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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
| We want to help answer your questions! This FAQ is a great resource for SC members to find what they are looking for. If for some reason you don't see your question answered here, please contact us. |
 Becoming a Member
Chat Rooms
Facebook
Fast Track Meeting
Friends List
Introductions
Login or Session Problems
Meeting Someone Online
My Account
My Messages
My Photos
My Profile
SC Mobile
Search Functions
Using the SC Site
Yenta Matches
Becoming a Member
- Can I subscribe with something other than a credit card?
You can pay online with either a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) or PayPal. We do not provide the ability to pay by online check or mailing a check or money order. I’m sorry. It is much more secure this way, and we also do not have the staff to handle mail.
- Do I still have to pay if I inactivate my subscription?
No! Once you go inactive, we will not bill you at the time of the next billing cycle. Once you activate your subscription again, you will start to be billed again.
- Is this site only for young singles?
Our site is for single Catholics of all ages, and while it's expected that there will be fewer members in the higher age ranges, one of those few just could be the right one for you.
- When can I contact other members?
You can make contact with other members, whether you’re initiating or replying, as soon as you subscribe. Click here to join SingleCatholics.com.
- How much does it cost to become a subscriber?
Only $7.49/month or $49/year! You cannot beat that! And this is NOT an introductory amount just to lure you in, nor are there any additional hidden costs. The service and every feature we will ever build or offer is yours for this ridiculously low fee. And if you decide to take a break, you stop paying for the time being until you want to resume. It’s as simple as that. We really feel that singles can have a powerful website to meet a potential spouse or make new friends, and it NOT be costly.
Chat Rooms
- How do I accept a private chat invitation?
Look for the invitation text to appear at the top navigation area. Just click on that and you will have a chat window open and see the person who invited you.
- How do I save my chat session?
The only way to save the session is to copy and paste it somewhere. The ideal place to save it is in the “Take Notes” feature of the person in your Friends List. Go to the Friends List, find the person you were chatting with, click on the “Take Notes” area, and paste the session there. Add the date of the session for your records and hit “Save.”
- What does “Online Now” mean?
If “Online Now” is indicated on a member’s Profile, it means that that member has been active on the site within the last hour. However, from time to time, system delays may postpone the regular refreshing of the Online Now indicator, and it may have been more than one hour since that member has been active on the site.
- Why is nothing happening when I click on the Chat link?
Check to see if you have a pop-up blocker on in your browser, Internet security program, or other software. You will need to turn it off in order to use the chat room.
Facebook
Fast Track Meeting
- What is the “Fast Track Meeting” feature all about?
It’s about meeting in person. It’s about encouraging members to meet in person not too long after corresponding (one to two months tops). It’s about not wasting time with someone who only wants to write back and forth without any sign of wanting to talk on the phone and lead to meeting in person. This feature is about meeting in person sooner rather than later. It is for those who don’t want prolong or perpetual message writing. It is for those who want to meet someone they have been corresponding with, and meet not too long after writing back and forth. You can choose on your profile to indicate you have the Fast Track Meeting feature. This will display to other members, and you can also search for other members who have this feature.
- How does the “Fast Track Meeting” feature work?
It’s actually really not a feature at all. It’s a setting! The explanation page spells out what it means to enable this setting. Having this setting enabled allows members to ONLY search or communicate with those who are open to meeting in person if that is what they are looking for (or avoid those who have this setting). We are trying to make it easier for members to find those who are serious about finding the right person for marriage, which does require meeting in person. And members who want marriage should not be wasting time writing to each other for a long time before meeting.
Friends List
- What is the Friends List?
We want to encourage friends on this site to help each other to meet each other, whether to make new friends or meet the right person. Everyone needs friends to help them. And this list can have males and females. So you put in this list any member who is a friend, who you want to be a friend, or whom you are thinking about writing to, which you can do from the profile page of the member.
- Can I interact with those on my Friends List if I am not active any longer?
Yes, but only if your membership status is set to ``Active, but don’t want to appear in search results.`` This will allow you to interact with anyone on your Friends List without receiving any new contacts.
- What is the Friends Chat?
This is where you can chat with members in real-time. There are three chat rooms; one for Men Only, one for Women Only, and one for Both to mingle. Again, we are trying to foster friendship and the idea of helping friends meet the right person.
- What is the “Interest Level” feature?
You can select a priority level of someone as you are adding them to your Friends List. This helps when determining those you want to try communicating with before others.
- What is the “Take Notes” feature?
You can take notes about any member you save to look at later. Comment about specific things on the profile you liked, or keep track of key things from your correspondences or chats for later reference.
- What is the “Introduce Me” feature?
This feature allows you to introduce any two friends you have on your Friends List. Since you are able to have male and female friends, this can be a great way to help two people you know make contact.
- What is the “Yenta Matches” feature?
This is basically a way for you to play matchmaker. You are able to conduct searches for your friends and if you come across someone you think a friend might be interested in, you can click on the ``Yenta`` icon and it will let you send that person to a specific friend on your Friends List.
Introductions
- How do I introduce someone on my Friends List to another person on my Friends List?
On your Friends List, go to the person who you wish to introduce to another member on your Friends List. Click on the ``Introduce Me`` link (the icon with the chemistry tube). A box will come up where you can select the person on your Friends List you wish to introduce this person to, and a comments box to write what you wish to accompany your introduction.
- How do I find members whom I am being introduced to?
When you login and come to the Member Home page, there is a section called “Message Center.” In there is a folder called “Introductions.” That is where you can find members whom you are being introduced to by someone on your Friends List.
- What is the difference between “Introductions” and “Yenta Matches”?
The “Introductions” feature is about helping people make new friends. It is only done within the Friends List. The “Yenta Matches” is about recommending someone you may or may not know by doing searches for someone you know. It’s a fun feature that could be very powerful. Sometimes you can more easily spot someone who is right for one of your friends than for yourself. Playing matchmaker can be fun, and this is a powerful way to do it. You conduct searches for your friend, and if you find someone you really think could be right for that friend, you click on the “Play Yenta” icon. A section will come up where you can choose someone on your Friends List or someone’s member ID and add a comment, and that recommendation will be delivered to that person.
Login or Session Problems
- How do I enable Session Management?
'Session' cookies are required to use the features of this site. Nothing is written to your computer and it is secure and private. To enable 'Session Management' follow the directions below for the type of browser you are using.
For Internet Explorer 6 and 7: In the menu bar at the top of your browser go to Tools > Internet Options. This will open the Internet Options dialog. Click on the 'Privacy' tab and then 'Advanced' button. Another dialog box will pop-up (see below). Check the box that says 'Override automatic cookie handling, then check the box near the bottom that says 'Always allow session cookies'. Click 'OK', then 'OK' again and you are done.
For older versions of Internet Explorer: In the menu bar of your browser, choose Tools > "Custom Level..." Enable "Per session cookies (not stored)" and hit "OK". Hit "OK" again and you are done.
For Firefox: In the menu bar of your browser, choose Tools> the "Privacy" tab. In the "Cookies" area click the "Exceptions" button. Enter in the site address of http://www.SingleCatholics.com and click the "Allow for Sessions" button:
In AOL 9: Click the Settings Tab Preferences then click the link for Internet Properties (WWW). This will open the Internet Options dialog. Click on the 'Privacy' tab and then 'Advanced' button. Another dialog box will pop-up (see below). Check the box that says 'Override automatic cookie handling, then check the box near the bottom that says 'Always allow session cookies'. Click 'OK', then 'OK' again and you are done.
In older versions of AOL: Click the Settings Tab Preferences then click the link for Internet Properties (WWW). Switch to the "Security" tab and then click the "Custom Level..." button near the bottom. In the new pop-up window, scroll down until you see the options for Cookies. Enable "Per session cookies (not stored)" and hit "OK". Hit "OK" again and you are done.
Meeting Someone Online
- Is online dating safe?
Online dating is no more or less safe than any other kind of dating. If a member exercises common sense during communication online as well as in any face-to-face meeting or dating situation, they will be fine. The most important points are to meet in a safe, public place, and make sure you’re not feeling pressured.
- I like meeting people face-to-face. Why should I look for love online?
We agree with you. Meeting face-to-face is better, and the only way you can really get to know someone. That's why we created the “Fast Track Meeting” feature on Single Catholics. But just as most Catholics have discovered, it is extremely hard to find quality places or environments to meet other like-minded Catholic singles, or they are too busy to invest the time in getting out there to find these places.
So many Catholics are finding the value to online dating because of the opportunity to come into contact with so many like-minded Catholics they would not otherwise ever have had the chance to communicate with or meet in person. And you just cannot beat the price. Two drinks in a bar every month, or two movie rentals will get you the price of using www.SingleCatholics.com every month, and give you many more people than you could meet in one physical place. Maybe even in your area. Also, before contacting someone, you can get to know a lot about them by looking at their Profile while remaining anonymous.
These are compelling reasons to join Single Catholics, despite the ideal to meet someone face-to-face. Click here to create your Profile for free.
My Account
- How do I change my user name, password or email address?
It's easy to change any of your account information, at any time. Just visit the ``My Account`` section, which you can find on the left side bar. To change your user name, password, or email address, go to the ``Login Info`` section within the ``My Account`` area, and click on the ``View Details and Update.``
- How do I update my mailing address and phone number?
Go to the ``My Account`` area found on the left side bar, then the ``Contact Info`` area, and you will see the link that says ``View Details and Update.``
- What is the status of my subscription?
You can view the status of your subscription any time by going to the Member Home page and looking in the “Manage My Profile” section on the top right side.
- How do I change the status of my membership?
You can change your status any time by going to the Member Home page and looking in the “Manage My Profile” section on the top right side, and click on “Change my member status.”
- Can I still interact with my Friends List but not receive any contacts?
Yes. You can do that by going to the ``Change my member status`` section inside the Manage My Profile area on the Member Home page. Select ``Active, but don't want to appear in search results.`` This will allow you to interact with anyone on your Friends List without receiving any new contacts.
- Where can I find the date that I joined?
Go to the “My Account” area found on the left side bar, then the “Subscription Info” area, and you will see the line that indicates the date you joined.
- How do I change my payment option?
Go to the “My Account” area found on the left side bar, then the “Subscription Info” area, and choose to “Change Payment Option.”
- How do I stop being billed?
Either inactivate your account or cancel membership to stop being billed. To inactivate, go to the “Change My Member Status” section inside the “Manage My Profile” area on the Member Home page. Choose “Inactivate” and you will stop being billed. To cancel your membership, go to the “My Account” area found on the left side bar, then the “Subscription Info” area, and choose to cancel your membership. You will no longer be billed.
- How do I reactivate my account?
Simply login, go to “My Account” and put yourself back on “active” status.
- Can I get a refund if not satisfied?
Our monthly fee of $7.49 is not refundable. It is a minimal amount and you are paying each time for the month ahead. The $49 per year is an almost 50% discounted rate. There are no refunds for this discounted yearly fee either. You would simply need to inactivate your account or cancel your membership in order to not be charged any further.
- How do I cancel my subscription?
We would hate to lose you, unless it means you have had success, in which case we say, “Congratulations!” To cancel your subscription, just go to the “My Account” section on the left side bar of every page and click on “Cancel Membership.” We of course wish you every blessing in Christ, but if things don’t work out, you can always reactivate your account.
My Messages
My Photos
- Where can I find where I post and view my photos?
On the Member Home page, in the “Manage My Profile” area is the “My Photos” section. That is where you can post, view, edit, and manage your photos, including the Main Photo that displays in the search results.
- Why should I post a photo to my Profile? It seems so shallow to be concerned with looks.
The fact is that everyone these days expects to see a photo using an online dating site. It’s just the way it is. The statistics are overwhelming in support of this statement. No photo, no contacts. And worse for you would be if you post a photo that is not current, clear, and close up, or if it is not a picture of you at all. Posting is very important, but so is making it so what they see is really you as you are today. Nobody wants to communicate with someone online when they don’t have an idea what the person looks like. And the more photos … the better! It gives a better perspective to those viewing your profile.
- How do I add my digital photos? What if I don’t have any digital photos?
Just use one of these three simple options:
1) Take your photo with a digital camera.
Ask a friend or family member to take your photo with a digital camera, then transfer it to your computer. Most digital cameras either connect to your computer directly with a cable or have a memory card you can slip into your PC.
Don't have a digital camera? Borrow one from a friend or family member. They can email you your pics and then you can save them to your computer and upload your photos directly to your account on Single Catholics.
2) Ask for a photo CD when you drop off film locally.
Use a regular camera for your photo shoot, then take the film to your local processing center. When you drop off your film, request a photo CD in addition to (or instead of) your prints. It's a popular service that's become very affordable. When your photos are ready, slip the CD into your computer and upload your photos directly to your account on Single Catholics.
3) Scan your favorite photo.
Scanners are very cheap today. You can purchase one or find someone you know who has one. Scan your favorite photo and save it to your computer. Take a few minutes to make any necessary adjustments to the image (reduce red eye, sharpen any fuzziness, or adjust for glare), then upload your photos directly to your account on Single Catholics.
- I uploaded my photo but it doesn't show my face very well. Can anything be done?
The best thing to do is find a friend who knows how to do this kind of thing, or get another photo taken. If you're computer-savvy, you can try one of the free image-editing programs available on the Internet, such as IrfanView (available at download.com) and Google's Picasa. These will let you crop out the background so your face appears larger, and you can lighten the image as well.
My Profile
- I just want to search for people. Why should I create a profile?
Single Catholics does not permit anyone to interact with other members until they have registered, which means creating a profile. So if you have no intention of taking Catholic dating and marriage seriously, nor the purpose of this site, then I guess you don’t have to join us. But that just means you will have a one-dimensional experience with our members and get nowhere.
- What is the process for creating my profile?
You typically create your profile at the time you sign up. But since most of the profile is “option,” you can compete those sections you did not do at the time of signing up by logging in and clicking on Edit My Profile under “Manage My Profile” at the top right of the Member Home page. And remember, no one likes a boring profile. Have some fun with it. Be creative. You’re here to meet people, so make them want to meet you. This is also where you can add a photo to your profile, which will get you more contacts because members write and respond to those with photos. When you complete your changes on any page of the profile, don’t forget to hit “save.”
- I just want to have the minimum profile possible. Why should I complete my profile?
Frankly, because no one will take you seriously if you don’t. The more complete your profile, the more respected by other members you will be, and, of course, the more interest you will get from members overall. You’re here to meet people and a profile helps you do that.
- Why is part of my profile available for anyone to see?
This is actually one of the very exciting things we are providing for our members. It is totally for your benefit that your profile is partially available for anyone to see:
1) It helps others feel inspired to become members if they are finding people they would like to contact.
2) You can make your Facebook friends aware of your profile by copying and pasting the web address (URL) of your partial profile onto your “Wall” in your Facebook account. If you are not sure how to do this, we supply your web address of your partial profile within your account in the Member Home once you login.
The only information that is presented publicly is your photo, your first name, your member ID, your age, your city/state, your diocese, and the answers to your “About Me,” “Who I’m Seeking” and “Marriage Interest” questions. No one is able to get any access to all other information you provide during the sign up process. That is all password-protected. So don’t worry. This feature can only help your opportunities for success.
- How do I update or edit my profile after it’s been posted?
Edit your profile whenever you want by logging in and clicking on “Edit My Profile” under the “Manage My Profile” section at the top right side of the Member Home page. Make your changes and hit “save.”
- Can I hide my profile so other members can’t see it?
You can take a break by hiding your profile at any time. Just log in and click on ``My Account`` on the left side bar and then click ``Change My Member Status.`` Select ``Active but no longer accepting contacts`` and hit ``save.`` You will still be able to communicate with anyone on your Friends List. We recommend you remain on ``Active`` status as much as possible because you never know when that one perfect match might be looking for you!
- Is there a way I can view a member’s profile while I write them a message?
Yes. And it's all built in. Whenever you click to write a member a message, the body of the message area will now appear above the profile of the member so you can easily scroll down the complete profile of that member. This will help you a great deal when it comes to writing your message to that member and inserting things related to his/her profile.
- How do I post comments?
On the individual profile of a member, on the right side bar you will see an option for ``Post a Comment.``
- How do I view comments left for me by other members?
When you login and are on the Member Home page, in your ``Message Center`` area you will see a folder called ``New Comments.`` If there are any new comments posted, you can view them there. You can also view all comments by going to the ``View/Edit Profile & Comments`` section in the ``Manage My Profile`` area on the Member Home page.
- How do I post comments?
On the individual profile of a member, on the right side bar you will see an option for ``Post a Comment.``
SC Mobile
- What is SC Mobile?
This feature allows interaction between your mobile device and the SingleCatholics.com website by communicating to your mobile phone alerts from SC that messages are waiting on the website for you or for text messaging actual messages from other members.
- How does the SC Mobile feature work?
Once you provide us with your mobile phone number, there are several functions available to you:
1) Receive an alert sent by us to your mobile phone letting you know that you have a message waiting and from whom.
2) Communicate directly to another member’s mobile phone. You can write a message from the SC site that goes to that person’s mobile, OR you can text message that member without being on the SC site and the message will go to that member’s mobile directly. What shows up on the mobile device is the first name and member ID of whom the message is from. So it is very private and safe. Your mobile number is not revealed.
3) Select to ONLY communicate by mobile device to those on your Friends List. This is for those who are not comfortable getting messages on their mobile device from someone that they have not yet communicated with on the SC site.
- How do I change my mobile phone number?
Go to the ``My Account`` area found on the left side bar, then the ``Contact Info`` area, and you will see the link called ``View Details and Update.`` Click on that and go to the area of your mobile phone number, revise, and hit ``Submit.``
- Why would I want anyone contacting me on my mobile phone?
You might not want that at all, and you have that option. But it can be very handy to be able to get a text alert on your phone from SingleCatholics.com saying you have a message waiting. And it can be even handier to be able to reply to a text message you received from a member right from your phone! But if you are not comfortable having your mobile phone involved with your SC account, then you can avoid this feature.
- Shouldn’t I be concerned about privacy and intrusions on my mobile phone?
Your mobile number is completely private during any use of your mobile with the SC site. Only the first name and member ID appear on any message sent or received. And you set the options you want to take advantage of so you don’t have the intrusions you do not wish to have. But we think that once you try the options available, you might find you can’t be without them.
- Can I control how my mobile phone is used on this site?
Yes, you have complete control. You can choose any of the options offered, or you can enable or disable the feature completely at any time and instantly.
Search Functions
- How do I conduct a search?
Click on the “Search” option on the left side bar. Use the default Quick Search to conduct a search, or click on Custom Search to have more criteria options for your search. There is also a quick search capability on the right side bar of the search results pages you get called “Modify Search.”
- What is the difference between Quick Search, Custom Search, and Saved Search?
The Quick Search option (which is the default search) gives you basic and most commonly searched criteria. The Custom Search allows you to search using many more criteria options. At the bottom of the Custom Search, you can save your search by naming the search and saving. This search will then be always available for you to use quickly within the Saved Search sections. You will also be able to see Saved Search options right on the Member Home page in the My Matches section.
- How do I save a search that I want to use over again?
At the bottom of the Custom Search, you can save your search by naming the search and saving. This search will then be always available for you to use quickly within the Saved Search sections. You will also be able to see Saved Search options right on the Member Home page in the My Matches section.
- Why am I able to contact someone of the same sex?
The SingleCatholics.com website is about making and building up new friends. It’s about encouragement, and it’s about helping each other. So finding friends of the same sex is invaluable to using our service. But we do not provide same-sex “matching,” nor permit or condone same-sex relationships at the dating level. This goes completely against the teachings of the Catholic Church. But for friendship, women need women, and men need men. That’s just the way it is.
- How do I save someone I found in a search so I can view the profile later?
On the right side bar you will see the ``Add to Friends`` option. Click on that and you will see a section where you can select your Interest Level in this person and make comments. Then click on ``Save to Friends List`` and that person will now be in your Friends List.
- What is the “My Matches” section on the Member Home page?
Based on what you wrote in your profile, this section will display members who match against your profile. It will also display new members, and members who have expressed interest in you.
- What is the “Custom Search Results” section of the Member Home page?
If you have done any ``Saved Searches,`` then this is an easy place to display results of saved searches. There is a drop-down box that allows you to choose which of your saved searches you want to display results of within this section.
- When conducting a search by region, how do I know what states are in each region?
Here is a breakdown of the regions by state:
New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.
Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia.
Mid-South: Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.
Deep South: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi.
Great Lakes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.
Upper Plains: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.
South Central: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas.
Northwest: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming.
Southwest: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah.
Pacific West: Alaska, California, Hawaii.
Using the SC Site
- How do I stop someone from contacting me?
You can stop someone from contacting you by blocking them. Just click on the “Block” link at the top of that member’s message to you and they will no longer be able to contact you.
- I’m not getting the emails from Single Catholics that tell me a member has contacted me. What is the problem?
All emails are sent to the email address you registered with. A copy is also available for viewing in your SingleCatholics.com Inbox.
Also, due to your email provider’s automatic blocking and filtering, receiving your email is not guaranteed, or can be delayed. Not to worry, though. You should make sure you register singlecatholics.com in your email filter or with your Internet provider so our emails are not designated as spam. Check your spam folder as well. But again, don’t worry because all of your emails sent and received within the last 30 days can be viewed in your SingleCatholics.com Inbox.
Yenta Matches
- How do I recommend a member to one of my friends using the “Yenta Matches” feature?
To recommend someone to a friend, you conduct a search, and if you find someone you want to recommend to a friend on your Friends List, click on the “Play Yenta” icon. A section will come up where you can choose someone on your Friends List or someone’s member ID and a place to add a comment. Your recommendation will then be delivered to that person.
- How do I find Yenta Matches being recommended to me?
When you login and come to the Member Home page, there is a section called “Message Center.” In there is a folder called “Yenta Matches.” That is where you can find members whom your friends on your Friends List recommend you look into.
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