The word Retrouvaille is French, and it means rediscovery. That single word says a great deal about what this ministry is and what it offers. Retrouvaille is a Catholic program designed to help married couples who are struggling, whether they are experiencing serious difficulties in their relationship, living in quiet distance from one another, or facing the possibility of separation or divorce. It is not a retreat in the traditional sense, and it is not marriage counseling. It is something more personal than either of those things.
At its heart, Retrouvaille is about giving couples the tools and the space to rediscover each other. Through a weekend experience followed by a series of follow-up sessions, couples are guided through a process of honest, structured communication that helps them begin to hear one another again, perhaps for the first time in years. Every session is led by couples who have been through their own marital struggles and have come out the other side, not perfectly, but together and with renewed commitment. Their witness is the foundation of the entire program.
Retrouvaille is rooted in the Catholic understanding of marriage as a sacrament, a permanent covenant that carries within it the grace needed to survive even the hardest seasons. It is offered with deep respect for the dignity of every couple who walks through the door, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. No one is asked to have it all together. They are simply asked to show up and give their marriage one more chance.
If your marriage is hurting, or if you know a couple who is struggling, Retrouvaille may be exactly the lifeline that is needed. It has helped tens of thousands of couples around the world find their way back to each other, and it can help yours too. Please reach out to the parish office for more information on upcoming programs in our area.