Recently, I met a widower from the North East who told me, ‘The best thing that happened for my married relationship was Marriage Encounter’. Out of all the memories of his long and happy marriage, the Marriage Encounter Weekend stood out.
For years, many couples in the North East were able to enjoy this special weekend experience at Minsteracres Retreat Centre, Co Durham, but in recent times couples have had to travel south to the nearest venue in Chesterfield, or even further. The good news is that Marriage Encounter is returning to Minsteracres for the weekend of 3rd-5th April 2009.
So ask yourselves: Is your marriage important to you … and your family? Would you like more joy and romance? More fun and laughter? To be happier and closer as a couple? A lifelong adventure together? A weekend away together? Then Marriage Encounter could be the answer.
A Marriage Encounter weekend…
- enables deep communication between the couple, no matter the length of marriage, and teaches a way of enriching their couple life
- is a time to share feelings, joys, hopes, disillusionments … and dreams; to rediscover romance and enthusiasm for being married
- provides time to reflect and discuss privately in your own room (there is no reporting back or group discussion)
- is not a retreat, therapy, or counselling
- is a unique way for you to revitalise your marriage away from the distractions, tensions and routine of everyday life
- is also open to priests and religious who want to renew the relationship they have with their people.
Weekends are paid for entirely by donations. But there is a small deposit to secure a booking.
The Marriage Encounter Weekend is Catholic in origin and ethos, but married couples of any or no faith are welcome.
If you want further details of Marriage Encounter Weekends, go to our website www.wwme.org.uk or telephone (01538) 385801.
Andrew T. Burns, C.Ss.R.