February 11, 2009

Couple’s retreat to focus on joy in marriage

A one-day  retreat for married couples is scheduled to be held next month at Church of the Risen Christ Parish in Denver.  The retreat, which is titled, “Joy in our Marriage,” will include prayer, Mass, discussions led by couples on the topic of making joy a priority in married life and will be led by Sister Susan Pieper, a sister of the Apostles of the Interior Life.

Brian Donelson, director of family life at Risen Christ, said that the idea of a one-day retreat just seemed to make sense.

“We want to meet the needs of couples,” he said, “and a great way is help them to get away and reflect on their lives.  But a weekend retreat takes up a lot of time and in this economic climate, not everyone can afford the cost. People can attend this retreat for less than the cost of dinner and a movie for two.”

The Apostles of Life, an order which Donelson is a member of, specializes in spiritual direction.  Included in their ministries are: retreats, lectures on Catholic doctrine and assisting couples to celebrate the sacrament of marriage.  The retreat will offer direction on a couple’s prayer life.

“When both parties have a good prayer life it changes marriage, it makes it better,” he said.  “When you focus on the right things, you come closer to God and each other.” 

Donelson hopes that people come away from the retreat knowing how to make joy a priority in their lives and in their marriage.

“Pope Benedict XVI said that joy is embodying a God-given reality; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit capable of withstanding all the trials and tribulations of life,” he said.  “It’s the joy we receive from God’s love that helps us on our way.”

The Joy in our Marriage retreat will be held from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. March 21 at Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 S. Monaco Parkway in Denver.  Cost of the event is $25, which includes lunch.  Registration deadline is March 17.  More information is available online at risenchristchurch. org or e-mail BrianD@risen christchurch.org or by calling 303-758-8826.