There’s a hidden gem in the Arlington Diocese for older
single Catholics and it’s got it all: faith, service, fun
and, perhaps most importantly, a community with shared
values.
Prime Time Single Catholics (PTSC) of Northern Virginia is a
club that serves single Catholics aged 40 and over who are
free to marry in the Church.
The objective of PTSC, according to its mission statement, is
to “share in Christian fellowship with one another” and,
through a variety of activities, “to promote greater
participation in our Catholic parishes.”
Anne DeSena, club president and a retiree, joined PTSC 30
years ago, and it’s “the best thing that ever happened to
me,” she said.
Members are kind, generous and live their faith, said DeSena,
and that’s evident at spiritual events, such as Mass and
Scripture studies, and at service projects, like making
sandwiches for homeless women or serving the needy at Christ
House in Alexandria.
They also are interested in the world and full of spunk.
Social activities include picnics, sailing at the National
Harbor and dances – the spring dance is May 19 at St. Leo the
Great Parish in Fairfax.
Cultural activities range from an upcoming U.S. Marine Band
concert with fireworks at Wolf Trap to an ongoing book club
and regular theater outings.
There are opportunities for the physically active – a man
nearly 89 years old plays golf and kicks up his heels at
dances, said DeSena – and for those who are not as physically
energetic, such as a bridge-playing group.
Club member Florence Galayda appreciates that events are
well-organized, and a comprehensive monthly newsletter keeps
members up-to-date with the myriad of activities.
The average age of the nearly 200 members is around 65, and
about 60 percent are retirees, according to DeSena, adding
that they always are on the lookout for new members.
There’s a mix of widowers, widows and those who never
married.
Galayda was widowed at a young age with four small children.
For her, involvement with PTSC for the past 22 years has been
a gift.
It’s the members, not the activities, that make PTSC special,
said Galayda, now retired.
“The key is the people; it’s a nice group that’s truly
Catholic,” she said.
Father Mark E. Moretti, parochial vicar of St. John the
Evangelist Parish in Warrenton, is the group’s spiritual
adviser and celebrates Mass several times a year for members.
Because everyone is a practicing Catholic, “we all know what
our destination is and are hoping to get there someday,” said
Galayda.
“Faith is a part of my daily life,” added DeSena, “and it’s
great to be a part of a group with people who think the same,
who care about how they treat one another.”
“When one is single it’s extremely important to have a group
of friends that shares your values and that you can do things
with,” she said.
“PTSC has been a real blessing in my life and I don’t think
there are too many places in the country that have something
this good for single Catholic people.”
Find out more
Contact Jannette Zigadlo, membership chair, at 703/481-9091
or [email protected].
