Here are a variety of resources that you can use to support, nurture and challenge the growth of your marriage.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

A weekend marriage renewal and dialogue: Green Bay/Fox Valley -- Dennis and Sue Amtmann, Phone (920) 544-5166, E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Web site

RETROUVAILLE

A program to help couples in troubled marriages heal and renew their marriage relationship: Milwaukee/Green Bay/Escanaba - Retrouvaille of Milwaukee/Green Bay -- John and Pam Stoll, Phone (920) 336-6549, E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Web site; Testimonials: One woman's account of how Retrouvaille helped her marriage; Couple: Retrouvaille saved marriage (NOTE: Contact information with stories is dated and should not be used)

Other Resources

We have provided all the information you might need to order these books. If you have another suggestion for a resource that has worked for you, please e-mail it to the Evangelization and Worship Department.

BOOKS

"Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love," Howard Markman, Scott M. Stanley, Susan L. Blumberg, Jossey-Bass, Inc. (San Francisco, CA), ISBN: 0780957445, 2001 revised edition, approximately $16.95, 400 pages.
Read this one together and do the exercises. Indexed. Down-to-earth. User-friendly. Can help you to master basic relational skills for discussing difficult issues, establishing ground rules for conflict, and tips on enhancing fun, friendship, commitment and intimacy. The book explains specific negative patterns that develop in marriages and gives specific, workable techniques to really resolve conflict and strengthen the relationship.

"Follow the Way of Love," United States Catholic Bishops, USCC (3211 4th St. NE, Washington DC 20017; toll-free: 800-235-8722, www.usccb.org), Order number for English edition is 677-8, Order number for Spanish edition is No. 676-X, 1993, $1.25, 32 pages.
Available in English or Spanish. An encouraging message to families on the realities of today's society. Written in an uncomplicated, readable style, it offers support and urges mutuality in marriage roles. Addresses the challenges of living faithfully, giving life, growing in mutuality, and taking time to balance work and family obligations.

"Marriage and the Spirituality of Intimacy," Leif Kerwald, St. Anthony Messenger Press, (Cincinnati, OH 45210-1928; phone 513-241-5615; www.americancatholic.org), ISBN: 0867162538, 1997; 100 pages, $7.95 softcover.
Explores mutuality, self-acceptance, openness to growth, intimacy, partnership, conflict and work, and their roles in marital spirituality. It weaves scripture, church, faith and experience together to create a straightforward, hopeful and empowering approach to our marriage relationships.

PRAYER BOOKS

"Our Common Life: Reflections on Being a Spouse," Mary and Robert Glover, ACTA Publications, (Chicago, IL; toll-free: 800-397-2282), ISBN: 0879462019, 1999, 120 pages, $5.95 paperback.
Brief reflections and anecdotes to help you see more clearly the grace of God present in your relationship. A great prayer starter!

"Through Good Times and Bad: Prayers for a Lifetime Together," Robert M. Hamma, Kathryn A. Schneider, Sorin Books, (Notre Dame, IN; toll-free: 800-282-1865, www.sorinbooks.com), ISBN: 1893732118, 2000, 96 pages, $11.95 softcover.
A beautiful gift book with prayers for a wide variety of experiences from gratitude for a spouse's thoughtfulness to difficulty with in-laws. References scripture, symbols from wedding liturgy, and season. Excellent primer for couple prayer and reflection.

MAGAZINES

Marriage celebrates committed couples! Each outstanding issue is jam-packed with helpful how-tos, practical pointers, real people stories, inspiring insights, couples success secrets, and invaluable ideas. Marriage is a reader-friendly, easily skimmed, abundantly rich resource that contains immediately usable ideas to inspire and assist people in nurturing, sustaining and enhancing their marriages. Excellent wedding gift for newly marrieds!

VIDEOS

This VHS video tape and couple discussion guide is something you can use in your home or in a small couples group. The total running time is 120 minutes, but it is broken into 5 smaller time segments. Best-selling author John Gray expands on his insights on the differences between men and women, and how they can build a healthier more passionate relationship using those differences. The videotape features John Gray working with real couples as he illustrates four simple exercises that spouses can do at home. Learn to express feelings and vent frustrations in a way that won't dampen the passion quotient.

WEB SITES

Marital & Family Spirituality & Prayer: www.homefaith.com Maintained by the Claretians. Offers families a source of practical ideas on rituals, family prayers, celebrating seasons and family times. You can also subscribe to family friendly e-meditations sent to your e-mail address on a monthly basis. Excellent source!

Marriage Tools: www.marriagetools.com, A site dedicated to marriage. Provides tools and resources on a variety of subjects: Creating Marriage, Maintaining Marriage, Repairing Marriage, and a Marriage Mall. Site is currently building a chat room. Features "Passion Plays."