All of the resources listed below can be found in a step-by-step guide HERE
A retreat day is part of the WTL model (see step 4 below). This is NOT the weekend long Diocesan marriage prep retreat. This is an approximately half day retreat that should include Mass and Confession. Its purpose is to ensure that both the engaged couple and the mentor couple are given an accurate and engaging presentation of the theology of marriage (especially their free, total, faithful and fruitful commitment). The retreat ensures that even if a mentor couple has not lived those commitments fully, they will be given an opportunity for conversion, and the engaged couple will receive the fullness of the Church's vision for marriage.
We would like to help coordinate parish based regional retreats and to train married couples from your parishes to lead these retreats. We are setting up the retreat content in such a way that a married couple who lives these teachings can successfully lead the retreat without being experts! Their witness is far more important than their knowledge of theology. We will use a combination of resources to make sure the theology is accurately presented. We are also setting the retreat up so that only one couple is needed to lead the retreat, perhaps with some logistical support for meals and such.
We would be happy to train indivual couples as needed and can do so remotely (so no baby-sitters would be required!). Keep in mind, these will be regional retreats so if each parish using the WTL model could find just 1 couple willing to lead a retreat, we would be off to a great start!
Call or Email Beth Ulaszek at the Office of Family Ministry: (608) 821-3026/ [email protected]