SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Hundreds of priests and happily married couples of many faiths from all over the Midwest will gather in South Bend, Ind., this July 10 through 12 to enrich and celebrate their Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders.
The regional convention, hosted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) in the Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend, is an enrichment experience for couples and priests who have previously attended a WWME weekend. It will be held at the Gillespie Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn located on the north side of the campus of St. Mary’s College.
The theme of the convention is “Let Us Be Your Servants.” Opening ceremonies start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10. It concludes about 12 noon on Sunday, July 12, with a closing Mass at the Grotto on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Other activities include a dinner and entertainment on Saturday evening featuring excerpts from the musical The Man of LaMancha.
Throughout the weekend a series of presentations will reinforce the communication tools taught on a WWME weekend. Mike and Julia Roszkowski from Granger, Ind., find they always benefit from attending WWME conventions. “The best part of convention is meeting couples and priests from all over our region. It is so neat to hear their stories and how WWME has affected their lives, just as it has ours. The convention also gives us a chance to use this special time away from the other good things in our lives to refresh our relationship.”
Past attendees cherish the time spent with couples and priests during a convention, all of whom are committed to their vocations and to strengthening family life. Rene and JoAnn Lusser of Chesterfield, Mo., agree. “We have been encountered for over 32 years and some of our fondest memories have been of WWME conventions. These gatherings enrich our sacrament through the presentations we hear, the dialogue focus, and the small group settings. Each convention is a worthwhile opportunity to celebrate with other encountered couples and priests who are all part of our family of faith and have a desire to make a difference in the world around us.”
The cost of the convention is $150 per couple or $75 for a priest. Additional details including registration information, lodging possibilities, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the Web site at www.wwme-ni.org/2009convention For more information, contact Ron and Leanne Lee at 260-637-5124 or [email protected]