for better and forever

The For Better and Forever Marriage Preparation Retreat is sponsored by the Family Life Office. This retreat is best suited for engaged couples preparing for a sacramental marriage as husband and wife and find themselves with unique circumstances such as are living together, one or both have child(ren) but not previously married, are expecting a child, have been civilly married 1-2 years , or cannot attend an overnight retreat.     During the weekend, a series of topics is introduced by a team of married couples or by a staff member of the Family Life Office.  Each topic, including topics on cohabitation and parenting are presented to the engaged couples as a group, then each couple is allowed to reflect, answer, and share a series of questions pertaining to each topic.  Couples are guided to a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals, the sacrament of marriage, and marriage as a life-long process.

The For Better and Forever Marriage Preparation Retreat  provides an atmosphere appropriate for sharing and/ learning allowing the engaged couple to concentrate exclusively on each other, on their relationship, and on their unique circumstances.  The couples who participate are allowed to discover each other’s feelings and attitudes on a deeper level. 

The For Better and Forever Retreats are held twice a year at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del-Valle National Shrine Auditorium.   The ideal time to attend is from 6 months to a year before the wedding, but no later than 2-3 months before the wedding date.  Since SPACE IS LIMITED, it is imperative that the engaged couple  register after the initial meeting with the parish priest.

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for 25 couples.  The total cost is $85.00 per couple and it includes materials, breakfast and lunch.   The registration fee – Money Order ONLY and the completed registration form can be mailed to: Diocese of Brownsville - Family Life Office, 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan, TX  78589 .  

A confirmation letter is mailed to the couple when the application and fee are received.   The couple will be guaranteed admission to the For Better and Forever only if they have received a confirmation letter.

 ***Rescheduling will only be allowed in case of an emergency approved by the Director or Associate, and will include a $40.00 rescheduling fee ***

For Better and Forever Retreat
(Saturday and Sunday)

 2007
December 1 & 2 - English

2008
April 12-13 -  English
July 26-27 -English

, Family Life Director; , Associate Director
700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd. • San Juan, TX 78589 • Phone 956-784-5012• Fax 956-784-5081

last updated 05-Jun-2008 9:48 sitemap