Retreat for married couples designed to refresh and renew relationships

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 23, 2003

Married couples will have the opportunity to relax, reflect and refuel at a retreat to be held in November in the diocese.

Mary Jo Pedersen, of the Family Life Office for the Archdiocese of Omaha, will present "Living the Promised Life...a spirituality of marriage." She facilitated this same retreat last February.

The retreat will be held Nov. 15 and 16 at Sacred Heart Parish Center in Spencer. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and conclude on Sunday at noon. Sunday Mass will be a part of the experience.

Bev Hurni, director of family ministries, pointed out that when the diocese sponsored this retreat the first time around, it received very positive response. Several people had asked when the retreat would be offered again. Thirty couples attended the last retreat.

"As Mary Jo says, we do things all of the time as preventative maintenance things such as changing the oil in our cars and going to the dentist. Our marriages deserve preventative maintenance, too," she explained. "We shouldn't wait until we are in a crisis before we start paying some attention to the relationship."

Hurni said the retreat should provide an opportunity for married couples to reflect on the vows they took on the day of their wedding because the vows can look different five, 10, 20 and 30 years later.

During the retreat, Pedersen will discuss assorted topics that relate to the various issues in married life.

"It is very practical." Hurni added, "She also talks about the spirituality of marriage and what the church, bishops and pope have to say about marital spirituality."

Those who attend the retreat should expect to find it informative, educational and inspiring.

Along with the presentations by Pederson, there is time for small group discussion as well as opportunities for the couple to have private conversations. She has co-authored several books, has a regular column in the Archdiocese of Omaha's diocesan newspaper and is columnist for the nationally syndicated column titled Faith Alive that appears in The Globe.

Pedersen presents workshops and retreats locally and nationally on topics related to marriage and family spirituality, parenting and faith formation.

"Mary Jo is extremely well prepared and she has the religious foundation that allows her to answer difficult questions," said Hurni.

Following the February marriage retreat, some of the comments on the evaluations were:

"My beliefs about marriage were reinforced in an encouraging manner," said one participant.

"The time and sharing with my spouse exceeded my expectations," commented another.

"Mary Jo is a great speaker and so uplifting," noted yet another.

Cost of the retreat is $69. It includes continental breakfast, lunch and dinner on Nov. 15 along with Sunday brunch. The registration deadline is Nov. 3. Overnight accommodations at local motels are separate.

Registration forms should be available in every parish or contact the Office of Adult and Family Ministries at (712) 233-7531.