Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

What Had I Gotten Myself Into?

Posted on January 09, 2025 in: Events, Marriage

What Had I Gotten Myself Into?

Sixteen years ago, my wife, Mary-Jo, was approaching a significant birthday. I wanted to do something special for her. I asked our youngest daughter what she thought her mom would want. She immediately responded, “A Marriage Encounter Experience. Haven’t you been listening to her?” That really caught my attention, as I guess I hadn’t truly been listening to Mary-Jo. So, after a little online research, I discovered that there was a weekend coming up a couple of weeks after her birthday. After checking the UConn men’s basketball schedule and seeing that there were no games that weekend, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and sign up.

When Mary-Jo opened my “gift,” I could immediately see her joy and astonishment. While she had some idea of what to expect, I had no clue, but I could clearly appreciate her excitement.

As the first presentation started on our weekend, I could see a few boxes of tissues placed strategically around the room. I thought to myself, What had I gotten myself into? The weekend was presented by three couples and a priest. At first, I didn’t quickly see the role of the priest, but as the weekend progressed, he became an integral component — not only in a talk about marriage as a sacrament but also in proclaiming that our sexual relationship is a very important part of our overall relationship and part of the joy and unity that God desires for us as couples.

The weekend was a time for personal growth for Mary-Jo and me. We weren’t asked to share with the other couples, which was comforting to me, as I was effectively just starting to get in touch with many of my own feelings, which I had done such a good job of suppressing for most of my life. One of the first talks was about how our feelings were neither right nor wrong, freeing us up to express our feelings in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. We learned about our personality styles and how they influence what we value, what we seek, and what affirms us. Our personality styles also affect our behaviors, both for good and bad.

Another important concept that was presented to us was love as a decision. Love isn’t just something we’re "in"; it should flow into the everyday decisions we make that affect our spouses.

The overall emphasis of the experience was on communication and improving our sacramental relationship. We learned tools that would help keep us connected on a daily basis. The authenticity of the couples and priest giving the presentations was very endearing, as we discovered that maybe the little issues we had been experiencing were common to most couples that had been married for a few years.

By the end of the experience, we had truly gained a deeper love for each other, sharing some of our deepest feelings. Not only was our relationship in a much better place at the end of the weekend, but those tools we were offered have continued to enhance and transform our relationship over the last 15-plus years. Now I knew what I had gotten myself into — a lifetime of love, commitment, and building our sacramental relationship more in tune with what God desires for all married couples.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is designed to make good marriages better. It’s not for couples looking for a last-chance effort to save their relationship. In those instances, there is a program for couples called Retrouvaille.

I challenge any married man or woman who wants to take their relationship to new levels to look into attending an upcoming Marriage Encounter Experience, whether in person over a weekend or as a virtual experience given over a series of days. A weekend is scheduled at Holy Cross Retreat House in North Easton, Massachusetts, Jan. 24-26.

More information about other experiences can be found on the national website: wwme.org

By Pat McLaughlin

Pat McLaughlin is the retired director of public works for the city of Norwich, and, along with his wife, facilitates workshops that help strengthen marriages. 


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Calendar of Events

Posted on January 31, 2025 in: Events, Around the Diocese

27560

Candles, Prayers, and Healing: The Blessing of Throats Explained
Each year on February 3, the Feast of St. Blaise, Catholics come together for the beautiful and unique tradition of the Blessing of Throats. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of God’s care for us — both body and soul. St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is known for a pretty amazing story. One day, he saved a young boy who was choking on a fishbone. This miracle led to his reputation as the patron saint of throat ailments. Over the centuries, people have turned to him for help with illnesses, trusting in his intercession and God’s ...

Read More

Archbishop Coyne Reflects on the Baptism of the Lord: "Don't Ever Apologize for Being Catholic"
This past Sunday, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, delivered an inspiring homily at the Baptism of the Lord Mass. In his message, he urged the faithful to embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence and joy, reminding them, "Don't ever apologize for being Catholic." Archbishop Coyne drew meaningful connections between the baptism of Jesus and our own call to live as beloved children of God. He reflected on the feast's profound significance, encouraging the community to proclaim the Good News boldly...

Read More

Celebrating 150 Years: St. Joseph School Honors Faith, Family, and Tradition
As we move into Catholic Schools Week we highlight one school that has been educating students in the Faith for more than 150 years. St. Joseph School in Baltic celebrated a milestone this year—its 150th anniversary. Since its founding in 1874, the school has been a cornerstone of faith, education, and community, nurturing generations of students to lead lives of service and integrity. The anniversary celebrations on January 26, 2025, reflected the school’s enduring legacy and vibrant present, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and friends. Comme...

Read More

A Month of Compassion: Film Events to Support St. Vincent de Paul Place
Answering Christ’s Call to Serve As Catholics, we are called to see Christ in the faces of the most vulnerable among us. The Gospel of Matthew reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This February, we have a powerful opportunity to put our faith into action—raising awareness of the homelessness crisis and providing support for those in need. Throughout the month, the community is invited to two significant film events that shine a light on the struggles faced by ...

Read More

Witnessing Hope — My First March For Life

Posted on February 05, 2025 in: ProLife

475

Witnessing Hope — My First March For Life
I signed up to attend the 2025 March for Life in Washington, D.C. Little did I know how great an impact the event would have on me. I had long intended to attend the March for Life but life's demands somehow seemed to get in the way. Thankfully I was able to participate this year. Father Brian Maxwell and I joined the Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford. We bused down to D.C., enjoying camaraderie, prayer, and a movie. For someone who generally does not like bus trips, it was enjoyable and went by very quickly. After checking into our hotel...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
A Month of Compassion: Film Events to Support St. Vincent de Paul Place
Witnessing Hope — My First March For Life
Pope Francis: Faith in God is ‘A Force That Sets Love in Motion’ in the World
Nothing is Worth Sacrificing the Life of a Child, Pope Tells World Leaders
The Four Loves and Our Faith
Celebrating the Four Loves with Children
CNA Explains: How Are ‘Low-Gluten’ Communion Hosts Made for Mass?
Calendar of Events

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294