‘Walking a tightrope’ The challenge of single Catholic life by Laura M. Devick
We are made in God’s image and likeness, yet from the very beginning, Adam longed for something more. “Man becomes an image of God not so much in the moment of solitude as in the moment of communion,” St. John Paul II wrote in his theology of the body. The longing to give ourselves away—to be a gift, given to and for others—is part of God’s beautiful and wise design. “Even though Adam had unity with God, it was still not good that man be alone,” says Tim Mosser, 60, of Fargo, North Dakota, an evangelist who has shared TOB for many years. This truth led Anastasia Northrop, 45, of Dallas, Texas, to echo the question of many singles: “Are singles, then, somehow not as good? I’ve realized, no, absolutely not. Because we’re all called to this vocation of holiness.” When she became the director of the National Conference for Single
Catholics, Anastasia wouldn’t have predicted that she would delve into TOB teachings so deeply, being a member of a demographic that covers 50 percent of U.S. households— single adults. And for 26 years of his life, this demographic also included Tim. He had to wrestle with living and understanding a truth that has become a foundational touchstone for Anastasia as well: “Man…cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself (Gaudium et Spes, 24).” Single and in her 20s in 2004, Anastasia’s ministry work had been 14
connecting her with TOB speakers around the country. It also uniquely prepared her for her new challenge: a Catholic singles conference. This was sparked by a conversation with a friend who said, “You know, after about age 35, the Church really doesn’t have anything for singles.” Anastasia knew that TOB’s hopeful message needed to reach single Catholics who hungered for support and community—and, like her friend, felt forgotten. In an era before widespread social media to get the word out, the conference filled to max capacity—with a waiting list! Now entering its 18th year, the event is inspirational, prayerful and energizing for Catholic singles, inviting them to come closer to Christ. All are welcome: those who have never been married, of any age; those who are divorced or who have received an annulment; and those who are widows. Rather than
