Marriage Ministry

Troubled Marriage?

There are many troubled marriages and unfortunately the number seems to be growing. Most everybody in this situation wants to improve their relationship, but it seems like such a huge job and they don’t know where to start. There are a number of programs out there, but that doesn’t make it any easier, and perhaps it makes it more difficult; there are several types of marriage encounters and there is the possibility of engaging the services of a professional marriage counselor. These may partially be covered later by your health insurance. It all looks so complicated that you just don’t know where to start.

I am very strongly committed to Retrouvaille because I’ve seen a great number of couples who had been very unhappy (or miserable) in their relationship and had decided to participate in the full program of Retrouvaille and had found that it enabled them to make the big change, so that they are really happily married now.

You are probably asking, “What makes Retrouvaille so effective?” I think the following are among the reasons:

Married couples whose relationship had very much fallen apart, (but have come together through Retrouvaille) make the presentations.
The couples don’t “preach at you” but they reveal very openly where they were at and what steps they had to take.
They are available to answer questions that you may have.
There is a priest on each weekend who is available for consultation or help, if you request it.
Since a marriage problem can’t be fully cured over a weekend, you are strongly urged to sign up for a follow up program that will take place with your same group every other Saturday afternoon for about 3 ½ hours. This follow up program will cover the next three months.
Hopefully by that time you will be comfortable as a couple. Or if you feel you need further help, additional special programs are provided.
No couple is kept away because of lack of money.

I’m sure you’re asking, “What is the catch?” Believe me there is no catch.

No one is going to force you to do anything
No one is ever kept out because of lack of money
Your participation is kept secret—we will never reveal your name unless you permit it.
It is not a fly-by-night-program. It started in Canada and came to the U.S.A. in 1984. I brought it to Cincinnati in 1987 and have worked with it ever since.

--Fr. Ray Favret

For more information about this ministry, please contact Jerry Barney at 777-6433, ext. 121.