DISCOVERY WEEKEND for Couples
The Discovery Weekend is a one weekend stay-in retreat and conducted by a team of three married couples and married lay chaplains. The next schedule for the Discovery Weekend retreat will be on May 18-20, 2007 at the Talavera House of Prayer, Pardo, Cebu.
The task of preparing couples for married life is very important and the Center for Family Ministries (CeFaM) recognize the benefit of a program now known as the Discovery Weekend. The Discovery Weekend is a marriage preparation program for engaged couples or couples in relationship who are seriously considering marriage. The program intends to enrich and deepen the couple’s relationship to better prepare them for marriage.
This program has been going on for the past 28 years in Manila and 7 years in Cebu and has catered to the needs of hundreds of couples planning to get married. Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, also endorses it as an alternative marriage preparation program to the parish based Pre-Cana. Discovery Weekend was brought to Cebu by Cebu-based couples who have recognized the importance of such a weekend for couples who have marriage in mind.
Below are frequently-asked questions regarding the Discovery Weekend:
WHAT IS DISCOVERY WEEKEND?
The Discovery Weekend is a weekend experience held in the Philippines for engaged couples or "steadies" who are seriously considering marriage. The purpose of the program are the following:
* to assess each one's relationship to oneself, to each other, to God and the Christian community
* to experience, develop and deepen their relationship through a method of communication and dialogue which they can bring into their marriage
* to witness to the many dimensions of marriage openly, honestly and realistically through a team of three married couples and a priest
* to be able to plan their marriage and not just their wedding
FOR WHOM IS A DISCOVERY WEEKEND?
The Discovery Weekend is for couples seriously considering marriage. They can be engaged to marry in a week's time or going steady for a short period but contemplating marriage. The weekend is not necessarily for perfectly matched couples nor is it designed to help unstable relationships. The program is intended to enrich and deepen the couple's relationship to better prepare them for marriage. So any couple may join the program, regardless of the status of their relationship-as long as marriage is in their minds.
DOES THE WEEKEND COMMIT THE COUPLE TO MARRY? OR WHAT IF THE WEEKEND CAUSES A BREAKUP?
The Discovery Weekend is a positive approach. It cannot lead to a wrong step. If the partners decide to break up after taking the program, they still come out as winners for they would have a better knowledge of themselves and the kind of partners they are looking for. They would be better prepared for their next serious relationship.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A DISCOVERY WEEKEND?
The basic method used throughout the weekend consists of three steps:
1. Presentation by the team couple
2. Personal written reflection aided by a questionnaire; and
3. Couple-dialogue
Throughout the entire weekend the couple works in an atmosphere of love and trust, of peace and privacy. It is a rare opportunity for real togetherness without pressure of work, studies or social obligations. This live-in program is held in the Philippines lasting for 48 hours, from 5:30 Friday evening to 6:00 Sunday evening. For lodging, the ladies stay in one floor while the gentlemen stay in another floor. The team of three experienced married couples an a priest-chaplain are responsible for the running and conduct of the entire weekend.
DO THE COUPLES REVEAL THEIR PROBLEMS OR SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS TO THE GROUP FOR DISCUSSION AND CRITICISM?
No. Couple dialogues are done privately. This is not a T-group nor a sensitivity group session. The weekend is couple oriented and there is no socializing among couples, except at certain specified times.
HOW WILL A DISCOVERY WEEKEND PREPARE A COUPLE FOR MARRIAGE?
The Discovery Weekend prepares the couple to approach marriage in all dimensions. They discuss points that are often taken for granted or are simply not brought up, points they may not have thought of but which are important in marriage. Throughout the weekend they work in a spirit of loving trust and acquire a method of communication that can truly spell the difference in their marriage. Thus, the couple enters marriage more attuned to each other and better prepared to tackle daily problems.
DOES A DISCOVERY WEEKEND THEN ASSURE BETTER MARRIAGES FOR COUPLES WHO TAKE IT?
No program can assure such a promise. The Discovery Weekend, in fact, is only a beginning and it will take the couple the rest of their lives together to finish the job. The program is merely a tool so the couple is better equipped to enter marriage.
Registration Forms are available at Plains&Prints Ayala/SM & at Collage Ayala, or you may reach us at 262-1053 (Araceli) / 261-2349 (Joyce).
In a serious relationship? Engaged? : Join the DISCOVERY WEEKEND (May 18-20) :
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