By Abbey Hugo
(SNR) - Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) is now offering “Virtual Weekends” so couples can attend from anywhere, while remaining in the comfort and safety of their homes.
WWME weekends have been teaching couples in more than 90 countries how to better communicate and address issues since the first event in 1962, but this is the first time these presentations have been available online.
All in-person WWME retreats in the United States moved online starting in the spring, after the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to meet in person. WWME wanted to ensure couples still had the option to attend during this time, said Father Mark Pfeiffer, a member of the Nebraska WWME Leadership Team. He was appointed to the team while serving at St. Wenceslaus Parish in Wahoo and is now senior priest in residence at St. Michael Parish in Lincoln.
Bruce and Veta Hungerford of Long Pine are also members of the Nebraska WWME Leadership Team. They have been married 48 years and said attending a WWME weekend was the best thing they ever did for their marriage. The two stressed that couples are just as in need, if not more, of time to reconnect as they were before the virus.
“COVID-19 didn’t supersede the fact that relationships still need help,” Bruce Hungerford said. “It doesn’t just go away, and in fact probably enhances the need, you know with COVID-19. It was an opportunity; we couldn’t just put weekends on hold, and consequently, this was the best alternative.”
While some elements are hindered by not being in person, there are also many advantages to offering the retreat online.
“It really is opening up doors in a lot of ways, making it ... available to some couples that find it difficult to leave their home for an entire weekend and be part of the experience,” Veta Hungerford said.
Attendance has been good, and several couples from other countries have been able to join in remotely.
Over the course of the weekend, three couples and one priest share a series of presentations addressing common issues that arise in a marriage. Providing a variety of perspectives is intended to create a well-rounded look at these issues. Each couple has unique personalities and experiences, so participants may better relate to one couple than another.
After each presentation, couples are given time to privately discuss and practice using the communication tools they are given.
“Part of it is just helping couples focus on each other in privacy,” Veta Hungerford said. “It really gives couples an opportunity to really get down to that gut level of sharing with each other what’s going on inside.”
WWME weekends are not just for couples that are struggling. It is for any couple looking to improve and enrich their marriage.
“Every couple wants a greater love. This is a program that gives couples the tools to find that heart-to-heart exchange that they’re looking for,” Pfeiffer said.
The next retreat is scheduled for Aug. 28-30. Couples can register by calling Pat and Janelle Benson at 308-940-1105.
