Rose & Joseph Muhoi - Nairobi,Kenya - Added 03/13/07

We attended our original weekend in 1997 after a lot of persuasion from a close family. We only gave in to the couple's demand so as to please them but by Saturday afternoon we knew better. We were particularly so moved by the lesson on death that we cried together on each other's arms realizing the so many secrets that we had kept from each other for more than ten years of our marriage. We are this year celebrating ten years of encountered marriage and when we look back we wonder whether without it we would have come this far. We have maintained a close knit group of the people that we attended together and meet once a month to pray together. Long live WWME.

Dan & Vikki Schultz - Antrim, NH - Added 02/16/07

Every married couple, young or old needs this marriage encounter. It was amazing!

John & Tammy Morris - Atlanta, GA - Added 10/27/06

We decided to take the encounter weekend not really knowing what to expect. When we got there we were pleasently surprised. We had a good marriage, but there we just things that we were not sharing. We did not realize how much we were really missing out on each other. Since our weekend, we have been able to reconnect again. We can now communicate in ways were never knew we could and continue to learn more about each other everyday. The weekend was so worth it. We would recommend that any other couple that wish to have the kind of intimacy that we found attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend.

Dan & Shannon Jenkins - Norwich, CT - Added 10/16/06

AMAZING! We have been together for ten years, married for six. We have two beautiful, healthy children. We have always been very much in love, but we were getting in the very bad habit of putting each other on the back burner. With tending to the kids, school, work, life we sort of took each other for granted. We knew that we needed to spend time alone focused on just the two of us...no interruptions.

Friends of ours had been encountered 5 years prior and I was always interested in attending a weekend when the kids got a little older. Well, the time had come for us to have our weekend, and it was such a blessing. My husband was reluctant at first. He felt that our love was strong and was nervous that he would have to share his feelings with a group. I assured him that from what I was told the marriage encounter was very private and really about"us" communicating with each other, not a group.

The first night we sat towards the back of the room. I asked my husband to please sit in the front so we could really listen to the presenting couples and priest. The first part of our weekend he said, "no, I don't want to sit too close." Well, by the middle of Saturday, before I even would enter the room Dan would be sitting in front waiting for me. By Sunday we were so emotionally and spiritually fulfilled that we honestly could not imagine the weekend getting any better.

Our marriage encounter weekend was the most uplifting, enlightening experience of our lives next to our wedding day and the birth of our children. We extend our sincere thanks and blessings to the presenting couples and priest on our weekend. Their sharing and guidance gave us the gift of a lifetime. It amazes us that what we learned was so simple, and we accomplished so much in such a short time. We plan on continuing our journey with dialog and attending circle meetings. We realize now more than ever what a precious gift we are to each other. Thank you WWME!

Terry & Cara Curl - Brandon, SD - Added 9/19/06

Our weekend was more than we could have asked for! We both left feeling like we had been given a second chance at life together. If we had only known we had the tools with us the whole time! WWME is the best thing that has happened to us next to the day we got married! We made new friends that we will keep in touch with that are on the same path we are and are striving for the same goal. This is very refreshing! Thank you WWME!

Tim & Colleen Easton - Medina, OH - Added 8/9/06

We have been married 6 years and attended our Marriage Encounter 2 weeks ago. It was such a blessing! We went with the hopes of walking away a more connected couple. The weekend was so much more than we ever expected it to be! It is so amazing to us that through the simple things they taught us we can make a daily connection that allows and encourages us to be a more loving and considerate couple and, as a result, more loving and considerate parents. We learned so much about each other and continue to use those skills everyday since we got back. During the weekend we felt so supported by the team and other couples around us, it was a wonderful environment for growth and sharing. After we arrived home I felt a loss for a few days because I missed being there! It was the best experience of our married lives and one we will always cherish. We are reminded of it every day as we continue to share our feelings and grow in love. Everyone should make a weekend, you wont regret it!

Patrick & Sara - New York, NY- Added 4/27/06

We were both very reluctant going into our weekend and we were even in a fight when we got there! We have only been married for our short time, but we have so much going on in our lives and we have been together for six years, we felt we needed this weekend. We found out so much about ourselves and 'us', it was really amazing! We couldn't believe we went from "he/she needs to change", to "I love this person with all my heart and actually I need to change some of my behaviors and understand where he/she is coming from". We are both stubborn, so this is truly a breakthrough. We dialogue frequently and discuss our feelings daily. We find our old ways to be melting away. We weren't religious at all, and now want to pray together.

Gene & Tricia Chilton - Burnsville, MN - Added 4/13/06

We thought we had a great marriage but we went to the weekend to appease Tricia's sister. We went with an open mind, but with all the skepticism in the world. Halfway through the second day we felt the power of the holy spirit in full force, and even now can't believe how much it's changed our lives. It was absolutely the most amazing thing we have been through. We started this off with us "thinking we had a great marriage" and that's all it was, a thought. We owe our marriage and our new lives to WWME, our love is so much deeper than anything we could have imagined. God Bless.

Matt & Michelle Wolfersberger - Atlanta, GA - Added 3/21/06

Our weekend ended yesterday and what an emotional ride. After only two and a half years of marriage we knew we needed some help. The weekend was my husband's idea and I was very resistant.

We were living a good life, but as married singles. We had no idea just how far we had drifted apart until we started dialoging. My walls came down and I could see how much my unwillingness to share my feelings had hurt our marriage. By Sunday, we were both emotionally drained but we left feeling like the weight of the world had been lifted from our shoulders. We see each other in a completely different light now, and we look forward to our lives together. We can't wait to utilize the tools we learned and meet up with our WEDS group. Thanks to Father Francois - we thought you were just wonderful and you opened our eyes to the life of a priest. Thanks to the teams too - your stories and courage were inspiring. This is a journey for all married couples, whether you think you need it or not.

Andrew & Jeanne Lydon - Abington, PA - Added 3/21/06

I always thought that we had a pretty good marriage and were very much in love. We did, however, have our 'up' times and 'down' times as most marriages do. We were having a 'down' time last year in a disagreement about one of our children (we have 7 children and don't always agree). We were going through a period where we just couldn't communicate. I couldn't even tell you what the issue was because, as usual, it is now long forgotten.

I was searching websites, very late one night, and came across marriage encounter. We are Catholic and 50 years old and knew several couples who had gone on these weekends many years ago. I e-mailed a reservation right then and there. By the time I received a phone call from a representative of the group, I had asked my husband if he would consider it, and he agreed reluctantly. My 1st question on the phone was "Are we too old for this?". The answer I got was "Of course not, all ages attend, however, after this weekend you are going to wish you did it sooner in your marriage".

Well, we made our weekend 5 months ago. It truly is the single best thing we have ever done for ourselves. We learned to communicate through dialogue and I believe we will continue for the rest of our lives. We have joined a group and meet monthly and share our feelings. No matter what, we don't miss these meetings. They are our support group and we all keep each other going. I know now that we are a normal couple with normal problems just like our new friends. We have grown so much closer to God as well as each other.

Do I ever wish that I had done it sooner? I was never one to look back in life. I just look forward. All I can say is that I am so glad that we came in contact with Marriage Encounter. When one of us is gone someday, I expect to have an entire box of books of letters written by my 'true love'. As for now I look forward to our special time, set aside each day for 'us'. Thank you to 'Marriage Encounter'. You have changed my life.

Jill & Steven Gautherat - Hartland, MI - Added 3/7/06

Well it is Monday, the day after our Encounter Weekend. WOW! What a weekend! My husband thought, "this isnt for me, I am not an emotional guy..." but what a turnaround after 36 hours! The walls came down that we didn't realize we there, and we have finnaly gotten to know each other after 6 years of marriage. The weekend was worth the time well spent. We will tell the world about our special Encounter!

Ryan & Amanda Maier - Added 2/21/06

My wife and I just had our encounter this weekend. It was wonderful! We found out so much about each other we never would have found out in a million years of trying. It was a way for us to finally break down the wall between us and really see each other for who we really are. My wife said she always though she had it figured out and as the weekend went along, she realized she really didn't have it all figured out. I found a new way to talk to her and really get to KNOW HER! It was an awesome experience. I recommend it to every married couple out there.

Tom & Jamie Holloway - Newport News, VA - Added 2/6/06

Today is Monday, a day after our encounter weekend. I'm not sure how to explain my real feelings, but I know I'm a changed man/husband/father. As I sat through the first session on Friday night.... I wasn't sure this was going to be for me. As the hours turned into days, I was surprised how much I was drawn into the weekend.

This is the best thing I've ever done to bring my relationship closer with my wife. I feel as if I was struck by lightening directly in the heart. I never realized how much our relationship was in a down spiral. After 24 years of marriage, I thought this was the "NORM" for old married couples. Well, I'm here to tell you that the Marriage Encounter will definitely change that thought for you!

When Jamie and I left on Sunday afternoon, we both said it was like having a second honeymoon. I still have butterflies in my stomach and feeling like a teenage in love for the first time. I have many friends to thank for directing me to the encounter weekend and I am indebted to them for life. I now know God has big plans for Jamie and me, and I can't wait to fulfill them all! Thank you Marriage Encounter for a new lease on life with my wife.

Nicky & Vicki Parriad - New Orleans, LA - Added 1/7/06

We were encountered in July of 2004. It was a gift from my best friend and her husband. This is Nicky's second marriage. We were a happy, stable couple with all of the ups and downs that includes. After the weekend, we discovered that we were more in love than we had ever been. We learned that by sharing our words, we could enrich our life. We have since begun work on getting his 1st marriage annulled so that we can have our marriage blessed. It was never that important before -- now it is. Our life has been so enriched through the community. We are from New Orleans and this community has been "life" saving. We have felt so much love and spirituality during these trying times. We can't imagine our life without Marriage Encounter.

John & Becky MacDonald - Bozeman, MT - Added 11/17/05

Our weekend was so much more than we thought it would be! It was just amazing that the simple exercises we did could so profoundly change our relationship. We loved how the entire weekend was so positive, and that our relationship was so honored. We felt so nurtured and supported and yes, loved. We highly recommend a Marriage Encounter weekend for every married couple!.

David & Jackie Scott - Edmonton, AB - Added 10/24/05

Well, it's Monday and we just finished our Marriage Encounter Weekend in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Let me tell you it was the most exciting and emotional weekend we have experienced in our 13 years of marriage. We are all taught how to balance a cheque book from our parents, or how to fix things around the house, but no one ever teaches us how to talk and listen to our spouses. This weekend I finally learned how to communicate with my wife for the first time in 13 years and what a relief. I cannot thank you enough for this program and the opportunity that you presented to us this weekend THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Steve & Donna Wicelinski - Bayside, NY- Added 10/24/05

Recently, we encountered a day of reckoning in our marriage. We had been very happily married for 25 years, and yet something had been changing in our lives. I searched the internet only to find that our local Marriage Encounter weekend was cancelled. My heart was broken, but I went on to find a Marriage Encounter weekend in Milford, MA. We both felt our marriage was worth the trip. I made some phone calls, and Steve & I decided that the three hour trip would be worth all the years we had invested in our family and in our lives. Call it divine intervention, call it what you like, but there must have been a reason we found our way. We met wonderful presenters, and a wonderful priest who helped us put US back into perspective. We are truly blessed and grateful for this weekend that has helped us learn to communicate again the way we always did, and will continue to do for the rest of our lives. God bless all of you who helped us reach this special place in our lives.

Kevin & Claire Murray - Carmel, NY- Added 10/3/05

Our weekend changed our lives and view of what a marriage should be. It unleashed the incredible potential that lay dormant in our marriage. We now see why God has brought us together and continues to bless us daily. He wants our marriage to be a beacon of His love for mankind. Our communication has gotten deeper and more loving. Our intimacy has skyrocketted by leaps and bounds. But the real treat is now we see our marriage as an instrument of God's love and really want to live our marriage as part of His plan. We are giddy with anticipation to see what heights He will take us. He can take your marriage beyond the bounds of your imagination if you just let Him take the wheel.

Dave & Rosie Goss - Lancaster, PA- Added 9/19/05

It has been four years since we attended our original weekend. That Marriage Encounter weekend changed our lives and our relationship with each other. Our faith in God has never been stronger. Many times God blesses us in ways we never anticipated. Marriage Encounter was truly a blessing in disguise. It has become our personal ministry. Our Marriage Encounter community is comprised of many couples who have become our closest friends. In June 2005, we celebrated 32 years of marriage and our relationship with each other continues to grow. Many thanks to all the couples and priests who are part of this ministry. God is great in all of you!

Mike & Stacy Burris- Troy, MO - Added 7/31/05

What a great weekend. It has been almost two weeks since we have been to our weekend and we are still dialoguing and it has been a wonderful experience. We recommend it to everyone. You always think your marriage is perfect, or you don't need to learn how to communicate with each other because you already know how, but there is always room for improvement and lessons to learn. What a blessing to bring something like this to your marriage. Thank you for everything you did for us.

Vin & Sharon Gajewski - Cheshire, CT - Added 7/18/05

We have been married for 39 years and, yes, we have had our share of ups and downs. We decided to try a marriage encounter weekend, and oh boy are we glad we did! We took our bland marriage and made it sparkle. We are in love all over again. We have a new lift to our step and can't wait to spend time with each other. We have committed to keep each other first and foremost. We can't say enough about how this weekend - it put romance, a renewed spirit and an enhanced friendship in our marriage. No matter how long or short you are married this is something that every married couple will get something out of.

Travis & Denise Wiese - McCook, NE - Added 3/2/05

My husband and I had our weekend recently. We've been married for 5 years. and at the time I thought we had a good marriage, I never dreamed that we would have a great marriage until after our weekend. We fell in love all over again and learned a new way of being intimate. We are so grateful and feel truly blessed to be a part of WWME.

Stein & Gloria Mambiya - Lilongwe, Malawi - Added 2/25/05

We had our weekend in December, 2001.  It was a very important moment in our marriage.  We were married for 8 years, but this was our turning point.  You know even after the road constrution, there comes a time when you need to re-fill the potholes.  So the same with our marriage.  We had a lot of obstacles before we were encounterd.  After our original weekend, it was a different story.  We are now a happy family with two lovely boys, born on 20 september 1993 and 1998 (what's God secret?).  We are a good example in our community as well as at our parish, Don Bosco. We are now the area leadership couple until 2006. Thanks to the couple who invited us to the M.E. family.

Steve & Tonya Behnke - Eugene, Oregon - Added 1/16/05

Our Marriage Encounter experience changed our lives. It made us realize how much we loved each other, and that our marriage was worth making work. We fell in love all over again during our weekend. However, we stopped dialoging for a number of years and found our communication was going down the drain. We made so many excuses not to dialogue (like the kids, we were tired, we wanted to watch a tv show, etc.) Recently we decided to start dialoging again as a new years resolution and it's been soooo nice to really communicate with each other again. Thanks ME for making our marriage so much better!

Mrs. Raymonde Pirard - Added 11/12/04

My husband was a "Catholic" who never went to church, and was anticlerical. I made remade my dedication to the Lord Jesus in 1972, and I went back to church. My husband created all kinds of problems.

I had a lot of people praying for us when he decided to go to a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend around 1980 as a birthday present to each other (we were born in the same month). On the last day, we had our last questions to answer. I cried a lot, then my husband came in the room and he was in tears, but not for the same reason. As he answered his questions, suddently he knew that Jesus was alive, that Jesus loved him. From that day on my husband never missed Sunday mass, and we prayed for our married children.

In 1994, we had to move closer to one of our son. We choose the younger one because the area was more rural. My husband had Alzheimer and finally he had to go to a Nursing home; he died 4 years later. I visited him often, making him feel loved. Without WWME, I would not have found that love was "til death...".

Teri & Bill Banks - Hamilton Square, NJ - Added 10/6/04

"We made our weekend in September, 2004. Those were the most amazing days of our married life! I knew our marriage was strong, but I never really knew just how strong it was. The words spoken there felt as if they were directly being spoken to us. Each couple that spoke seemed to have more and more in common with us.  It was very powerful to be surrounded by couples wanting to work on their marriage.

We prayed with the priest attending our weekend for a miracle to come home with us, to remain in our lives and hearts and our marriage.  Early in our marriage we tried for two years to have our first child, who is now 18 months old. We had to go a medical route to even conceive, with no reason for us not being able to conceive prior to that. After having her, we said if it was meant to be, it would happen in God's time. Watch what we pray for... we got pregnant and are having a Marriage Encounter Baby! God Bless you Marriage Encounter."

Enrique & Kattia Carrillo - Costa Rica - Added 5/28/04

"We had our weekend on October 31st in San José, Costa Rica. Our marriage has turned into one happy honeymoon since we had our weekend. We are listening to each other with love and we are always looking forward to our 20 minutes of sharing and loving every day. Finally, we let go and let God.

Our kids see the difference even though they are only 7 & 4 years old. They seem happier and laugh more often. We have been married for 10 years and Marriage Encounter helped us not only with our marriage, but gave us the opportunity to be closer to God."

Wendell & Pohaikealoha Au - Hawaii - Added 4/27/04

"We just returned from our weekend. Our time proved to be a work worth all the effort...This weekend, we learned valuable skills that taught us how to communicate even in difficult situations. I learned about feelings my spouse had that he had never shared with me before, and I felt more compassionate and understanding. Today we feel confident that our communication will soar to new heights and that our love can be strong again."

Angelica & Robert Di Niro - Miami, FL - Added 4/8/04

"My husband and I had our weekend about two years ago and I must say that it was the best decision we had ever made. We learned so much about each other, and we learned about the different tools we needed in order to better communicate with each other. We are also attending the circle meeting each month and we continue learning. We have now been married for 4 years, we have a 5 month old baby boy and we are more in love than we have ever been. I would recommend the weekend to everyone from the bottom of my heart, it really works!!!!"

Eric & Andrea - Grand Rapids, MI - Added 3/23/04

"My husband and I went to our first Marriage Encounter weekend in Lansing, Michigan March 19th through the 21st. We knew people that went but had never been. We really enjoyed it. It was nice to get away from the distractions and the kids and just have time for each other on the weekend. My husband and I renewed our love for one another and came back so fulfilled and so in love with each other after almost 10 yrs. of marriage. We vowed on the way home to dialogue at night before bed and change the way we used to do things as a couple and not go back to those ways. We want to be involved in the Marriage Encounter community and have contacted our friends in Grand Rapids, Michigan where we live, who are in it and leaders for us to get involved."

Kevin & Joan Ankrom - Boise, ID - Added 9/18/00

"Kevin and I recently attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend and I must say first of all that I am glad that I listened to God calling me to fill out the form to attend the weekend. After 21 years of marriage, Marriage Encounter has been another blessing in our life together. I believe this ministry is a valuable resource for married couples. The information and knowledge that Marriage Encounter provides is another tool that God leaves laying in our paths on our daily faith walks in life. Being aware and taking the time to reach for that tool is another wonderful opportunity and gift from the love of God. I encourage all couples to reach out hand in hand, together, for the gift that God has left for you."

Mark & Anna Gloeckner - Las Vegas, NV - Added 9/18/00

"Mark and I had our Encounter Weekend August 19, 2000. I prayed at the beginning of our summer for Jesus to rescue our marriage and to help us to have a better Christian marriage. Then a couple came to our parish and described the Marriage Encounter Weekend. I knew it was the answer. The weekend was WONDERFUL. I feel closer to my husband now than I ever have. I am thankful that Jesus heard my prayer."

Philip & Rosemary Brodowski - Peachtree City, GA - Added 7/31/00

"We completed our Marriage Encounter weekend on June 25, 2000. That weekend has been the most powerful, emotional experience we have ever had in our 30 years of marriage. Like many couples, we drifted apart over the years and somehow got to the point where we simply shared the same house, but not each other. We knew we needed a catalyst to help us reenergize our marriage, but never expected the tremendous blast we actually experienced. We learned more about each other than we ever knew before and although it seems hard to imagine it could happen so quickly, we not only rekindled the real love for one another we once had, but actually developed a much deeper love than we have ever experienced before. We are now communicating with one another about everything and perhaps more importantly, we're listening with our hearts. We have vowed that we will continue to use the tools Marriage Encounter gave us every day of our lives. We truly believe Marriage Encounter was agift from God and we will cherish the experience all the days of our lives. THANK YOU Marriage Encounter!!"

Anonymous - Added 7/31/00

"My husband and I have only been married for three years, and we can say we do have a happy marriage. We attended wwme because we want to maintain a stable and loving relationship. Our generation seems to value marriage less, and give up more. We see our encounter as great "maintenance". Thanks to wwme encounter we realize and remember why we are married, and helps us to stay focused. We hope that in 50 years we will still be dialoging and sharing our love daily!!!!"

Minda & Rolly Rabara, Mindanao, Philippines - Added 5/17/00

"The Marriage Encounter weekend we attended at Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines in February 2000 gave our lives a "spiritual lift" and made our relationship better. Our love has rekindled and energized and our feeling was like we were both in love at first sight. Thank so much to ME."

Ed & Tracy Vicknair - Added 3/27/00

"It is Sunday night we are shutting down for the weekend. What an exhausting yet invigorating weekend. My wife and I enjoyed our ride home so much. I now know how she feels about so many things. Today is the end of our weekend but the beginning of the rest of our marriage. We are so pleased we went this weekend. We were skeptical at first but the walls came crashing down and the emotions flowed. I'm not sure I will have enough energy to go in to the office tomorrow. The weekend was that good!"

Jeff & Lee Ann Deitz - Murphysboro, IL - Added 3/27/00

"Our ME weekend has been the most wonderful anniversary gift we could have ever given each other. Our busy schedules with work, children and outside activities were taking a large toll on our marriage. It seemed we were letting our marriage happen- and not making an effort to be involved in it ourselves. Since the ME weekend, we feel more in control of our family. We are making a more concentrated effort to maintain a much higher level of communication than ever before. Before the weekend, our communication level hovered at the Neanderthal level. We were living in the Land of the Lost. Now our love is rekindled, rejuvenated and energized. We are communicating on a much higher level and we actually like to listen to one another. At times we feel almost giddy with excitement for our new found friend- our note book! We look forward everyday to our evening dialogue, and the new discoveries we will make about each other."

Randy & Patti - Pittsburgh, PA - Added 3/27/00

"We made our weekend almost 5 years ago, The greatest gift 2 people could ever give each other. Randy never completed his sacraments but on the weekend he made his first reconciliation and that following Easter He completed his sacraments. Tell me the Lord moves in mysterious ways. I can't thank Him enough. Our lives have never been the same. Our family grew with the addition of our ever faithful community and our new found Love, Randy, never wanted to go on the weekend, But now is the first to volunteer to give pulpit talks or do some sort of recruitment effort. Thank you Marriage Encounter for making my good marriage GREAT!!"

Vincent & Kristin Buonaccorsi - San Diego, CA - Added 2/28/00

"The first thing I realized was that I needed to tell Kristin that I love her, more often. I was shocked to find out how lonely she can feel, because I have always felt so close to her. Through ME our love has flowed right through her and we are now rays of sun, brilliant and piercing.  We have always treasured our nation of two. We could not believe as the overwhelming presence of God flooded over us when our supporting couples came in singing that song. We were part of a community for the very first time. It was as if God reached out his hand and carried us away from all our doubts and fears. ME is love at first sight. We have never experienced anything so beautiful. As with our love, it is everything we never knew we always wanted."

Anthony & Jennifer - Allentown, PA - Added 2/28/00

"Anthony and I made our 1st weekend February 11-13 at St. Francis Retreat Center in Allentown, PA. It was such an incredible weekend that I just need to write and tell all of you about it. After 5 years of marriage, the weekend brought us back in sink with each others feelings, thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Yes, Anthony was skeptical at first. Most men are, but he could not believe how he was able to be more open with his feelings after that weekend. We left that weekend not wanting to go home to the every day stressors of life. It was incredible. It is difficult to describe what the weekend is all about but we can definately tell you that it is so worth it. You come away with such a sense of love, sharing and caring like you never have before. We were inspired by all of the couples and the priest (Father Wally) that presented the weekend. Bob and Michelle Dooley were one couple that really inspired us the most. They had the same personality traits that Anthony and I have, which made it easier to related to the discussions that were given. We encourage all married couples in today's hectic world to at least try it once. You need to experience it for yourselves to know what we are talking about. Good luck to all of you in your Marriage. God love you."

Antonio & Merche - Spain - Added 2/28/00

"We are Antonio and Merche, a Spanish couple that live in Spain (Europe). We lived our Weekend ten years ago. Since that moment we brought the lifestyle of ME in our lives and we live happier. Life is not very easy for us, but we live it together. The good moments are better and bad moments are not as worse. Please, excuse our bad English. Now we try to help another couples, inviting them to live the ME-Weekend. If you read this and have the opportunity to live a ME Weekend, Don't miss it! Thank you very much to ME."

Tammy & Fred Williams - Minneapolis, MN - Added 2/28/00

"Words seem so inadequate to describe how the Marriage Encounter weekend affected me. The weekend was affirming, spiritual, uplifting, rewarding, emotional, fun, enlightening and much more. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to get so much out of it. My husband and I have known each other for over 12 years but it is amazing to find out that there is still so much more to learn and discover about each other through dialogue. The weekend has brought about a renewal of our commitment to each other and to building a stronger relationship within the sacrament of our marriage. It has also left me with a desire to promote and encourage other couples to become encountered. It is the greatest gift you can give to each other - a weekend of renewal and rediscovery!!"

Jimmy & Jill Doherty - Queens, NY - Added 2/28/00

"We made our weekend in February 1999, 16 months into a marriage that got off to a very rocky start. God had other plans for us though, and through a brief notice in the church bulletin, we committed to the weekend. Not knowing what to expect, but hoping for a miracle, we were inspired by the love, honesty and openess of the Bishop and the hosting couples. Then we were blessed with the awesome tool that ME teaches, and understood that God had granted us that miracle. We had no idea that Marriage Encounter was a community, and thought the weekend would be a "one time deal." Staying connected by attending meetings and functions that ME sponsors, we are utilizing that miracle. We left that Valentine's weekend with the conviction that it IS God's will for us to be together, and to give Him glory through this blessed sacrament."

Chris & Beth Deibel - Columbus, OH - Added 2/28/00

"Beth and I made our Marriage Encounter weekend two months after we had gone through RCIA together. Beth was joining the Catholic Church and I was yearning for a deeper understand of my Catholic faith. The experience of renewing and regaining our spiritual life brought us to a new level of desire. We wanted to enhance, deepen and expand our spiritual life as a couple. After prayerful discernment, God sent us on a Marriage Encounter weekend in July of 1997. What we experienced was a true union with Christ as a couple. What an eye opener for us! We realized that our Vocation of Marriage within the Catholic Church is to shine so bright that we stand out as an example of God's Desire for Marriage. We came off our weekend on fire to be God's instruments to help change the world one relationship at a time. We are deeply involved in Marriage Encounter and it has changed our lives forever! If you are not sure you want to make a Marriage Encounter weekend... consider this... it's not that you need a weekend... it is that you deserve it!!!"

Nicole Son - Daughter of Encountered Couple - Added 1/8/00

"This is a little different from the testimony that you asked for, but when I saw this page, I felt I had to write. My parents, Wes and Vicki Fach, made their weekend in 1981 in New Jersey, were a team couple for many years, and were execs in San Diego, CA. I thank God every day that my parents were encountered - their relationship has been a shining exampletto me and my siblings of what a marriage should be. They have been dialoguing daily for well over 10 years, and this communiciation has sustained them through many difficult times. A Marriage Encoutner Weekend was the greatest gift my parents ever gave their children. Thanks ME!"

Michael & Tracy Dodd - Cedar Rapids, IA - Added 1/8/00

"[We] have been married for 10 years, and have three children. We attended the ME this weekend, just 6 hours ago we were renewing our wedding vows with around 20 other couples.  The ME Weekend was just what we needed for our marriage. In the last 10 years we've been through 10 major operations, amputation and a total knee replacement.  All this had put our marriage to a test, and there were still stresses trying to tear us apart. The ME weekend helped us to open up to each other and therough dialoguing were able to put many of the hurts and doubts behind us for good!  We now have the tools to take on the next 60 years!"

Kris & Vickie Kilmer - Canyon Lake, TX - Added 11/1/99

"We attended our 1st Marriage Encounter Weekend on 26 Sept. 1999.  After 31 years of marriage, three children and two grandchildren, we had become the perfect example of "married singles", each of us going our own way, doing our own thing, having our separate friends and leading our lives more as occassional roommates, than husband and wife. Our marriage was in immanent danger of being on the rocks. Through Marriage Encounter we rediscovered how much we really mean to each other. We now look forward to our dialogue time as a rekindling of our love, honesty and trust towards one another. After our Encounter Weekend we became closer, more open and more intimate than we have been in the last 25 years. We thank God for Marriage Encounter, as it has truly saved this marriage."

Sean & Stacey Romo - Metaire, LA - Added 11/1/99

"This weekend was truly GREAT for us. This is the Monday after, and I can see the difference in how I look at my husband. I am excited when he called today, and when he got home I immediately got off of the phone to greet him. I have a new found love and I am so excited about our new future together."

George & Colleen Wigh - Grafton, WI - Added 11/1/99

"George and I have been married 13 years. I was looking forward to the weekend more than George was. As the weekend went on, I liked the way George opened up with his feelings more. We were reminded about how much our marriage really is a sacrament.  I especially liked the end when we renewed our vows. We drove home that night feeling much closer to each other."

John & Cindy Stadler - Erie, PA - Added 11/1/99

"The ME Weekend was unbelievable, and we cannot believe that ME has been around for so long. As others, we were considering the option of separation, when I noticed an ad in the local paper. The weekend was nothing like we expected, but much more than we could have imagined. We have decided to stay together and to continue to dialogue. John has even gone to church for the first time in years, and is the catalyst in a prayer before we retire each night. I thank the Lord for small miracles. Even our children have noticed the difference, and agree that the weekend was a miracle. God bless and keep all of those who are selfless enough to donatetheir weekends for others like us. We keep you in our daily prayers."

Wayne & Marcia Kessler - Las Vegas, NV

"We made our weekend in April of 1975 and to say the least it has changed our lives. Our relationship was definately a two ships passing in the night relationship. We worked two different shifts and had three children ages 3, 4 & 7. Our conversation dealt entirely with who needed the car when and where we needed to be at any given time. Our weekend gave us the opportunity to romance each other once again. We learned to look at each other the way we did when we were dating. We look forward to the time we spend on our communication enrichment every day, even today after 24 years since our weekend. Our children are grown and have blessed us with 6 grandchildren. All of them look forward to being with us and experiencing our closeness that pours out on to them."

Tom & Judy Ahrens - Cincinnati, OH

"Tom and I first were encountered in October 1994 and again in April 1998. Our weekends have brought us closer to each other and has brought God into our marriage in a powerful way. We celebrated our 34th anniversary this month and we are grateful for our renewed relationship. Thank God for Marriage Encounter!"

Dennis & Patti Kelleher - Syracuse, NY

"My husband and I made our original weekend in March of 1992 in Massachusetts. We had been married for 10 years at the time with 3 young boys. The best thing we've done for ourselves was to attend this M.E. Weekend!  It really freed us up to finally talk to each other again and not at each other. This weekend was emotionally freeing for both of us; we shared a part of ourselves that we didn't know existed. And the best thing was knowing that our feelings weren't being judged, just finally accepted!

Since our original weekend, we've since moved to Illinois and now reside in New York. Each time we immediately sought out the closest M.E. [community] and were immediately welcomed with open arms. The gift of dialogue has kept us going through all of this, and to this day we continue to be active within our community.  We have made some life-long friendships and will be forever grateful for the gift of the weekend."

Jack & Jennie Nicholson - Grand Rapids, MI

"My husband and I just encountered June 25, 1999.  We are amazed at how close it brought us!  We left the weekend feeling like we are dating again.  All the excitement and joy had come back to our marriage.  We have only been married 3 years, and we are so glad we didn't wait longer before our encounter. Thank you Marriage Encounter for making us one of the happiest couples on earth!"

Joe & Betty LeBlanc - Amherst, VA

"We will be celebrating our 38th anniversary in July 1999. Our marriage was close to crumbling almost 18 years ago when we were invited to attend an ME weekend. Even after 20 years being married, we learned so much more about each other that wonderful weekend in Houston, Texas. The strength we gained has carried both of us through many ups and downs."

Al & Mary Alvarado

"My husband and I attended our first Marriage Encounter Weekend in June 1980. We learned to trust each other on that weekend. I learned to listen more since I am usually the talker and my husband learned to communicate in a very non-threatening way. We believe we are still married today thanks to Marriage Encounter."

"In May of 1999 we experienced an anniversary weekend, we took our youngest daughter and son-in-law on the same weekend. It was wonderful to see them grow and glow all weekend, but our biggest blessing was our own renewed rejuvinated LOVE! We experiences such closeness and our love continues to grow every day. We thank God for the tools we learned on the weekend. Life is so much more enjoyable! We encourage everyone to go for an anniversary weekend soon!"

Ray & Debra Delgadillo - Chandler, AZ

"This was the best thing my husband and I did for ourselves in the last 21 years of marriage. Not only did I find my spiritual faith I also found the most important man in my life, my husband Ray. I knew I loved him, but now there is more love than I ever imagined. We found our church, our marriage, our church lights will always stay on! GO MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER!"

Paul & Jackie Hodgins

"We rekindled the love in our relationship and opened up lines of communication we never knew existed. We have a renewed commitment to our marriage."

Ian & Kim - Richmond, KY

"Marriage Encounter has made us closer than we have ever been before. We thank God everyday for what WWME has done for us."