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

Nebraska Worldwide Marriage Encounter has scheduled two weekend experiences for 2025. The first event will take place from February 14 to 16 at North American Martyrs School in Lincoln, followed by another from September 19 to 21 at Boarders Inn & Suites in Grand Island.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is recognized as the largest faith-based marriage enrichment organization globally. The programs aim to enrich and transform the lives of married couples and priests through peer-to-peer experiences typically held over a weekend. Participants are encouraged to pause, reflect privately on their vocations, and receive tools for nurturing love. WWME's mission emphasizes the value of marriage and holy orders within both the Church and broader society.

The Marriage Encounter experience spans a weekend or seven three-hour sessions, providing couples with tools to maintain strength as a couple and foster a stable environment for their children. These tools also support empty nesters in continuing to grow in their relationships.

Notably, Marriage Encounter is distinct from couples therapy; it involves no counseling but rather presentations followed by private time between spouses.

During the experience, couples are introduced to new communication methods they may not have previously encountered. WWME upholds that marriage is a sacrament lived daily.

Adhering to the Roman Catholic Church's definition of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, all references made by WWME align with this context. They believe that daily love within marriage radiates warmth throughout one's environment—encompassing children, friends, family—and reinforces marriage as a sacrament. Married couples and priests mutually enrich each other's lives across various stages.

Priests participating in WWME can find insights into loving relationships through this experience. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection away from ministry demands, enhancing confidence and comfort in their roles.

A priest attending learns communication tools that deepen his relationship with his "spouse," the Church. This often leads to more open expressions of thoughts and feelings, resulting in renewed dedication and joy within priesthood duties.

Though not primarily a prayer retreat, many participants find it becomes a conversion experience—encouraging greater parish involvement upon recognizing their sacramental marriage's value.

All married couples and priests are invited to attend these experiences offered by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. More information is available at www.wwme.org or via phone at 402-370-5839.