About Married Couples Ministry
The Married Couples Ministry is dedicated to strengthening marriages through faith, community support, and spiritual growth. We believe that strong marriages build strong families and a vibrant church community.
Our Purpose
The Married Couples Ministry enriches marital relationships by helping couples develop deeper communication and intimacy. Through a process of encounter and renewal, we help couples rediscover their marriage relationships, strengthen their conjugal and family life, and become fully aware of the living presence of God in their marriage.
What is Marriage Encounter?
The Marriage Encounter Weekend is a positive and personal experience for couples that offers them the ability to communicate lovingly—a skill they can use for the rest of their lives. It is an opportunity to look deeply at your relationship with one another and with God, and to share your feelings, hopes, fears, joys, and frustrations with your spouse in a private setting.
Marriage Encounter is not a retreat, marriage clinic, or sensitivity course. It is not about looking at the past, but rather looking at your future together. The weekend is designed to expand and deepen the joys couples share, whether married for a short time or many years.
What Happens During the Weekend?
An atmosphere is created where couples can concentrate exclusively on one another, free from everyday distractions and tensions. A series of talks are given by a trained team of couples and a priest, covering three stages of growth:
- The “I” Stage – Personal reflection and self-discovery
- The “We” Stage – Understanding and deepening your relationship as a couple
- The “We, God, and Community” Stage – Recognizing God’s presence in your marriage and your role in the larger community
After each presentation, husband and wife have time in the privacy of their room for personal sharing using the communication techniques learned during the weekend. There is no group discussion—your privacy is always respected.
The Heart of the Process
The encounter process includes three essential elements:
- Presentation of Truth – Teachings drawn from Scripture and Church teaching, brought alive through the lived experiences of the presenting team
- Personal Reflection – Time to commune with your interior life
- Conjugal Dialogue – The heart of the encounter, where spouses express deep-rooted feelings and listen actively to one another
Who Should Attend?
Marriage Encounter is for any couple who wants to enrich their relationship—whether your marriage is already strong and you want to make it even better, or you’re seeking renewed connection. The weekend shows you the way and provides the tools; the rest is up to you.
