Amid the demands of military life, 41 Catholic Air Force couples stationed in Germany gathered Feb. 27-28 for a retreat to foster renewal and spiritual support for the vocation that anchors their families: marriage.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) hosted the marriage enrichment retreat at the Maria Rosenberg Retreat Center in Waldfischbach-Burgalben, Germany.
Military couples face unique challenges in their marriages, including frequent relocations and extended deployments. Deployments can be especially stressful as communication between spouses is often limited.When families relocate, they must build new friendships and support systems after saying goodbye to the communities they once relied on. This makes a strong relationship and the ability to depend on one another all the more important as military couples step into new environments.
Exploring the topics of compatibility, communication, and accompaniment, the couples spent the weekend in prayer and discussion. The sessions were guided by the REFOCCUS Marriage Enrichment Inventory, a resource designed to help couples strengthen their communication.
The retreat also reminded those serving their country that their vocation to marriage is strengthened when rooted in faith and the love of Christ.
AMS Auxiliary Bishop William Muhm worked with military chaplains and retreat organizers to coordinate the retreat, and he celebrated the Mass during the retreat, which concluded with Eucharistic Adoration.
According to AMS, the couples who attended the retreat are members of the Holy Family Catholic Community at Ramstein Air Base, which is about 20 miles from the retreat center.
The gathering was the 11th marriage enrichment retreat sponsored by the archdiocese since 2018. Previous gatherings occurred in locations across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.