Hosting a WCI Marriage Retreat
by: Amanda Griggs, WCI Leader Couple, Cedar Rapids, IA.
When I was asked the question, “Do you want to host a marriage retreat?” my heart responded with an immediate “YES!” before my brain could chime in with its usual concerns. You know that resistance that hits when you’re starting something big? The enemy enjoys whispering the familiar doubts of my inadequacy.
I was nervous when I met with my pastor, Fr. Conway. He was a friend, but I knew he would be thorough with his decision. He would want to make sure every detail of the theology was a good fit for this parish. My nerves were due to those lingering thoughts of my ability to explain everything correctly and share the true beauty of The Rule. I had to get this right! As I shared details about the WCI I felt a wave of hope wash over me when he seemed genuinely excited! Fr Conway had been looking for a way to unite his Spanish, Latin and English communities so this would be a great start! He gave us his blessing to host the retreat and celebrate Mass with us. I was over the moon!
With excitement fueling us, my husband Eric and I began the planning. We carried brochures with us and told every couple we met about this opportunity to grow in love with their spouse. But then, just 3 months before the retreat, we were struck with a heavy blow. Fr. Conway passed away unexpectedly, leaving a gaping void in our community. Suddenly everything in life felt difficult and heavy. We loved our friend and pastor, so carrying on without him felt like walking through mud. Grief overshadowed every piece of our life. We leaned heavily on our MCG, supporting each other through this shocking heartbreak.
Despite the sadness, I found a surprising peace as we kept the retreat on course. It now felt like a sacred mission, one last mission we could do in memory of our dear friend and pastor. Armed with the rosary, Our Lady was with us and I could feel Fr. Conway’s love supporting us. But as the big day drew closer, self-doubt started creeping in: “What if I mess this up?” and “Am I even cut out for this?” But, thanks to God’s grace and the support from our MCG, we pushed through: we set up tables, organized food, and opened our hearts to love the couples who would be joining us.
As we began the retreat and the team couples began their prayer hours, we could see God’s hand at work more than ever. As often happens when you’re trying to do something good, obstacles pop up. This retreat was no exception. We had to change the Mass time last minute, the retreat location had to be changed, and even our coffee caterer canceled! Not to mention the intense weather predicted and the billowing concern with every couple as they signed in. Satan was doing his best to derail my patience and the retreat. We held our ground and prayed every hour trusting that something beautiful was in the making.
As the retreat carried on, we were overwhelmed with gratitude as we looked out at nearly 50 couples gathered, all radiating with love and joy. I remember Eric leaning over and pointing out, “Look at everyone! They are all focused, and not one single person is on their phone!” His words filled me with joy and I replied, “This all happened because you said yes to us starting an MCG! Look what we’ve created!” It was such a sweet reminder of how saying “yes” to God can lead to incredible things.
Reflecting on that day, I realized that even with my doubts, God truly called us to say “Yes!”. He continues to draw us closer to Him with our “YES!”. We know love is our focus and encouraging others to have that focus will change a marriage, a family, and a community! St. John Paul II said, “Love is never defeated,” and love was truly with these couples. They wrote heartfelt letters and spent time in Adoration together. We shared the Eucharist together and found joy in a community, sharing special moments that increased that connection and made more room for grace to shine through all of us. This retreat was more than just an event. It was a beautiful testament to God working through us, especially our weaknesses.
As I write this, I can recall the peace of the weekend, the way my mind finally surrendered to God’s will and the plan he had for all of us. Since the retreat, we have new MCG couples, continued graces in our marriage, and many couples discerning joining the WCI community. As 1 John 4:19 reminds us, “We love because He first loved us.” In the end, love conquered all, and it always will!