By Angela Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 8/5/04)

There’s a new singles group on the block, and it’s a little off the beaten path. Shenandoah Valley Single Catholics (SVSC) brings together like-minded singles from the valley area — distant from the night life in and around D.C.

SVSC had a picnic at the Bing Crosby Park in Front Royal last Sunday. News spread through the nearby parishes — St. John Bosco in Woodstock, St. John the Baptist in Front Royal and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Winchester. After only three months "in business," the SVSC picnic attracted nearly 30 singles from Front Royal and the surrounding areas, proving the Catholic singles market is booming.

"There is a growing awareness in the Church that there needs to be a ministry to singles," said Ken Baltrinic, a member of St. John the Baptist Parish. He said that most parishes are designed to cater to families, which leaves the single adults on their own to find community.

"The idea of people being single longer is a new thing," Baltrinic said. "There are plenty of Catholic singles, but no easy vehicle to go and get to know each other." SVSC is now that vehicle and a place where people can turn for fellowship.

Some SVSC events are merely gathering to attend already existing events, but the group hopes to begin sponsoring two monthly events: a dinner and outdoor activity.

According to Baltrinic, spiritual events are still available through the parishes, but right now SVSC is focusing on the social realm, with the intention that as it grows there will be more time for prayerful events.

The biggest challenge to starting a new group is getting people to attend events. Baltrinic has noticed that there is a definite split in the group. The group participants thus far have been either 30-something or 50-plus. While they are still gathered for the same purpose, there is a disconnect, said Baltrinic.

Barbara Keating, a member of St. John Bosco Parish in Woodstock, is especially concerned about the group of 50-plus. There are a huge number of Catholics who have been affected by divorces and annulments who find themselves single again, Keating said.

Keating said that although there are many opportunities to meet people, there are not a lot of chances to meet good people who share Catholic values and beliefs.

"A lot of singles struggle with finding fulfillment in that vocation," Baltrinic said, adding that there is no clarity in where God is calling them. In the vocations of religious life and marriage, there is an obvious way to serve God, said Baltrinic.

SVSC is a step in the right direction. "It’s time to stop sitting back and wishing the situation was different," said Baltrinic. "Get involved with the group and take it on as part of your vocation."