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FAQ's
What is Marriage Encounter?
A Marriage Encounter weekend gives married couples an opportunity to
improve and grow in their couple communication. It is an ongoing
process, not something that comes naturally after a wedding, but
involves a lifetime of active learning. Marriage Encounter is a program
geared towards enhancing the couple relationship through communication
occurring in an open and honest face to face, heart to heart encounter.
This special weekend program is offered in a comfortable setting
designed to give couples a chance to get away from the everyday routine
of life and to spend time together exploring their marital relationship.
We all spend a lot of time, energy, and money on food, clothes,
entertainment, homes, vehicles, and careers. Yet how much time do we
spend on one of the most important relationships we will ever have? Time
is one of the most precious possessions we have, and spending time with
each other is a most precious gift. This gift supplies you with new
tools and new growth in your couple relationship. Continued use of these
tools enhances your relationship and allows it to grow.
Marriage Encounter is not a marriage clinic, religious instruction or
retreat, or group therapy. There is no group discussion, sharing, or
talking in front of others required. You, as a couple are the focus of
the weekend. You give the weekend to each other through sharing of
yourself and your time. Give some time to your spouse and give your
marriage an opportunity to grow. Try a weekend.
Who benefits from a Marriage Encounter weekend?
Marriage Encounter is for all married couples who
want to improve their marriages with better communication. It is open to
all, regardless of age or faith. Newly married couples and couples
married over fifty years have all found the Encounter to be beneficial.
Couples of all faith commitments are welcome to explore and strengthen
the meaning of their married lives in their own religious frame of faith
Through the Marriage Encounter Weekend process, couples are given time
to reflect on their attitudes toward each other and their families ...
their joys and their frustrations ... their disappointments and hurts
... their hopes and their dreams. The techniques shared on the ME
weekend are non-threatening. The weekend experience is unique for each
couple, and the communication experienced between each individual couple
is personal and private.
What is the format?
A team consisting of three married couples and often a clergy person or
clergy couple leads the weekend process. The members of the team are not
teachers, therapists, or professional counselors, but are people who
previously experienced the weekend process themselves. The team couples
give a specific series of presentations. These presentations are not
meant to be lectures or teachings but rather informational sharings
centered on personal experiences. Time for personal reflection and
couple communication or dialog follows each presentation. The weekend
process centers around open and honest communication, which occurs
privately between spouses in their own room. Listening is as important
as talking.
What does a weekend cost?
The only required cost is a $40 non-refundable registration fee. During
the weekend you will have the opportunity to make an additional free
will donation, but this is strictly voluntary. No couple will ever be
turned away because of lack of funds.
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