Marriage Matters
30 December 2009
Bernie and Ann Tierney, regional coordinators of Worldwide Catholic Marriage Encounter, write for cliftondiocese.com.
If you do you probably don’t need to read this! But, if, like most of us, your marriage is a good one, with ups and downs, good times and sticky patches, then it is worth considering experiencing a Marriage Encounter weekend. As there is no counselling involved, the weekend is not suitable for those whose marriages are in crisis. The weekend is really a way of enriching a marriage, making a good marriage even better.
We heard about the Weekend through friends who were very enthusiastic and keen that we should share what they had experienced. We decided to find out what it was all about for ourselves because of the effect it had on our friends, enhancing their close and loving relationship, and also because we were filled with curiosity and thought that we could benefit from a weekend away without any distractions or responsibilities other than to ourselves and our relationship.
We didn’t really know what to expect, but we were relieved to find that all the focus would be on each other and we didn’t have to bare our souls to a group! We were made to feel very welcome and relaxed, but, with listening to presentations, reflecting on them and talking to each other, there was very little free time – they certainly kept us busy! “They” were three couples and a priest, all of whom had experienced a weekend and who were so enthused and delighted by what they found that they wanted to share it with others.
The presentations were all very practical - communication, listening, trust and forgiveness, and yes, it is all based on love and joy in each other, but there is nothing which is mushy or sentimental. We did find as the weekend progressed that we were visibly closer, enjoying each other’s company, and laughing a lot! And we learned more than we would have believed possible about each other. We noticed too, that it was the same for other couples.
We learned to communicate and to listen better to each other. Throughout the years since our Weekend we have grown in understanding of each other and of how we both behave in various situations. It has had a lasting benefit for us, giving us the tools to construct a mature loving relationship. As a result, we believe we have grown in confidence in the way we relate not only to each other, but also to our family and the wider community. Life is a journey; we never stop learning, and, just as before, we sometimes trip ourselves up along the way! We still have our ups and downs, but now we have a way of dealing with difficulties and upsets when they occur.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a movement within the Catholic Church, and the Weekend is set in this context, but is open to any couple of any faith or of none. Age is no barrier! It is also open to priests and members of religious orders to explore their relationship with their parishes or communities.
There is also Engaged Encounter for those contemplating marriage. This weekend helps a couple look beyond the wedding dress, the flowers and the choice of hymns to give a strong foundation for the way they want to live their future lives together. It is a time when couples feel very close, and perhaps think that they don’t need marriage preparation, but they are often astonished at how many areas they have not discussed. Engaged Encounter weekends fill up very quickly, because it is recognised as official marriage preparation, so if you are interested, book as early as possible!
Weekends are held throughout the year at venues around the country and are mostly residential. For more information, dates of weekends or details of booking contact Marriage Encounter or Engaged Encounter through the website or Bernie and Ann Tierney on 01782 634483.
Bernie and Ann Tierney, regional coordinators of Worldwide Catholic Marriage Encounter, write for cliftondiocese.com.
If you do you probably don’t need to read this! But, if, like most of us, your marriage is a good one, with ups and downs, good times and sticky patches, then it is worth considering experiencing a Marriage Encounter weekend. As there is no counselling involved, the weekend is not suitable for those whose marriages are in crisis. The weekend is really a way of enriching a marriage, making a good marriage even better.
We heard about the Weekend through friends who were very enthusiastic and keen that we should share what they had experienced. We decided to find out what it was all about for ourselves because of the effect it had on our friends, enhancing their close and loving relationship, and also because we were filled with curiosity and thought that we could benefit from a weekend away without any distractions or responsibilities other than to ourselves and our relationship.
We didn’t really know what to expect, but we were relieved to find that all the focus would be on each other and we didn’t have to bare our souls to a group! We were made to feel very welcome and relaxed, but, with listening to presentations, reflecting on them and talking to each other, there was very little free time – they certainly kept us busy! “They” were three couples and a priest, all of whom had experienced a weekend and who were so enthused and delighted by what they found that they wanted to share it with others.
The presentations were all very practical - communication, listening, trust and forgiveness, and yes, it is all based on love and joy in each other, but there is nothing which is mushy or sentimental. We did find as the weekend progressed that we were visibly closer, enjoying each other’s company, and laughing a lot! And we learned more than we would have believed possible about each other. We noticed too, that it was the same for other couples.
We learned to communicate and to listen better to each other. Throughout the years since our Weekend we have grown in understanding of each other and of how we both behave in various situations. It has had a lasting benefit for us, giving us the tools to construct a mature loving relationship. As a result, we believe we have grown in confidence in the way we relate not only to each other, but also to our family and the wider community. Life is a journey; we never stop learning, and, just as before, we sometimes trip ourselves up along the way! We still have our ups and downs, but now we have a way of dealing with difficulties and upsets when they occur.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a movement within the Catholic Church, and the Weekend is set in this context, but is open to any couple of any faith or of none. Age is no barrier! It is also open to priests and members of religious orders to explore their relationship with their parishes or communities.
There is also Engaged Encounter for those contemplating marriage. This weekend helps a couple look beyond the wedding dress, the flowers and the choice of hymns to give a strong foundation for the way they want to live their future lives together. It is a time when couples feel very close, and perhaps think that they don’t need marriage preparation, but they are often astonished at how many areas they have not discussed. Engaged Encounter weekends fill up very quickly, because it is recognised as official marriage preparation, so if you are interested, book as early as possible!
Weekends are held throughout the year at venues around the country and are mostly residential. For more information, dates of weekends or details of booking contact Marriage Encounter or Engaged Encounter through the website or Bernie and Ann Tierney on 01782 634483.
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