Retrouvaille Weekend Scheduled Aug. 22-24

A Retrouvaille Weekend will be offered in the Diocese of Amarillo Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24.

The following information about Retrouvaille is provided to The West Texas Catholic by Paul and Patty Miguel, diocesan coordinators of the Retrouvaille Program.

RETROUVAILLE

Vision Statement
We believe that every marriage, a union of one man and one woman, deserves the opportunity to survive, be healed and thrive as a covenant of life and love. Retrouvaille is the place where we, as hurting couples, found hope and so we are passionately committed to dramatically increasing the number of couples served in both new and existing communities worldwide.

Mission Statement
Retrouvaille is an International community of disciples committed to the continued healing of their marriages and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, sharing their stories, talents and gifts to promote and spread the healing ministry of Retrouvaille.

Patron Saint
The Patron Saint of Retrouvaille is St. Joseph.

History
Retrouvaille began in 1977 as a French language weekend for hurting marriages in the province of Quebec, Canada. It was adapted to English by the community in Toronto, who also revised and strengthened the contents of the weekend and developed the post-weekend programs. From 1982, Retrouvaille has spread through the United States, South America and from 1991 into many other countries around the world. The local Retrouvaille Community, “Retrouvaille of the Panhandle” began with a program conducted in January-March, 2000.

The Goals of Retrouvaille
The primary goal is to provide help for couples who live in the disappointment and pain of marriage problems. The weekend provides a safe setting, encouraging couples to learn communication in marriage in a respectful manner. The post-weekend phase of the Retrouvaille program is as critical to a couple experiencing marital problems as the initial weekend experience. The degree of disappointment, deterioration and despair in hurting marriages cannot be healed in one weekend. Restoration takes time. The post-weekend sessions provide support as couples discuss concepts of the importance of communication in marriage, intimacy, and many other topics. Today’s unchallenged acceptance of divorce suggests that many friends, families, church communities are providing only limited support for marriages. Retrouvaille is a program that is solely dedicated to providing the necessary support to help save marriages.

A team of three couples and a priest present the Retrouvaille weekend. The presenting couples have grown through serious disillusionment, pain and conflict in their own relationships. These couples offer hope as they share their personal stories of struggle, reconciliation and healing. The team couples share the deep and personal hurts they have experienced as well as the healing, reconciliation and growth their marriages have experienced since their participation in Retrouvaille. This helps participants find the courage to express some of their own pain with their spouse in a safe and private place and also help them find hope and encouragement for the future of their marriage. In sharing their values and insights, team couples offer a message different from society’s model of independence and selfishness. Hurting couples are invited to see how listening, communication, conflict management forgiveness are healthy tools for building a stable relationship as well as the importance of being open and accepting God’s Grace as a source of strength for their marriage.

The next program in the Amarillo area will begin with a weekend on Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24. Couples can pre-register on-line at www.helpourmarriage.com If couples have questions they can contact Paul or Patty Miguel at 806-420-1520 or via email, at [email protected].