For Better and For Ever Retreat

Congratulations on your decision to marry in the Catholic Church. We are pleased to take part of your sacramental marriage preparation. God bless you in these grace filled moments and know of our prayers as you embark together on this holy vocation.

This retreat is best suited for engaged couples that find themselves in 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

Before registering to any of our retreats you should have:

• Gone to a parish and met with your Priest or marriage preparation minister to begin your marriage preparation process.
• Obtained from your Priest or marriage preparation minister the recommendation to a specific retreat.

You will be asked to give the name and contact information of the Priest or marriage preparation minister, and will not be able to complete registration without it; he may be asked to confirm his approval.

For Better and Forever is a two-day marriage preparation retreat where couples are guided to a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals, the sacrament of marriage, and marriage as a life-long process.

During the weekend, a series of topics is introduced by a team of married couples and by a staff member of the Family Life Office. The retreat provides an atmosphere appropriate for sharing and learning, allowing the engaged couple to concentrate on each other, on their relationship with one another and with God.

It is recommended that the engaged couple register after the initial meeting with the parish priest. The ideal time to attend is from 6-12 months before the wedding, but no later than 2-3 months before the wedding date.

The For Better and For Ever Retreats are held every 3-4 months. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for 30 couples.

Available dates are listed below or call us at 956-784-5012 for more information.

Retreat info:

Schedule: Saturday and Sunday,. 8:00am - 5:30pm

Place: Bishop Adolf Marx Conference Center - San Juan, TX

Cost: $145 per couple which includes materials, breakfast and lunch

The completed registration from can be emailed to [email protected] with a non-refundable fee of $145 payable by credit or debit card accepted over the phone or in person at the Family Life Office.  A PayPal fee will be added to all credit card or debit transactions.  Alternatively, a money order can be mailed to the address given below.  Please do not send cash or checks.

Diocese of Brownsville - Family Life Office
700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd.
San Juan, TX  78589

A confirmation letter is mailed or emailed to the couple when the application and fee are received, this letter guarantees admission to the For Better and Forever Retreat.

Rescheduling will only be allowed in case of an emergency approved by the Director or Associate and will include a $60.00 rescheduling fee to offset meal costs.

Registration Form