What is Marriage Encounter? The Marriage Encounter Weekend is an experience designed to help married couples communicate more intimately with one another. It's a weekend away from home, family and responsibilities where in a comfortable environment a couple is guided in the discovery of new techniques of communicating and sharing with one another. Marriage Encounter is a weekend about love. It has been described as "the weekend that will enrich your life." It is not a retreat, but a program which gives couples the opportunity to look at themselves privately in a loving encounter. It is a positive building weekend which enhances the maritial relationship. Couples DO NOT share any aspect of their marriages with the group. Who is Marriage Encounter For? Marriage Encounter is for any couple desiring a richer, fuller marriage. Since every marriage can be improved, even the best marriages can find new meaning and deepend joys through the weekend experience. More than 2,000,000 couples in over 50 countries around the world have experienced the weekend. Marriages of a few months to more than 45 years have been enhanced and revitalized. Rich or poor, young or old, they have all found the weekend to be deeply meaningful for their marriages. What Happens on an Encounter? An atmosphere is created on the weekend where the couple can concentrate on one another free of the distractions, pressures and tensions of the world. The weekend begins on Friday night and runs through Sunday evening. The weekend is orderly, informative and structured. It is led by a team of lay couples and a priest. Through a series of presentations they give the husband and wife a rare opportunity to look at themselves and their marriage. Most of the couple's time on the weekend is spent learning and developing a technique of communication called dialogue. What Marriage Encounter is NOT Marriage Encounter is not a marriage clinic or a marriage counseling session. It is not a T group or a sensitivity group. It in no way attempts to solve any problems. Couples do NOT disclose their problems to the group. The weekend is NOT group oriented -- it is focused on the couple. Is Marriage Encounter for all Faiths? YES - anyone is welcome on a Marriage Encounter weekend. Although the weekend is Catholic in orientation and is expressed in the tradition and understanding of the Catholic Church, it is open to all couples. What Does a Weekend Cost? A $50.00 non-refundable and non-transferable registration fee is charged to confirm food and lodging. Each couple will have the opportunity to make a free will offering in a blank white envelope. Don't stay at home because you think you cannot afford it. No one is ever denied the opportunity to experience a Marriage Encounter weekend for their relationship because of a lack of funds. Interested?? This refreshing positive approach to communication in marriage offers an opportunity for growth. Give this gift to each other. Invest one weekend of your love for one another in a MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND. The returns are Great!!!