Upcoming Marriage Enrichment Events
Check back here frequently for the latest updates on marriage enrichment activities available in the diocese!
Domestic Church Evangelization Retreat
Check Back Soon for the Date of the Next Retreat!
This Domestic Church Evangelization Retreat begins on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM on Sunday. During the retreat, couples are invited to delve more deeply into the graces of their shared spiritual journey. The goal of the retreat is to strengthen the couple’s spousal union and lead them to experience complete harmony and joy in their marriage through simple formation and meaningful dialogue that intentionally places Christ in the center.
2024 Domestic Church Retreat Flyer and Brochure
Click HERE to access the Packing and Lodging document.
Description: Our day begins on Saturday, October 12th with 8:00 AM Mass. Registration will follow. We will finish the day by 8:30 PM. On Sunday, the day begins with the 10:00 AM. Mass. The day will end at
approximately 3:30 PM. A final schedule will be sent to you a week in advance of the retreat. The retreat includes time to learn about God’s plan for your marriage, Mass, an opportunity for Confession, and ample time to discuss and pray with and for each other.
The cost is $135 per couple. Please remember $75 is non-refundable.
While we do not provide lodging, we do encourage couples to think about ‘unplugging’ from their normal routine and find a place to lodge in the Marshfield area. We suggest you start your search for lodging by going to: A variety of locations and pricing is available. Your best rates will be found by calling directly.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE: to request scholarship assistance, please send email to Lacrosse@domesticchurchfamilies.com (This is made possible through the generosity of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.)
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
“Love needs time and space; everything else is secondary. Time is needed to talk things over, to embrace leisurely, to share plans, to listen to one other and gaze in each other’s eyes, to appreciate one another and to build a stronger relationship. Sometimes the frenetic pace of our society and the pressures of the workplace create problems. At other times, the problem is the lack of quality time together, sharing the same room without one even noticing the other.” POPE FRANCIS
As Pope Francis states living together is an art and can be a beautiful journey. Marriage can be challenging with family, work, finances, kids, busy schedules and all that life offers. Losing focus on what is important in life is easy.
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend experience focuses on what’s important in your marriage and provides the tools to live a beautiful journey together.
For more information, contact regional leadership couple:
Jeff Francois (563) 608-3305 OR Janet Francois (563) 608-6635
Self-Directed Enrichment
Marriage Retreat with Pope Francis
This is a seven day, self-directed retreat. Each day, begin with a simple prayer that is followed by reading the quote from Pope Francis and the text that breaks open the theme. Move into the reflection, stopping to dialogue about what you are thinking. Talk about the actions that are suggested. Finally close in prayer.
Marriage – Love and Life in the Divine Plan Retreat
This is a seven day, self-directed retreat. Each day, begin with a simple prayer that is followed by reading the text that breaks open the theme. Move into the reflection, stopping to dialogue about what you are thinking. Talk about the actions that are suggested. Finally, close in prayer.
Programs for Parishes, Small Groups or Home
The Beatitudes
Author/Publisher: John & Terry Bosio
Purchase Price: $75 Parish Packet includes DVD with 6 sessions, program coordinator’s guide, printable handouts and a copy of Blessed is Marriage book.
Description: The program is very versatile. It can be used as a six session parish “Date Night” program, or as a tool for small group discussion, or as a couples’ retreat using the videos as presentations for each session. The Beatitudes program is based on the book: Blessed is Marriage: A Guide to the Beatitudes for Catholic Couples, by John Bosio (Twenty-Third Publications, 2012)
Time Frame: 6 sessions, 12 minute videos (optional opening prayer, social, discussion formats)
Admin/Organization: Program Coordinator’s booklet
Environment: Date nights, group settings, retreat
Recommendations: For group settings, recommend Blessed is Marriage book for individual couples. Order for $14.95 at website.
Presenters: 1 program coordinator needed to open prayer and guide discussion
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Beloved
Author/Publisher: Lighthouse Catholic Media/Augustine Institute
Purchase Price: Leader’s Guide with discs: $215
Couple’s Guide booklet: $25
Description: In 12 sessions, Beloved explores the true meaning of marriage. Here you’ll discover the deepest spiritual, emotional, and practical realities of what your marriage can and should be. Through an exploration of Scripture, Tradition, and Church teaching, God’s plan for your marriage will come alive. You’ll see firsthand the wonder, mystery, and joy behind that first “I do”—whether you said it last year or many years ago.
Time Frame: 12 sessions – each 60-90 min. in length (includes prayer, video, discussion)
Admin/Organization: The Leader’s Guide explains how to lead the group through each session
Environment: Group, One on One, Retreat, Home study
Recommendations: Child care recommended if the program is used in group setting.
Presenters: Trained following Leader’s Guide
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Additional Comments: Discs capable of being used for Marriage Preparation if necessary. Parish should seek approval from Office for Marriage and Family Life before using for Marriage Preparation. Couple’s booklet needed for each couple.
The Choice Wine
Author/Publisher: Paradisus Dei
Purchase Price: Free to parishes for startup. Parishes offset or cover the cost of meals or refreshments by seeking suggested donations from participating couples.
Description: The Choice Wine is a pathway to authentic marital happiness. Couples will learn how to virtually divorce-proof their marriages, experience the superabundant love and mercy of God, and realize a foretaste of Paradise in their marriages and families.
Time Frame: 9 Sessions, once per week
1.5-2hrs including refreshments, prayer, video, discussion, closing
Admin/Organization: Parish Implementation Kit includes Core Team Role Descriptions, the Core Team Manual, Training DVD, The Choice Wine session DVDs, Small Group Facilitator Guides for each session, and Master of Ceremony Guides for each session
Environment: Community weekly sessions, small groups in the home setting or weekend retreat as well as individual couples experiencing the program at home
Recommendations: Because this program is very flexible, think about best application before ordering materials. Child care is recommended if the program is used in group setting.
Presenters: Video based, Core team materials and instructions
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Preview only
Additional Comments: Very similar to the popular men’s ministry program That Man is You. You can request materials at website. A book that accompanies the program is available for parishes to purchase in bulk at substantial discounts. Parishes offset or cover the cost of meals or refreshments by seeking suggested donations from participating couples.
Fireproof My Marriage
Author/Publisher: Provident Films
Description: Kirk Cameron stars as Caleb Holt, a heroic fire captain who values dedication and service to others above all else. But the most important partnership in his life, his marriage, is about to go up in smoke. This gripping story follows one man’s desire to transform his life and marriage through the healing power of faith and fully embrace the fireman’s code: Never Leave Your Partner Behind.
Time Frame: 110 minute movie, six 90 minute sessions
Admin/Organization: Small group, with video clips to accentuate points from the film. Catholic study guides available through the Office for Marriage and Family Life.
Environment: In-home or small group
Presenters: 1 facilitator for the evening
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Other resources available at: www.fireproofresources.com
The 5 Love Languages
Author/Publisher: LifeWay
Purchase Price: DVD available in office, extra workbooks cost $17.75 on Amazon
Description: People express and receive love in different ways. If you express love in a way your spouse doesn’t understand, they won’t realize you’ve expressed your love at all. The problem – you’re speaking two different languages. This presentation helps you learn to speak and understand the unique languages of love and effectively communicate with your spouse.
Time Frame: Seven, 60-90 minutes/presentation
Admin/Organization: Small group, at most six couples
Environment: Small group, one to one, home study
Presenters: Leader guide on DVD with Leader Helps, Handouts
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Additional Comments: Book by same title can be purchased. ($8.59 on Amazon)
7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free
Author/Publisher: Phil Lenahan/Our Sunday Visitor
Purchase Price: $20 book, $100 Leader kit
Description: 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free is the popular program that provides the direction, strategies, and practical guidance every Catholic needs to manage their God-given resources well. This one-of-a-kind program provides a step-by-step approach to guide you from concept to reality. Here is how to take the gifts God has given you – your skills, your education, your training, your income – and use them as He intended. Here is how to not just get out of debt and begin saving, but to wisely and deliberately set priorities and achieve financial goals that reflect what you believe as a Catholic.
Time Frame: Six, 90 minutes sessions
Admin/Organization: Individual or small group study
Environment: In home or parish hall, book or online
Presenters: Group Leader
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Additional Comments: Also available in Spanish
10 Great Dates to Energize your Marriage
Author/Publisher: Zondervan
Purchase Price: $39.99 for DVD with 10 video sessions and copy of accompanying book
Description: Combining fun dates and marriage education skills, this video curriculum gives couples time-out to build their marriage and enrich their relationship.
Time Frame: 10, 30 minute sessions with 12 minute video
Admin/Organization: Leaders guide included with DVD
Environment: Group setting or individual couples
Presenters: A leader to coordinate opening prayer, video and discussion
Copy available through Marriage & Family Life: Yes
Additional Comments: 1 book per couple ($12.99)
Marriage in Christ
Presentation Cost: Cost to train a couple to present $125 + shipping
Description: Over time couples can fall into a rut. We take our spouse for granted and we forget how much we love each other. The 5 week Marriage in Christ Seminary will give practical suggestions to renew our love and put it into action. The seminar offers a foundation to build a strong marriage where you can learn practical skills to build a marriage that stands the test of time.
Time Frame: Once per week in group setting for 2 hours and 20 minutes per day as a couple for 35 days
Admin/Organization: Manual provided including step by step prayer, conversation and suggestions.
Environment: Parish meeting room
Presenters: As trained/provided by the seminar
Men are Like Waffles-Women are like Spaghetti
Author/Publisher: Bill & Pam Farrell
Presentation Cost: $100/hour + mileage for presenting couple
Description: We want marriages that are happy and harmonious. That is why so many of our decisions are affected by how our spouse will respond. This presentation focuses on how to understand the differences between men and women – and delighting in those differences.
Time Frame: 60 min/presentation
Admin/Organization: The parish would be responsible for setting up the event (date, location, hospitality, etc.)
Environment: Parish meeting room to accommodate group. Can also be done at a local restaurant.
Presenters: Diocesan training presenters. Please contact familylife@diolc.org for additional information and a list of the presenters.
Additional Comments: Book available
email familylife@diolc.org for the program
Pick 6-Great Date Series
Author/Publisher: John Bosio
Cost: Parish packet costs $75.
Description: This ready to use program comes with a coordinator’s guide, videos, and handouts (in PDF format ready to print). The six 20 minute videos inspire spouses to become aware of the gift that they are to each other as husband and wife.
Time Frame: 6 date night, 20 minute presentations are available.
Admin/Organization: Leader guide with prayers, readings, and story preceding date for couples.
Environment: Parish Hall or other suitable meeting space
Recommendations: Consider providing childcare for couples while they are on their date.
Presenters: 1 presentation leader
International or National Marriage Movements
National Marriage Encounter
Cost: The couple covers the cost of the encounter weekend that varies by location. (Average cost $150-$300)
Description: A National Marriage Encounter (NME) weekend is a process that married couples experience in the course of two or three days. This weekend gives spouses an opportunity to grow in their marriage through open and honest communication, face-to-face sharing, and heart to heart encounter in a comfortable, relaxed setting. NME invites and encourages married couples of all ages and faith expressions to share in this experience and to become an integral part of this journey.
Through the Marriage Encounter Weekend process couples are given time to reflect on their attitudes toward each other and their families … their joys and their frustrations … their disappointments and hurts … their hopes and their dreams. The techniques shared on the ME weekend are non-threatening. The weekend experience is unique for each couple, and the communication experienced between each individual couple is personal and private.
Time Frame: The weekend begins on a Saturday morning and ends on a Sunday evening.
Admin/Organization: This is a lay led movement which means that the couples take on the administration and organization.
Environment: Outside of the Parish.
Additional Comments: This movement focuses on the importance of communication within marriage. Techniques are focused on helping the couples improve their ability to understand each other – especially each other’s feelings. Local contacts for NME are Ken and Sue Ripp. They can be contacted at: rippsk@charter.net
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Cost: The couple covers the cost of the encounter weekend that varies by location. (Average cost $150-$300)
Description: The mission of Worldwide Marriage Encounter is to proclaim the value of Marriage and Holy Orders in the Church and in the world. To that end, couples attend a 3 day weekend retreat where they listen to a series of presentations that help them examine their behaviors and attitudes, their relationship with each other and God. Communication tools are taught on the weekend helping couples connect in healthy, constructive ways on areas that can deepen their intimacy and connectedness.
Time Frame: The retreat begins Friday evening and concludes late Sunday afternoon. After the weekend encounter, the couples are encouraged to attend monthly group meetings.
Admin/Organization: This is a lay led movement which means the couples take on the administration and organization.
Environment: Outside of the Parish
Additional Comments: WWME does encourage clergy and religious to attend the weekends because doing so strengthens their communication skills, and deepens their understanding of marriage and family life issues within their parish. Local contacts for WWME are Janet and Jack Francois. Contact them at: jljwwme08@gmail.com
Marriage Inventory Resource
REFOCCUS
Author/Publisher: FOCCUS, Inc.
Purchase Price: $25/couple
Description: The REFOCCUS© Marriage Enrichment Inventory is a growth and enrichment tool, which can be taken by a married couple at any stage of their marital relationship. Couples independently indicate their agreement or disagreement with statements presented in six different sections of the REFOCCUS© Inventory, which can be taken over the course of days or weeks to allow the couple time for in-depth discussion and consideration. The inventory is not intended for use by individuals in seriously troubled marriages.
Time Frame: As needed by the wants of the couple
Admin/Organization: Unlike the FOCCUS pre-marriage inventory, can be taken with or without a facilitator.
Environment: In-home
Additional Comments: For more information, contact your parish FOCCUS/Marriage Facilitator or email familylife@diolc.org
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