October 18, 2016 // Uncategorized

An Encounter with the Beloved: A Retreat for Married Couples

Todays Catholic

An Encounter with the Beloved: A Retreat for Married Couples takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6, at Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center in Donaldson.

Fred and Lisa Everett, co-directors of the Office of Family Life for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, will facilitate the event. Married for 30 years, they will help the married couples reflect upon both their relationship with each other and with God — where they’ve been, where they are now, and where the Lord is leading them to go. It will be a time to delight in their relationships, heal from any past disappointments and be refreshed to continue anew.

According to Fred, “Couples often feel that they do not have time to get away, especially in a busy household with children. Even so, it is especially important for busy couples to take time every five years or so to make a retreat that will give them the enthusiasm to tackle life’s challenges. If you think about it, the two most important relationships that a Christian married couple have is with God and their spouse. Investing a day and a half in strengthening and renewing those relationships is well worth the time.”

Through presentations and activities, couples will reflect on ways to deepen communication with each other and with the Lord, to identify each other’s love languages, to examine themselves on 10 important virtues in married life, to discern more clearly their gifts and desires, and to make concrete resolutions for continuing to grow.

“As the Jubilee Year of Mercy draws to a close, we are excited to provide this opportunity for couples to come away and rest for a while to deepen their relationship with each other and with God,” said Lisa.

Fred and Lisa Everett, co-directors of the Office of Family Life, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

The Everetts have produced various programs and videos, authored articles and booklets on marriage and family life and served as advisors on marriage to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Both are graduates of the University of Notre Dame, and are the parents of seven children and grandparents to three. Fred is a candidate for ordination to the diaconate in 2018.

Cost for the retreat is $195 per couple and includes lodging and meals. Please register by Oct. 28. Participants should bring a Bible, rosary and a journal. Although the retreat will be presented in a Catholic tradition, couples of all faiths are welcome to attend.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 5, and the retreat concludes with Mass on Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information call Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center at 574-935-1780 or visit Lindenwood.org. Lindenwood is located at 9601 Union Road, Donaldson.

Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center is part of The Center at Donaldson, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.