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Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Retrouvaille program and how it can help your marriage.
About Retrouvaille
Learn about our mission, values, and approach to helping marriages heal and grow stronger.
Program Details
Discover what happens during the weekend and post-sessions, and how we support your journey.
FAQ
Retrouvaille is faithful to the Roman Catholic Church's teaching that marriage is a covenant that exists between one man and one woman. Any reference to marriage or couple made by Retrouvaille is in this context.
It is for couples experiencing any level of marital difficulties - from those feeling a growing sense of distance or loneliness, to those in serious crisis including separation or divorce. The program helps couples who want their marriages to work, whether they're:
The registration fee includes:
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Hotel accommodations for the weekend
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Meals during the program
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All program materials
The registration fee covers only a portion of our actual costs. At the end of the weekend, we request a voluntary, anonymous donation to help cover program costs and sponsor couples who cannot afford to attend. There is no pressure and no follow-up - our focus is solely on helping couples heal their marriages.
The weekend begins on Friday evening and concludes on Sunday afternoon. You'll experience:
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Presentations
Team couples share their stories and tools for healing -
Personal Reflection
Private time to write and process your thoughts -
Couple Dialogue
Guided conversations with your spouse in complete privacy
Your privacy is our top priority:
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You're never asked to share your problems with anyone else
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All couple dialogue is done in complete privacy
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Your personal information is kept strictly confidential
The journey continues with our Post Weekend Phase:
Post Sessions
A series of 6 follow-up sessions to reinforce the tools learned during the weekend
CORE Program
Optional monthly meetings for continued support and growth
While individual results vary, our program has shown significant success:
of couples who complete both the weekend and post sessions are still together after 5 years
Success depends on each couple's commitment to the process and willingness to apply the tools learned. The program provides the framework - you and your spouse provide the effort.
While Retrouvaille has Catholic origins and a Catholic Priest on the weekend, couples of all faiths or no faith are welcome:
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Open to married couples regardless of religious beliefs
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Focus is on healing relationships, not religious conversion
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Optional faith elements that can be adapted to your beliefs
To make the most of your Retrouvaille experience:
Before Arriving
- Pack comfortable clothing
- Bring personal items
- Confirm registration
Mindset
- Come with an open mind
- Be willing to participate
- Focus on the process
No, Retrouvaille is very different from counseling:
You will never be asked to share your personal issues with others
Led by couples who have experienced marriage difficulties and recovery
Focus on communication techniques and rebuilding your relationship
Can be beneficial alongside professional counseling
This requirement exists because:
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The healing process requires both partners' participation
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Communication tools are practiced together
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Both perspectives are essential for growth
Programs are held at comfortable hotel or retreat facilities:
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Multiple Locations
Programs available across the United States and internationally -
Accommodations
Private rooms for each couple with necessary amenities -
Travel
Detailed directions and parking information provided upon registration
Contact Us
- Call: 866-470-2243
- Email: info@helpingmarriages.org
Next Steps
- Check upcoming dates
- Request more information
The Retrouvaille program consists of three phases:
Phase 1: Weekend Program
A retreat where presenting couples share their stories and teach communication tools in a private setting.
Phase 2: Post-Sessions
6-12 follow-up sessions focusing on healing and rebuilding your marriage foundation.
Phase 3: CORE
Monthly support meetings to maintain progress and keep your marriage on track.
Understanding the stages of marriage:
1. Romance
Initial attraction and excitement
2. Disillusionment
Reality sets in
3. Misery
Struggling with changes
4. Awakening
Deeper, mature love
Retrouvaille helps couples transition to a deeper, more mature type of love through specific communication techniques.
Dress Code
- Casual, comfortable clothing
- Bring a light jacket (rooms may be cool)
Language
Basic English comprehension needed - some communities offer programs in other languages
Childcare
- Not provided during weekend
- Some communities offer childcare for post-sessions
Location Choice
You can attend any location, though closest is recommended for post-session attendance
For Spiritual Couples
- Optional Mass/devotional services
- Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon
For Non-Spiritual Couples
- Focus remains on relationship healing
- Services are completely optional
All faiths or no faith are welcome - the program focuses on healing relationships
of couples are still married five years after completing the program
Even if reconciliation doesn't occur:
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You'll gain valuable communication tools
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Improved co-parenting abilities
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Better understanding of relationships
Step 1: Register
Complete the registration process for an upcoming weekend program. You'll need to:
- Choose a weekend date
- Pay registration deposit
- Submit basic information
Step 2: Confirmation
After registration, you'll receive:
- Welcome packet
- Location details
- Program schedule
If your spouse is hesitant, consider sharing:
You won't be asked to discuss personal issues in front of others
A weekend to save years of marriage is worth considering
Focus is on learning communication tools, not forced reconciliation
Thousands of couples have benefited from the program
There are several reasons why Retrouvaille might not be widely known:
Non-Profit Nature
Limited advertising budget compared to for-profit marriage counseling services
Private Nature
Many couples prefer not to discuss their participation in marriage healing programs
Last Resort
Often discovered after trying other options first
Yes! We Welcome Your Help
After experiencing Retrouvaille, many couples choose to give back:
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Join your local community's volunteer team
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Attend monthly CORE support meetings
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Help other couples find hope for their marriages