Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT IS A MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER?
A: The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a positive and personal
experience offering married couples an opportunity to learn a technique
of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives.
It is a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other
and with God. It is a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams
with each other.
The emphasis of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is on the
communication between husbands and wives. The weekend provides a
conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the
distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to
focus on each other and their relationship.
It is not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity, or a substitute
for counseling. It is a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Marriage.
It truly is a marriage enrichment program.
This is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to
rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an
entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention! Simply
put - it is one of the best marriage enrichment programs offered to
married couples.
Q: What happens on a
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend?
A: It is like many marriage enrichment programs, however Worldwide
Marriage Encounter is unique in that a series of presentations is given
by a team of Catholic couples and a priest. Each presentation allows you
to look at yourself as an individual, and then to look at your
relationship to those with whom you live and work and to whom you
minister. Finally, you are led to look at your relationship with God,
the Church as a whole, and the world. Married couples view all these
relationships in terms of their own vocation, but the principles are
freely applicable to the priesthood and religious life as well. The
atmosphere is relaxed and non-invasive. Most participants say they are
hardly aware of the others in attendance.
Q: I have heard that dialogue
is an important part of the Weekend.
A: "Dialogue" is the communication technique taught on the Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Weekend. A priest/religious who is making the Weekend
dialogues with the priest on the ministry team, or another
priest/religious who is also making the Weekend.
Q: What does the Weekend
cost?
A:On the weekend, you will be asked to make a donation. This donation
will cover the expenses of lodging, food, and materials for the Weekend.
Ordinarily a non-refundable application fee of $25-$100 is required to
confirm your application, food and lodging. There is limited capacity;
so early application is encouraged. The application fee varies from area
based on the local area lodging requirements.
No priest or couple is ever denied the chance to experience a Weekend
because of financial difficulties. This concern should not influence
your decision to attend a Marriage Encounter Weekend. Worldwide Marriage
Encounter is a tax-exempt organization. The application fee can be
waived based on financial need.
The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that donations made in connection
with the Weekend, including the non-refundable deposit mentioned above,
are deductible only to the extent that the contribution exceeds the
amount of goods and services received. Information as to that amount
will be given to couples attending the Weekend. Contributions made on or
in connection with the Marriage Encounter weekend are made
confidentially.
Q: Why is it called Worldwide
Marriage Encounter?
A:The movement began as a way of improving communication between
husbands and wives. But as insights grew, it became apparent that the
techniques used in the sessions could benefit anyone whose vocation
involves close, caring communication with others. It is considered the
first marriage enrichment program and has been updated on a continual
basis to reflect the current marriage environment.
Q: Is there a specific
religious focus to the Weekend?
A: Marriage Encounter does present God as a focus for successful
Marriage. There are many faith expressions of Marriage Encounter
Weekends - Catholic, as well as several Protestant denominations. While
the Weekend may be presented in a given Faith expression, each is open
to married couples with other religious beliefs. The opportunities of
the Weekend go beyond the boundaries of any one expression.
Q: Who is Worldwide Marriage Encounter for?
A: Any married couple who desires a richer, fuller life together. A
marriage can never be too good. Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a marriage
enrichment program, is designed to deepen and enrich the joys a couple
share together, whether they have been married for only a short time, or
for many years. Priests and other religious are also welcome and
encouraged to attend!
Q: Does the Weekend respect the
privacy of each couple?
A: YES! Absolutely!
The weekend is oriented strictly to each individual couple. You
concentrate on your spouse to such an extent that you are hardly aware
of the other couples present. The presentations are given to the group
as a whole. After each presentation, the husband and wife have time in
the privacy of their room for their own personal discussion. There is no
group sharing on the weekend.
Q: How does a Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Weekend enhance a marriage?
A: The encounter weekend, a marriage enrichment program, teaches a
communication technique which permits each couple to explore important
areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding. By
continuing the newly acquired technique begun on the weekend, husband
and wives continually grow closer together to live more joyful and
purposeful lives.
Q: How do I apply for a
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend?
A: Applying for a weekend is simple:
Follow this link to find a weekend near you and then fill out the
application form.
Q: What are the start and stop
times for the Weekend?
A: The Weekend normally starts around 7:30pm on Friday and ends around
5:00pm on Sunday. We provide all meals on Saturday and Sunday, but you
will need to eat dinner prior to arriving on Friday.