On a beautiful sunny spring morning in September, twenty couples gathered at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre for the inaugural Diocese of Parramatta married couples’ retreat.
With marriages ranging from three to 46 years, the couples came to spend a special day together under the theme “reflect, renew and reconnect”.
The retreat was an opportunity for couples to set aside the busyness of everyday life and devote some intentional time to their marriage. Through a combination of thought-provoking sessions, faith, conversation and plenty of fun, couples were encouraged to learn more about each other and strengthen their relationship.
The day began with a session, “Expressions of Love”, based on Gary Chapman’s five love languages. Couples discovered that each person expresses and experiences love differently. After completing the love languages quiz, they identified not only their own preferred love language, but also their spouse’s – providing plenty of opportunities for discussion and some fun discoveries along the way!
The retreat day included several thought-provoking sessions. Image: Supplied
The couples then explored “Living Your Vocation of Marriage”, presented by Deacon John Collins and his wife Dr Sandi Carroll. They reflected on the theology and vocation of marriage and generously shared their own unique story, offering a beautiful insight into the gift of living this vocation with God’s grace.
Another session, “The Sacred Blueprint – Masters of Relationship”, presented by Diocese of Parramatta Pre-Marriage Educators Joan and Declan Sally, explored John Gottman’s concept of the Sound Marital House and the building blocks of a strong and lasting relationship – from Building Love Maps as the foundation through to the top floor of Creating Shared Meaning.
Bishop Vincent then celebrated Mass with the couples and gave a special blessing. He stayed on afterwards to enjoy lunch with the group, mingling with the couples and sharing conversation.
After the learning sessions, it was time for a little creativity! Couples were given the fun task of creating their own marriage first aid kit. Husband and wife worked together to decorate their boxes and fill them with practical and spiritual tools to help when their relationship is feeling a little “injured”. The kits included handmade Rosary beads, meaningful photographs and reminders of their individual love languages.
The day concluded with a special reflection and recommitment ceremony. Couples gave thanks for their spouse before lighting a candle, symbolising a new spark in their relationship and the reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, is also the light of their marriage.
It was a joyful and meaningful day of learning, laughter, faith and connection – and a wonderful reminder that every marriage benefits from taking time to reflect, renew and reconnect.
The married couples’ retreat is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Mission and Formation. Visit Synodality to learn more.
