You probably have heard about Worldwide Marriage Encounter but you are probably asking yourself, “What is it exactly?”
Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is the largest, pro-marriage movement in the world. It was founded in Spain by Father Gabriel Calvo. Father Church Gallagher, S.J. brought the movement to the United States in 1968. More than 10 million couples have benefited from WWME, now offered in 93 countries and in many languages.
During the course of a weekend, which runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, couples of all ages are taught communication tools and gain insight and confidence to enrich their marraige, family, and faith life.
The weekend, given by a team of three married couples and a Catholic priest, consist of a series of presentations, based on real experiences of married couples. With each presentation and subsequent reflection, couples build stronger communication and deepen their love. After each talk, couples discuss the concepts privately. There is no group discussion. The weekends conclude with Mass and a renewal of wedding vows by the participating couples.
In the archdiocese, weekends are offered at Marian Shrine Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point and Mount Alvernia Retreat House in Wappingers Falls.
www.exceptionalmarriages.com — Designed to help men and women to create a more intimate marraige and celebrate a more faithful and fulfilling family life, the Pastoral Solutions Institue has resources, relationship quizzes, podcasts, weblogs and tele-counseling.
www.wwme.org — Worldwide Marriage Encounter – Most people maintain their cars with an oil change and tune up…a Marriage Encounter weekend can help couples maintain and enhance their marriage. Call (914) 524-7088 for weekend locations nearest you.
www.familylifecenter.net — Articles, links and resources on faith and family life. Whether it’s strengthening your Catholic marriage or building the Catholic family, your’ll find the practical help you need.
www.smartmarriages.com — Resources, articles, statistics, courses, links to other helpful websites to help couples have, smart, happy and long-lasting marriages.
www.loveandrespect.com — The love and respect secret that cracks the communication code.
www.prepinc.com — State of the Art Tools for a healthy marriage: for marriage couples, tools, for presenters, quiz for couples, research and references on marriage.
www.healthymarriageinfo.org/index.cfm — Information and resources on a variety of topics from the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center.
www.usccb.org/laity/marriage/MarriedLove.pdf — A 2006 document that provides an explanation of the Catholic teaching on married love and responsible parenthood in a question and answer format.
Addictions (Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Gaming) can negatively impact the marriage relationship. Check out this website for resources: www.addictionrecoveryguide.com/index.
Money issues are often associated with failed marriages. For financial planning assistance: www.marrriageandmoney.org orwww.veritasfinancialministries.com.
Pornography harms the marriage relationship. It can become an addiction. www.familylifecenter.net/strugglewithporn.asp and www.trueknights.org.
Troubled Marriages can benefit from a Retrovaille weekend that helps couples rebuild a loving relationship if they are struggling to stay together: www.retrouvaille.org or 800-470-2230. Catholic Charities Counseling: 866-682-2166. See also:www.maritalhealing.com.
Violence – if anger is out of control, support groups and professional counseling can help. National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7: 800-799-SAFE.