Farewell to the CatholicMatch Forums

Dear Members of our Community,

With a heavy heart, I share news that will undoubtedly resonate deeply with all of us. In just two weeks’ time of this writing, we will be bidding farewell to the CatholicMatch forums.

As the original author of the forum software nearly 20 years ago, this decision weighs particularly heavily on my heart. When I released this as one of my first projects as a developer, I could have never imagined the profound impact it would have on our community. It was built with love and dedication, with the hope of fostering connections, sharing wisdom, and offering support in our shared journey of faith.

However, despite our collective efforts, the march of time has caught up with us. The legacy software that powers our forums simply cannot adapt to the technical demands of modern servers. It pains me deeply to see something I poured my soul into facing such insurmountable challenges.

I am acutely aware of the significance of the forums in all of your lives. They have been a virtual sanctuary where friendships were forged, prayers were lifted, and hearts were touched (and some marriages made!). While we do not currently have plans to replace the forums, we are actively exploring new avenues to keep our community spirit alive. Among these endeavors is the development of video Speed Dating (which should be out of beta soon), trivia nights, small groups, book clubs and more – which we hope will offer a fresh way to connect and bond with one another.

As we navigate this transition together, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your presence, your stories, and your unwavering support have been the lifeblood of our community. It has been an honor and a privilege to witness the beauty that has blossomed within these virtual walls.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have during this time of change. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to honor the spirit of our community in new and meaningful ways.

With sincere sadness and profound gratitude,

Nathan