What is the total weekend cost per couple?

The full cost of the weekend is $59.00. However, you will be asked to make a free-will donation at the end of the program. National Marriage Encounter of Greater Cincinnati is a non profit ministry staffed with all volunteers who are dedicated to helping others as they themselves were helped. Your free-will donation is tax deductible.

National Marriage Encounter offers the weekend for all couples regardless of their financial situation. If the cost of the weekend represent a serious financial hardship for you please contact Gene at 2lovers@marriageweekend.org, and we will make every effort to accommodate you and your spouse. (top)

Can I give a Marriage Encounter as a gift?

Yes, you definitely can. How wonderful to give a couple the tools to strengthen their marriage. This can be done in one of two ways.  Call either (513) 541-2610 or (513) 385-0222 and request a Gift Certificate, or request one by email at 2lovers@marriageweekend.org. (top)

How long does the program last?

The program is Saturday from 8 am to 9:30 pm with a 2 ½ hour afternoon break, and Sunday, 8 am to 4:00 pm. (All times noted here are approximate) (top)

What about meals?

Please have breakfast before you arrive and brown bag your sandwiches for lunch. Salad, veggies and drinks will be provided.  Couples are asked to bring a snack, dessert or fruit to share with the other couples. You’re cooperation helps to avoid food waste and keep down our costs.  Also included is our lovely romantic Saturday dinner. (top)

Where are the programs held?

Presently our Weekends of Romance and Renewal are held at churches in the Greater Cincinnati area. We have in the past scheduled Weekends in a retreat center, or in a hotel, and hope to do so again in the future. While each location offers a different environment, the program is the same. For scheduling a Weekend of Romance and Renewal at your church, call Jack at 513-385-0222. (top)

When the Weekend of Romance & Renewal is held at a church, where do we stay at night?

You may spend the night at home, or make your own arrangements to stay in a hotel. (top)

Do we need to belong to the sponsoring church, or to a particular denomination?

No, we welcome couples of all faiths and couples of no religious affiliation. (top)

Who can benefit from a Weekend of Romance & Renewal?

A Weekend of Romance and Renewal is for a married man and woman who want to improve their relationship. It is for couples of any age, faith, or income and applies to every stage of marriage from newly wed to those celebrating their 50th anniversary and beyond.

For more serious marital challenges such as substance abuse, domestic violence or third party relationships we recommend professional counseling and programs designed for these situations, such as Retrouvaille (pronounced re-tro-vi) at: www.helpmymarriage.org, or The Third Option at: www.thethirdoption.com. (top)

What happens on A Weekend of Romance and Renewal?

You will hear a series of talks by married “Team” couples who will share their experiences, hopes and struggles in areas such as communication, understanding self, subjects for understanding and God's involvement in their marriages. After each talk you will reflect privately on the talk and answer specific questions on the topic. Then you and your spouse will have private time to share your reflections and insights with each other. It is our hope that you will use the tools provided to continue this openness and sharing throughout your daily lives.  See our video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f37RjJ-tr1M  (top)

Tell me more about the “Team” Couples.

Our team couples have experienced the weekend process, make the principles of ME an important part of their lives, and have been trained to lead the program. These team leaders will share from their life experiences. Your personal sharing during the weekend is strictly between you and your spouse.  It is a time of private, shared discovery between the husband and wife. This is not group therapy, group sharing or marriage counseling. .(top)

What can a “Weekend of Romance & Renewal” do for my marriage?

The goal of “A Weekend of Romance & Renewal” is to help you enrich your marital relationship, your growth as individuals and as a unified couple. The program allows you to evaluate the status of your marriage, to assess its strengths and weaknesses and to share your hopes and dreams for the future. The more you put into the process, the more you’ll get out of it. .(top)

Can we attend more than once?

Yes, anticipating the changing seasons of marriage and family life, many couples attend more than once. .(top)

Is there a follow up after the weekend?

Yes there is! We encourage participation in a "Continuing Dialogue" (CD) group which usually meets on a monthly basis to help couples maintain the deeper level of communication developed during the weekend. These groups provide a safe environment where you can share insights and experiences with others. Not only does this keep the process going, it gives you a chance to make some close friendships. Some of our groups have been meeting for more than 20 years. You and your spouse will also be afforded the opportunity to help with future weekends. .(top)

We moved to the area from another city where we made a Marriage Encounter. Can we join a CD group in the area?

We suggest you call our Follow-Up Couple, Mike & Anita at 513-542-2472. They will do their best to help you find a group to join. .(top)

What is National Marriage Encounter of Greater Cincinnati?

NMEGC is the local affiliate of a large non-profit organization called National Marriage Encounter, Inc. We provide programs that refresh and strengthen marriages, and help couples rebuild romance in their relationship. This process starts with a “Weekend of Romance and Renewal” for married couples to discover themselves more fully in an accepting, loving and safe atmosphere. .(top)

We’re moving to another city. How can we find Marriage Encounter in that area?

We suggest you go to the website for National Marriage Encounter which is www.marriage-encounter.org or call Kent & Jeanette at 515-278-8458. .(top)

We have a married friend who is in prison. Is there anyway this program can help him and his wife?

Yes, help is available through National Marriage Encounter Prison Ministry, Inc. Check out their website at www.prisonmarriageministry.org or write to NMEPM, P.O. Box 53583, Cincinnati, OH 45253. .(top)

Who started Marriage Encounter?

The Marriage Encounter movement was begun by Fr. Gabriel Calvo in Barcelona, Spain in 1952. We still follow the founder's guidelines, and operate as a non-denominational Christian marriage enrichment movement. Couples of all faiths and those with no religious affiliation are invited to share the experience. Fr. Calvo is recognized by ACME (Association of Christian Marriage Enrichment) as the founder of modern day marriage enrichment programs. .(top)

What do encountered couples say about the weekend program?

Here are some actual quotes from couples who have recently attended a weekend...

“This weekend gave our marriage the booster shot it needed. How wonderful!”
"The emphasis on marital unity and God-unity has been a real blessing. The topics were specific so that all areas of marriage are affected."

"I experienced much grace in the sharing and giving of the team couples, the hospitality of previously encountered couples, the supportive presence of other couples. The process helped me break out of a 'static' place and begin to open up again."

"I think it was a wonderful time of learning and growing together as a couple - something to build upon for the years to come."

"Marriage Encounter gave me the tools that I need to improve my marriage and to communicate with my wife in an open and loving manner."
“About half way through the weekend my apprehensions disappeared. We opened up to each other like never before. And we fell in love again.”
“The most valuable weekend of my life.” .(top)

 

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