Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly is set to host the Love and Life Program 1: "I+You=We" on March 9-10. This weekend workshop is open to couples of all ages and aims to provide them with valuable examples and encouragement to enrich and fortify their marriages. The program offers fundamental steps to help couples address challenges and proactively prepare for potential issues.

The workshop will be guided by host couples and priests, providing participants with the opportunity to navigate and heal from wounds within their marriages. Through this process, couples will gain insights and resilience for the future. The workshop is specifically tailored for all types of marriages, whether they are troubled, functional, or strong, with the goal of preventing habits and mistakes that can lead to unhappiness and divorce.

Marilyn Klein, a participant from St. Teresa Parish in Lincoln, has attended the workshop multiple times with her husband, Mitch. She describes the retreat as an "overall awesome experience" that offers "tons of good, practical information and lots of time to connect and reconnect." Klein emphasizes how much they have loved attending the workshop each time.

Following the retreat, couples will have the opportunity to become part of the "Love and Life Community." This community serves as a "refueling station" and a safe harbor for graduates of the I+You=We program. It allows couples and families to grow in friendship with others in the area, stay in touch, and continue practicing the steps learned during the workshop.

The Program 1 couples' workshop will take place at Good Counsel Retreat House, starting with an 8 a.m. Mass on Saturday, March 9. The workshop will conclude with a 3 p.m. Mass on Sunday, March 10.

The Love and Life Program was created by Father Jay of the Institute of the Holy Family in Łomianki, Poland. For more information about the workshop or to register, interested individuals can visit the website www.goodcounselretreat.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-786-2705.

In addition to the Love and Life Program, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House has other upcoming retreats scheduled. These include the LDCCW women's winter symposium on February 16-17, four- and eight-day Ignatian retreats from February 17-25, and "Praying with Scripture" by the Emmaus Institute from February 23-25.

Overall, the Love and Life Program 1: "I+You=We" workshop offers couples the opportunity to strengthen their marriages by addressing challenges, gaining insights, and learning valuable skills. The program provides a supportive community where couples can continue to grow and practice the steps learned during the workshop.