Partners in a lifelong journey

Worldwide Marriage Encounter strengthens relationships for couples, clergy  

When Father Ron Will, C.PP.S., participated in his first Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend, Jimmy Carter was president of the United States, “Saturday Night Fever” was the top album, and the average cost of a new house was $62,500. 

The year was 1978, and Fr. Ron had been ordained for three years. At the time, the divorce rate in America was nearing its peak.  

Forty-seven years later, Fr. Ron is still an active participant in the program, bolstering not only thousands of marriage relationships, but also his relationships with married couples, the Catholic community, and the Church, as well. “I became a better priest,” he says. “I am a much better priest because I’m involved in Marriage Encounter.” 

Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is a marriage enrichment program whose mission is to proclaim the value of marriage and holy orders in the Church and in the world. That second part is important — the program provides benefits not just to married couples but also supports the needs and relationships of priests.  

Awakening relationships 

The program begins with a weekend of presentations, reflection, and discussion. After each presentation, couples return to the privacy of their rooms to share their responses. “It’s wonderful to see couples come alive,” Fr. Ron says. “Some couples will come on Friday night kind of distant from one another. As presentations are given and as they share, you can see their closeness. They walk down the halls holding hands. It’s energizing to be in the presence of somebody who’s in love.”  

The program does not end with the conclusion of the weekend. Couples and clergy are supported in forming marriage encounter communities to continue building their relationships and to serve their parishes, and this long-term ecclesial relationship provides enduring rewards.  

Ralph and Jan Lewis, currently serving as the local ecclesial leadership team with Fr. Mike Stubbs for WWME in Greater Kansas City, attended their first WWME weekend almost 28 years ago. “Not only did we rediscover and recommit to our marriage on that weekend, but every aspect of our lives was impacted — it changed our trajectory, and as a result we have experienced greater faith, closer family ties, deeper friendships and more meaningful careers,” they say. 

The program draws couples and priests of all ages, in all stages of life. Couples going through life transitions — early marriage, blending families, and empty nests, for example — are particularly encouraged to keep their communication skills strong. Priests, who can sometimes find themselves isolated by the nature of their role, are also given the opportunity to form lifelong relationships that affirm the value of their holy orders. Priests are often viewed by parishioners as a person to keep at a respectful distance rather than welcome into a relationship. “Marriage Encounter breaks down that barrier,” Fr. Ron says. “They’re human beings, and they see me as a human being, not as a role.”  

Rich and Wendy Lorenz, part of the presenting team for the Greater Kansas City WWME, have been a part of WWME since attending their first weekend a decade ago. “We learned a communication method that we still use on a daily basis,” they say. “Most importantly, we learned that we are a sacrament, and our marriage is a trinity that includes God at the center.” 

An extension of Precious Blood spirituality 

Since Fr. Ron came to the Precious Blood Renewal Center in Liberty, Missouri, six years ago, he’s been able to expand his involvement with the program, taking leadership roles and participating in more weekends. The experience ties directly to Precious Blood spirituality. “I see this as an extension of renewing relationships, renewing sacrament, and understanding,” he says. “Precious Blood spirituality is trying to awaken how much God loves us. Jesus said, ‘I came to bring you abundant life.’” Marriage Encounter does that. Instead of living a lukewarm marriage relationship, making it a dynamic marriage relationship.”