Retreat Weekend Format
A Marriage Encounter Retreat Weekend is scheduled from Friday evening to late afternoon on Sunday. Registered couples will be provided with all of their meals during this time as well as overnight accommodation on both days. On Friday, couples are asked to arrive between 7:30-8:00 pm to get unpacked and settled into their rooms; presentations begin at 8:00 pm sharp.
The entire Weekend is comprised of presentations by married couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend and have gone through additional specific training. There are many topics that are explored, all of which are relevant to married life. Following each presentation, couples are given time to do a private written response to the topic and then they will go to their respective rooms to privately discuss their responses together. Also during the Weekend there is an opportunity to share in a group setting, but sharing is a personal choice and is definitely not required.
The main objective of the Weekend is for couples to learn an effective method of communication. This is accomplished by the presenting couples modeling the technique throughout the Weekend. This communication style is a very non-threatening and productive way to interact. For feedback on the effectiveness of this format, please see what others have to say here.
There is a faith component to the Weekend, for example, one topic is entitled, “God’s Desire for Marriage”. It is about being totally for and supportive of each other, building each other up and making each other feel good and loved.
Your Weekend concludes with a worship service where you will be invited to repeat and refresh your wedding vows. This is a Protestant worship service that includes a brief wedding vow component. All baptized Christians are invited (but not required) to receive the bread and wine. Attendance at this service is strongly recommended.
Marriage Encounter is not for troubled marriages. It is for couples who want to make their ‘good’ marriage even better.
A Marriage Encounter Weekend is a refreshing approach to communication in marriage which offers an opportunity for growth in your relationship.
The entire Weekend is comprised of presentations by married couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend and have gone through additional specific training. There are many topics that are explored, all of which are relevant to married life. Following each presentation, couples are given time to do a private written response to the topic and then they will go to their respective rooms to privately discuss their responses together. Also during the Weekend there is an opportunity to share in a group setting, but sharing is a personal choice and is definitely not required.
The main objective of the Weekend is for couples to learn an effective method of communication. This is accomplished by the presenting couples modeling the technique throughout the Weekend. This communication style is a very non-threatening and productive way to interact. For feedback on the effectiveness of this format, please see what others have to say here.
There is a faith component to the Weekend, for example, one topic is entitled, “God’s Desire for Marriage”. It is about being totally for and supportive of each other, building each other up and making each other feel good and loved.
Your Weekend concludes with a worship service where you will be invited to repeat and refresh your wedding vows. This is a Protestant worship service that includes a brief wedding vow component. All baptized Christians are invited (but not required) to receive the bread and wine. Attendance at this service is strongly recommended.
Marriage Encounter is not for troubled marriages. It is for couples who want to make their ‘good’ marriage even better.
A Marriage Encounter Weekend is a refreshing approach to communication in marriage which offers an opportunity for growth in your relationship.
Strict COVID-19 Protocols
See the COVID-19 protocols here that will be enforced during the Retreat Weekend for the health and safety of all participants.
Virtual Weekend Format (live via ZOOM)
A Virtual Weekend follows the same schedule as a three day Retreat Weekend experience but the live presentations are attended from home, using ZOOM video conference software.
The entire Weekend is comprised of ZOOM presentations by married couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend and have gone through additional specific training. There are many topics that are explored, all of which are relevant to married life. Following each presentation, couples will be given time, off ZOOM, to do a private written response to the topic and then to privately discuss their responses together, in their home. Also during the Weekend there is an opportunity to share in a group setting using ZOOM, but sharing is a personal choice and is definitely not required.
The entire Weekend is comprised of ZOOM presentations by married couples who have attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend and have gone through additional specific training. There are many topics that are explored, all of which are relevant to married life. Following each presentation, couples will be given time, off ZOOM, to do a private written response to the topic and then to privately discuss their responses together, in their home. Also during the Weekend there is an opportunity to share in a group setting using ZOOM, but sharing is a personal choice and is definitely not required.
Virtual 3RE - "Restore Rekindle Renew" (live via ZOOM)
This is the same weekend experience except all topics/presentations are divided into 6 weekly sessions, 2-3 hours in length, with one follow-up session afterwards. An M.E. couple facilitates each session which includes video presentations followed by private writing and discussion between each registered couple in their home. This is a great alternative to couples who do not want to or cannot commit to an entire weekend experience.
Synopsis of the Weekend - Topics Covered
- INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME - Couples are welcomed and introductions made. All couples are encouraged to be open to each other and to participate fully in the weekend.
- COMMUNICATING – This section helps the couples become aware of the difference between ordinary conversation and intimate communication in marriage.
- ENCOUNTER WITH SELF – This helps each participant to take a realistic look at the way they try to present themselves to others. It helps each person understand their self-doubts and how these self-doubts can limit their relationships.
- MARRIAGE IN TODAY’S WORLD – It helps to identify loneliness in relationships and also that periods of disillusionment are normal.
- LISTENING - Helps the couples recognize the difference between listening “with the mind” and listening “with the heart.”
- AREAS FOR REACHING OUT TO EACH OTHER – Helps couples become aware that sensitive areas of their lives can be opened up to one another and rather than rejecting one another or taking each other for granted, they can accept their spouse.
- GOD’S DESIRE FOR MARRIAGE – Helps couples become aware that their deepest longing, as wife and husband, is to live in a loving relationship. They discover that God also wants them to live intimately and responsibly.
- RISKING TO TRUST - Through written and verbal dialogue, participants are encouraged to face their challenges, to go beyond them and place trust in their spouse.
- IMPACT OF DIALOGUE IN OUR DAILY LIVES – An invitation to consider using the tool of dialogue for the rest of their lives.
- MARRIAGE AS SACRAMENTAL – Presents the marriage relationship as sacramental and what that means for the Church.
- KEEPING OUR RELATIONSHIP A PRIORITY – Assures the couple that it is possible to make their dreams come true if they keep their relationship a priority.
- SHARING IN THE DREAM – Encourages the couple to share their weekend experience with others & spread the knowledge and joy of Marriage Encounter.
- CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY – Encourages the couple to make this weekend experience a way of life by sharing their love and journeying with other couples who share their values.