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Retrouvaille looking for volunteer leaders
By John Gleason
If you’re interested in helping people whose marriage is in trouble, then Bill and Arlene Newlin would like to talk to you.
The Newlins are the community coordinators for Retrouvaille, a Catholic program that ministers to couples in hurting and troubled marriages as well as separated and divorced couples wanting to put the pieces of their marriage back together.
For people getting married, statistics are not encouraging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, half of all marriages in this country will end in divorce.
What people in a troubled relationship need, say the Newlins, is a Catholic marriage program grounded in communication—Retrouvaille.
Retrouvaille is designed for couples who are desperate for help but don’t know where to turn to find it. It offers them the chance to rediscover themselves, their spouse, and the loving relationship that is their marriage, through a live-in weekend made up of presentations given by married couples. A priest is also on hand to assist couples in their discovery and discussion. After the initial weekend session, presenters meet with the couples in a series of follow-up sessions to monitor progress.
The program differs from the traditional marriage counseling approach of simply looking to solve differences. Rather it focuses on building trust through communication. This in turn leads to forgiveness and healing.
Speaking of his own journey, Bill Newlin said Retrouvaille allowed him and Arlene to work through and complete the healing in their relationship.
“It helps to address issues that people might not be able to do on their own,” he said.
The Newlins are members of Light of the World Parish in Littleton. Married 46 years, they’ve been actively involved in Retrouvaille since 1989. And now they’re looking for couples who can help present the program—the weekend talks—and help with administrative duties. According to Arlene Newlin, couples do not have to be graduates of Retrouvaille in order to present it.
“Anyone who’s been through Marriage Encounter can help us with the program,” she said.
Training and workshop will be provided for all couples who wish to become part of this ministry as presenters. Each presentation is described in its own outline offering objectives for each step. The Newlins are hoping there are many couples who, because of the success of their own relationships, will be interested in helping couples who are struggling with theirs.
“We know there are people who are willing to get involved,” Arlene said, “and our goal is to tap that resource and build a strong base of presenters in Colorado.”
Married couples who are interested in becoming Retrouvaille presenters can contact Bill or Arlene at 303-973-2206 or e-mail denver retro@aol.com for more information.
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