FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are weekends held and how often?
Marriage Enrichment Weekends are held in Retreat and Conference Centres or hotels. At this time there are usually six weekends per year throughout Ireland?
Is the Weekend residential?
Yes, it begins on Friday at 8pm and finishes with Celebration of Mass at 4.30 pm on Sunday. Most couple’s lives are busy with family, work commitments and other distractions. This is the opportunity to take time to concentrate on each other.
I’m quite shy so will I have to speak publicly on the weekend?
No. This is a very private weekend for each couple. Apart from introducing yourselves at the beginning you will not be required to share publicly.
What is the difference between Marriage Encounter and Marriage Enrichment Weekends?
Marriage Encounter is the worldwide movement and each country may adopt its own name but the Marriage Encounter Weekends and Marriage Enrichment Weekends are the same although there may be some cultural differences in other continents.
What does ‘Marriage’ mean to Worldwide Marriage Encounter?
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is faithful to the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is a covenant that exists between one man and one woman. Any reference to marriage or couple made by WWME is in this context.
How much do the Weekends cost?
Couples pay a non-refundable deposit of €100 (£85) which is transferable to another weekend if the couple or organisation has to postpone or reschedule.
The cost to Marriage Encounter for each couple attending is €500 (or £420) inclusive of deposit which covers accommodation, two breakfasts, two lunches, one evening meal and tea/coffee breaks. However, it is the policy of Worldwide Marriage Encounter that cost should never be a deterrent to any couple wishing to experience the weekend and all donations are anonymous.
My wife and I are going through some difficulties at present. Would this weekend be helpful to us?
Catholic Marriage Encounter is for couples who are in a stable relationship and who recognise that there is always room for growth even in good marriages. The Weekend will help them rediscover and enrich their love for each other.
Please note though, that Marriage Encounter is not for couples who believe that they need counselling
As a member of the Clergy, why should I attend a Weekend focused on Marriage?
The best reason for you to make a Weekend is to better know yourself and grow in closeness with the people you serve in your Parish communities.
Many priests and religious who experience a Weekend, come away with stronger communication skills, coupled with better ability to relate to their parish family and greater understanding of Family Life Ministries within their parish.
