Retrouvaille
...a lifeline for marriages.
The Challenge of RelationshipsSomeone once said "marriages may be made in heaven, but they sure take a lot of work on earth." In our society, with the pressures of conflicting demands and too little time, personal relationships are often taken for granted. With all the distractions, we easily forget that strong, caring, loving relationships take work.
Without attention and care, marriages wither. Couples slowly and quietly drift apart or are being torn apart by terrible words and actions. Many are married in name only, or just stay together "for the sake of the kids." For many, it has been ages since they knew the joy of a loving relationship.
When infidelity, alcohol abuse, or drug dependency is involved, the situation may seem even more hopeless. Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. Retrouvaille is a French word meaning "rediscovery."
The Retrouvaille Experience
Retrouvaille is a program for couples who have the sincere desire to build or rebuild a stable, loving marriage. Though Catholic in origin, the program is open to all married couples regardless of religious background.
Retrouvaille consists of a weekend experience, followed by a series of 12 presentations offered within the three months following the weekend phase. Husbands and wives are helped to re-establish communication and to gain new insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple. A team of married couples and a priest present the weekend. The team couples, who have experienced disillusionment, pain, anger, and conflict, offer hope as they share their personal stories of struggle, reconciliation and healing.
Register for Retrouvaille
Currently, couples the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks has combined efforts with the Archdiocese of Anchorage, and Retrouvaille Weekends are held in Anchorage. The Fairbanks Diocese hopes to resume local Retrouvaille presentations within the next year or two.
For information, please contact the local Retrouvaille team couple, George and Wanda Bowder, at 907-488-9063.