When Emily Wilson-Hussem launched a simple matchmaking post on Instagram, she did not expect the overwhelming response she received.
“Over 6,500 entries came in in the first 48 hours, and I thought, ‘Oh my my my.’ There’s something here,” Emily said.
These posts grew into something beautiful. Emily’s matchmaking Instagram posts resulted in 12 sacramental marriages, 20 engagements, countless dates, and even a couple with a baby.
This viral social media response revealed a missing aspect of community in the Catholic Church. This inspired the Catholic speaker, author, and social media influencer, and her husband, Daniel Hussem, to create a new Catholic dating app called SacredSpark (also named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus). The new app launches this October.
ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile interviewed Emily and Daniel about their new Catholic dating app, SacredSpark. Watch the video below:
A Real Problem for Catholic Singles
The explosive response to Emily’s posts revealed that Catholic singles struggle to find meaningful connections.
“Dating today feels like shopping. The imago Dei of the person has really been lost,” Emily explained. “SacredSpark hopes to bring back the dignity of the other person in every interaction.”
Many singles also feel left out in parish life.
“There are ministries for families and older adults, but singles often say, ‘What about us?’” Emily said. “SacredSpark is here to say: you are seen and you belong.”
A New Kind of Catholic Dating Platform with a “Personal Connection”
What makes SacredSpark different from other dating platforms? The couple says it’s built around community, intentionality, and formation.
“One of the most exciting features we have is the matchmaker feature,” Daniel said. “Singles can invite their best friends or family to act as their matchmaker right within the app.”
That personal connection is key. “Matchmakers cost thousands of dollars,” Emily added. “But your best friend knows you through and through—and can handpick matches for you.”
The platform also leads with qualities deeper than looks, focusing on video and audio-driven matchmaking.
“Unlike other platforms, SacredSpark leads with the inner qualities of a person before the physical,” Daniel explained. “Attraction marries intention.”
Dating 101: Formation for Holy Dating & Marriages
SacredSpark also helps encourage healthy, holy marriages.
“We see SacredSpark not just as a vehicle for connection but as a guide on the journey,” Daniel said. “Dating isn’t where it ends—it’s where it starts. The goal is sacramental marriage.”
To support SacredSpark’s mission of changing a dating culture geared towards holy marriages, Emily and Daniel launched the video course, Dating 101.
Dating 101 has “reflection guides for singles to really dive into their motives, to their relationship with the Lord,” Daniel said. “We want to make Catholic dating healthy in a beautiful way.”
“People are telling us, ‘This is exactly what I needed,’” Emily added. “We want to help singles dive into their motives, their relationship with the Lord, and healthy communication.”
Transforming the Catholic Marriage Culture
Emily and Daniel believe that SacredSpark could transform the marriage culture. Their mission is to support Catholic singles and help them know they are not alone on this journey.
“Our mission is really to help build up the Church one relationship at a time,” Daniel said. “We want to bring people together. We want to start this revival of communication—treating one another as the image and likeness of God.”
The couple believes that this revival could positively affect future generations.
“The fruits of these marriages will have a generational impact,” Daniel continued. “New life, new families, and—God willing—a revival of faith.”
A Message of Encouragement to Catholic Singles: “You Are Not Forgotten”
As SacredSpark prepares for its official launch, Emily and Daniel have an encouraging message for every Catholic single who feels overlooked.
“You are seen, and you are known, and you are loved, and you are not forgotten by us,” Emily said. “We care, and we’re really trying to make positive change for you through SacredSpark.”
Daniel added, “By the grace of God, we’ve built something beautiful for the Church that can compete with what the secular world offers—and bring back the beauty of Catholic dating.”
👉 SacredSpark launches in October 2025. Catholic singles can join the waitlist and access the free Dating 101 course at sacredspark.com.
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