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Marriage Repair

Retrouvaille

(Four weekends per year—30 to 40 couples per weekend)

Retrouvaille is a Catholic ministry for couples in troubled marriages and for separated and divorced couples considering reconciliation.  The program helps couples to better understand their relationship while teaching them practical skills to bring healing and renewal. Although Retrouvaille is a Catholic program, they welcome couples from all faith expressions. The word Retrouvaille (pronounced Re-trō-vī’) simply means 'rediscovery'. Begun in French Canada in 1977, and established in Atlanta in 1985, it is now offered world-wide.

Retrouvaille is presented on a weekend at a local hotel by a priest and three trained volunteer couples who have participated in the program themselves. Typically 30 to 40 couples attend.  Couples aren’t required to share personal information with the group. Both members of the couple must have a willingness to participate. They are also asked to discontinue any extramarital affairs and to address alcohol or drug problems before registering.

A series of in-depth presentations, given by one of the married couples and a priest, will focus on specific areas of a marriage relationship such as values, conflict, forgiveness, sexuality, trust, intimacy, and marriage as a sacrament.  The emphasis is on a technique of communication between a husband and wife. After each presentation, there is an opportunity for personal reflection and then private couple discussion. The focus is to help couples, who may be coping with serious and diverse problems such as infidelity or the death of a child, realize how forgiveness and communication can help build stable relationships.

The weekend program is followed by six post-weekend sessions. No one is turned away because of lack of funds.

For further information, please contact Trish & David Marzullo at atlanta@retrouvaille.org or visit the local web site at www.retrouvailleofatlanta.org. 

More Information

Marriage Counseling

Domestic Violence

Addictions and Substance Abuse

Parenting Resources for Couples Working Through Troubled Marriages: www.whileweheal.org

Co-Parenting Resources for Divorced Parents: www.uptoparents.org