RETROUVAILLE
In our society, with the pressures of conflicting demands and too little time, personal relationships are often taken for granted. With all the distractions, we easily forget that strong, caring, loving relationships take work.
Retrouvaille is a program to help couples with troubled marriages. The main emphasis of the program is on communication between husband and wife. It gives couples the opportunity to rediscover each other and to examine their lives together in a new and positive way.
All ages of couples come to Retrouvaille from many walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. Some have already separated or divorced, but want to try again. Many are struggling to stay together. The program is Catholic in origin and orientation, but is open to couples of other faiths.
The Retrouvaille program consists of a weekend session with six follow-up sessions. During the weekend a series of informal talks are given by a team of three couples and a priest. Participating couples are not asked to share their problems with anyone else. There are no group dynamics or group discussions. The team presents a technique of communication that enables a couple to take a good look at most areas of their relationship. After each session the husband and wife have time to discuss the previous presentation as it relates to them. The weekend helps couples to discover how listening, forgiveness, communication, and the dialog process are powerful aids for building a loving and lasting relationship.
Because the hurt and pain of falling out of love cannot be healed in a single weekend, the second phase of the Retrouvaille program is six follow-up sessions. During the follow-up sessions, the technique learned on the weekend is developed and is used to explore additional areas of the relationship.
During the weekend, each couple is given a blank envelope and asked for a donation to help cover the expenses of lodging, food, and materials. The one-time donation covers the weekend and the follow-up sessions. A non-refundable $50 registration fee is required to confirm your reservation.
"The program has given us a second chance which I wouldn’t have believed possible."
"Our love was buried under bitterness and anger. The program dug it out."
"We had no communication. The program opened all lines and reconciled our marriage."
SCHEDULE FOR 2001
February 2, 3, & 4
September 7, 8, & 9
REGISTRATION
A $50 non-refundable deposit (payable to Diocese of Tulsa - RETROUVAILLE) is required per couple. At the end of the weekend each couple is asked to make a donation. For information or reservations, contact:
Malek and Judy Elkhoury
918-712-2881
Tulsa, OK,