, daring to take a stance here and now, I can hardly wait until fauci gets put in jail, given all the damage he caused many, many people. May God have mercy on his soul.
(06-04-2026, 07:18 AM)English Rose Wrote: [ ... ]
A way to invigorate this site would be the ability to discuss more controversial topics, including politics. There is so much going on in the world, I would find it helpful to be able to discuss with you guys. The discussions would HAVE to held in a respectful way.
[ ... ]
Thank you, English Rose, I second the motion.
Joshua, what say you?
Thank you, Mary Alice. I agree wholeheartedly. Participation on this forum is now critically low. The only threads that are consistently active are the "Fun and Games" threads and even these are down to two active members. I agree that opening up the forum to discussion of current and historical events (including, I dare say it, politics) would give the forum a much needed shot in the arm. The ban on discussion of these topics on CM forums was actually a relatively recent innovation, occurring sometime during the COVID lockdown. This means that these topics were fair game for most of the forum's history, which I believe began around 2004. I think a few bad apples ruined it for everyone else. I doubt that would be a problem here. I don't see anyone among our few remaining active members becoming ugly or nasty when discussing these topics. If so, the forum moderator reserves the right to remove the person's post or to shut down the thread. Something must be done to stimulate more interest in this forum. Otherwise, it will continue to wither on the vine. Therefore, I respectfully request that the policy be changed to allow discussion of current (and historical) events on this forum.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - MaryAlice - 08-24-2026
Thank you, Armand .....
Okay, Joshua, you're one of the ones who got this platform rolling a couple years ago ..... we now have three peeps (English Rose, Armand, and myself) who'd like this platform opened up to current and historical events, and very likely, some politics, as long as we all keep our comments rather civil.
What say you?
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Jericho - 08-25-2026
Hi Fellow members!
I have promised Don that we will not enter into political discussions. CatholicHangout's main purpose is to be a safe haven for all catholics from other secular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
I remember reading an old CM thread where the Admin had to end a Political room because of the nasty posts they found. There are other platforms for political discussions. Political is not in the CatholicHangout wheelhouse.
I also understand the frustration of the "there is not nothing much to do here other than Fun and Games thread." In my busy schedule and commitment to my local parish, I am doing my best to find ways to promote the love God wants us to have with one another on this forum.
However, we must bring all of our desires to Jesus as He is our ultimate fulfillment. Our future spouses, this forum, or anything else cannot replace His Love for us. When we place our trust in Him, all of our fears, worries and anxieties dissipate.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Diane - 08-25-2026
Good morning to all and long time no see
(05-14-2026, 05:28 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: We are approaching two years since Catholic Match forums ended. I believe the date is May 18. How is everybody doing? Are you still on CM? I reluctantly renewed my membership for another year but sometimes wonder why. Apparently, they have dropped speed dating for no apparent reason and now have their own version of the Dating Game, which seems rather silly. I am grateful to still have this forum to keep in touch with old friends. But it seems that many have fallen by the wayside since the beginning. A lot of work went into this forum. Consequently, it is sad to see it so underused. Any ideas about how to give this forum a shot in the arm?
Good morning and so nice to see you all here. I renewed on CM when the price was rock bottom and there was really no point to it. I dont feel much excitement about dating at all. Let alone try to get along with someone 2000 miles away. I do miss the chat there and of course I miss Don dearly. Its incredible what a wonderful companion he was during the last years of his life to me. I feel so blessed to have known him and all of you.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - enchantmentadm - 08-25-2026
(08-25-2026, 01:44 PM)Diane Wrote: Good morning to all and long time no see
(05-14-2026, 05:28 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: We are approaching two years since Catholic Match forums ended. I believe the date is May 18. How is everybody doing? Are you still on CM? I reluctantly renewed my membership for another year but sometimes wonder why. Apparently, they have dropped speed dating for no apparent reason and now have their own version of the Dating Game, which seems rather silly. I am grateful to still have this forum to keep in touch with old friends. But it seems that many have fallen by the wayside since the beginning. A lot of work went into this forum. Consequently, it is sad to see it so underused. Any ideas about how to give this forum a shot in the arm?
Good morning and so nice to see you all here. I renewed on CM when the price was rock bottom and there was really no point to it. I dont feel much excitement about dating at all. Let alone try to get along with someone 2000 miles away. I do miss the chat there and of course I miss Don dearly. Its incredible what a wonderful companion he was during the last years of his life to me. I feel so blessed to have known him and all of you.
Welcome back, Diane. "No point to it" is my feeling exactly about renewing on CM. I renewed in April for one year (at the regular price) and am wondering why. I think I have sent two messages since then, which achieved no results. Maybe there is a fear of missing out but then I see what I would have missed out on. I don't feel much excitement about dating at this point either.
As for dating someone 2,000 miles away or even somewhat less, I am more adamant than ever about not wanting to do long distance, maybe one hour to two hours max. About two years ago, I pushed out my boundaries to 500 miles in any direction. This included cities like Denver and Tucson. Nothing came of it. I ended up meeting one lady, who lived in the same state about 100 miles away. It went nowhere.
CM and other sites are constantly trying to convince people to do long distance. But my experience is that most people do not want to do long distance. That was the feedback I got from the messages I sent to women in remote cities. Maybe this is more true of my age group and younger people are more willing.
I also dislike CM's new messaging system. It is good that they are requiring a minimum word count. But there is a price for it. There are now no paragraph breaks. One of the things I always thought set CM apart from other sites is that you could send long and detailed messages. You can still do that but it is harder with no paragraph breaks. It has been proven that people stop reading if a paragraph just goes on and on without a break.
I miss Don's wit and wisdom also. I feel that this forum would be in a better place now if he were still around.
(08-25-2026, 11:48 AM)Jericho Wrote: Hi Fellow members!
I have promised Don that we will not enter into political discussions. CatholicHangout's main purpose is to be a safe haven for all catholics from other secular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
I remember reading an old CM thread where the Admin had to end a Political room because of the nasty posts they found. There are other platforms for political discussions. Political is not in the CatholicHangout wheelhouse.
I also understand the frustration of the "there is not nothing much to do here other than Fun and Games thread." In my busy schedule and commitment to my local parish, I am doing my best to find ways to promote the love God wants us to have with one another on this forum.
However, we must bring all of our desires to Jesus as He is our ultimate fulfillment. Our future spouses, this forum, or anything else cannot replace His Love for us. When we place our trust in Him, all of our fears, worries and anxieties dissipate.
Thanks, Joshua. I respect your position on this. I certainly would not want you to renege on your promise to Don. At this point, I am at a loss about what to do to shore up this forum. I note that we have lost several active members since the first of this year. Even the "fun and games" thread seems moribund. I will try to come up with some ideas as the spirit moves me. One question is how do you define "politics"? Where would you draw the line between "current or historical events" and "politics"? Could there be discussions of current or historical events that are not political and therefore acceptable on the forum? This is something to think about. I agree we should put our trust in Jesus and not in human beings or human endeavors.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Diane - 08-26-2026
(08-25-2026, 04:37 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote:(08-25-2026, 01:44 PM)Diane Wrote: Good morning to all and long time no see
Agreed. I am not just struggling with the idea of dating but socializing at all. I no longer drink at all. So that means no meeting for happy hours. I just dont want to. Its incredible the number of friends I have to leave behind just because I dont want to party. Yes. I can still go but I dont enjoy them any longer. Hate to say. Its funny how technology is changing our interactions. I just went to Ross for a dog bed. I expected to at least chit chat with the cashier. Laugh. Smile. Nope. I was sent to self check out. Why would I shop in a store at all any longer? Easier to do it online if it is all this impersonal.
Missing those good ol' days more and more!!
Good morning and so nice to see you all here. I renewed on CM when the price was rock bottom and there was really no point to it. I dont feel much excitement about dating at all. Let alone try to get along with someone 2000 miles away. I do miss the chat there and of course I miss Don dearly. Its incredible what a wonderful companion he was during the last years of his life to me. I feel so blessed to have known him and all of you.
Welcome back, Diane. "No point to it" is my feeling exactly about renewing on CM. I renewed in April for one year (at the regular price) and am wondering why. I think I have sent two messages since then, which achieved no results. Maybe there is a fear of missing out but then I see what I would have missed out on. I don't feel much excitement about dating at this point either.
As for dating someone 2,000 miles away or even somewhat less, I am more adamant than ever about not wanting to do long distance, maybe one hour to two hours max. About two years ago, I pushed out my boundaries to 500 miles in any direction. This included cities like Denver and Tucson. Nothing came of it. I ended up meeting one lady, who lived in the same state about 100 miles away. It went nowhere.
CM and other sites are constantly trying to convince people to do long distance. But my experience is that most people do not want to do long distance. That was the feedback I got from the messages I sent to women in remote cities. Maybe this is more true of my age group and younger people are more willing.
I also dislike CM's new messaging system. It is good that they are requiring a minimum word count. But there is a price for it. There are now no paragraph breaks. One of the things I always thought set CM apart from other sites is that you could send long and detailed messages. You can still do that but it is harder with no paragraph breaks. It has been proven that people stop reading if a paragraph just goes on and on without a break.
I miss Don's wit and wisdom also. I feel that this forum would be in a better place now if he were still around.
(08-25-2026, 11:48 AM)Jericho Wrote: Hi Fellow members!
I have promised Don that we will not enter into political discussions. CatholicHangout's main purpose is to be a safe haven for all catholics from other secular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
I remember reading an old CM thread where the Admin had to end a Political room because of the nasty posts they found. There are other platforms for political discussions. Political is not in the CatholicHangout wheelhouse.
I also understand the frustration of the "there is not nothing much to do here other than Fun and Games thread." In my busy schedule and commitment to my local parish, I am doing my best to find ways to promote the love God wants us to have with one another on this forum.
However, we must bring all of our desires to Jesus as He is our ultimate fulfillment. Our future spouses, this forum, or anything else cannot replace His Love for us. When we place our trust in Him, all of our fears, worries and anxieties dissipate.
Thanks, Joshua. I respect your position on this. I certainly would not want you to renege on your promise to Don. At this point, I am at a loss about what to do to shore up this forum. I note that we have lost several active members since the first of this year. Even the "fun and games" thread seems moribund. I will try to come up with some ideas as the spirit moves me. One question is how do you define "politics"? Where would you draw the line between "current or historical events" and "politics"? Could there be discussions of current or historical events that are not political and therefore acceptable on the forum? This is something to think about. I agree we should put our trust in Jesus and not in human beings or human endeavors.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Jericho - 08-26-2026
Let me take this to prayer
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Jericho - 08-26-2026
Welcome Back Diane!
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - enchantmentadm - 08-26-2026
(08-26-2026, 05:15 PM)Jericho Wrote: Let me take this to prayer
Thanks, Joshua. Sounds good.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - James - 08-29-2026
(08-25-2026, 11:48 AM)Jericho Wrote: However, we must bring all of our desires to Jesus as He is our ultimate fulfillment. Our future spouses, this forum, or anything else cannot replace His Love for us. When we place our trust in Him, all of our fears, worries and anxieties dissipate.
But, and I know you're not saying this, but I just want to make it clear, because it's an error those gifted with the charism of celibacy often fall into - God is NOT a substitute spouse. God is God, and we love Him in a different way, purely with our will, to the way in which we would love a spouse, with our will and our affection. He made us not only for Himself, but for each other. Love of God and love of a spouse are in now way in competition, nor does one overwhelm or swallow the other up.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Diane - 08-31-2026
(08-26-2026, 05:15 PM)Jericho Wrote: Welcome Back Diane!
Thank you! What has been happening around here? Any dates to report from the young people? ((you))???
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - susanb - 08-31-2026
(08-25-2026, 01:44 PM)Diane Wrote: Good morning to all and long time no seeHi Diane. Hi everyone……was having difficulty signing in here but here I am. No point in even looking at CM
(05-14-2026, 05:28 PM)enchantmentadm Wrote: We are approaching two years since Catholic Match forums ended. I believe the date is May 18. How is everybody doing? Are you still on CM? I reluctantly renewed my membership for another year but sometimes wonder why. Apparently, they have dropped speed dating for no apparent reason and now have their own version of the Dating Game, which seems rather silly. I am grateful to still have this forum to keep in touch with old friends. But it seems that many have fallen by the wayside since the beginning. A lot of work went into this forum. Consequently, it is sad to see it so underused. Any ideas about how to give this forum a shot in the arm?
Good morning and so nice to see you all here. I renewed on CM when the price was rock bottom and there was really no point to it. I dont feel much excitement about dating at all. Let alone try to get along with someone 2000 miles away. I do miss the chat there and of course I miss Don dearly. Its incredible what a wonderful companion he was during the last years of his life to me. I feel so blessed to have known him and all of you.
At all……..even my likes or views are basically non practising…….you folks are the best
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - English Rose - 09-02-2026
I also miss Don's wit and wisdom and feel privileged to have known him. I don't think he would want this forum to die.
However I can see the difficulty. Joshua has made a promise not to allow politics. My view is that if we are unable to discuss current affairs, then the forum will die, which Don also wouldn't want.
I feel we know each other well enough to respect each others views. We cover 5 different English speaking countries: US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. The views from those countries would be interesting and are unlikely to be polarising, as the countries are very different.
I think there were reasons the forums on CM became bouncy that don't apply here. The way they were moderated by the CM owner (who I feel was troubled), made people dig their heals in and didn't help. It was a dating site, so people were showing off. Neither apply to this site.
It's difficult, I can see why Joshua is conflicted. I'm also concerned that if things don't change, I can see this site dying which would be a great shame as I've enjoyed getting to know you guys enormously and appreciated your advice about the Catholic faith.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - enchantmentadm - 09-03-2026
Well said, English Rose. Yes, I can understand Joshua's dilemma. It would be a shame if this forum would die. I have enjoyed keeping in touch with people, whom I consider friends, even though I have not met them in person. I agree that the circumstances here are very different than those on CM forums. I think there can be discussions of current and historical events that are not overtly political. Where we left off was that I asked Joshua to consider allowing discussion of current and historical events and to define where we would draw the line between this and political discussions. He said he would take it to prayer.
RE: The Demise of Catholic Match Forums-Two Years On - Jericho - 09-04-2026
Hi everyone!
After much prayer and discernment and seeking God's wisdom on this matter, here is my post - https://catholichangout.com/showthread.php?tid=433
For right now, this thread will be locked until further notice.