...a lifeline for staying connected to continue YOUR Retrouvaille Experience!

Doreen & Les Mosko's Retirement Celebration!

A beautiful evening was planned by the Clelian Center Staff Members where both Dorie and Les have been employed. Doreen for 23 yrs! And Les for 3.
Dorie and Les will be enjoying the first few months of their retirement after the upcoming holidays down in sunny Florida! Their plan as snowbirds is to fly back to us in the month of April here in CT.
They will be MISSED!!!









Here are some highlights from their party at Il Moniticello in Meriden. This group of Retrouvaille ministering couples who attended were priveledged to share a dance with Dorie & Les out on the dance floor to none other than "The Rose". How special it was to share that and other poignant moments with them during the evening.
Jessica (their daughter) was happy to take our group's picture with the happy couple! Congratulations Dorie & Les!!!!

Let's pray our marriages into the Christmas season!
A prayer for your own marriage—
IMMANUEL, thank you for revealing Yourself to us and demonstrating Your nearness. During this Christmas season, I ask that you would break through any obstacles in my marriage that keep me and my spouse from experiencing the season with joy as a family. By the power of Your Spirit, please stop the crazy patterns of things like neglect, complacency, criticism, ingratitude, disrespect and lack of healthy boundaries in my marriage. Strengthen our commitment to grace and help both of us to honor, not abuse, each other’s expressions of grace. Increase our capacity for tenderness towards each other. Help us in other practical ways too, Lord. For example, help us to laugh more, express gratitude more, invest more in the relationship, and maintain a Kingdom perspective when we are tempted to sin, be discouraged or get stuck in minutia. Show us how to experience freedom and joy in our marriage, Lord, so that no day is a grind but every day is an adventure of anticipation in seeing Your presence at work among us. AMEN
Something to pray for a friend's marriage—
IMMANUEL, thank you for revealing Yourself to us and demonstrating Your nearness. During this Christmas season, I ask that you would break through any obstacles in the marriage of these friends I love — obstacles that keep them from experiencing the season with joy as a family. By the power of Your Spirit, please stop the crazy patterns of things like neglect, complacency, criticism, ingratitude, disrespect and lack of healthy boundaries in their marriage. Strengthen their commitment to grace and help both of them to honor, not abuse, each other’s expressions of grace. Increase their capacity for tenderness towards each other. Help them in other practical ways too, Lord. For example, help them to laugh more, express gratitude more, invest more in their relationship, and maintain a Kingdom perspective when they are tempted to sin, be discouraged or get stuck in minutia. Show them how to experience freedom and joy in their marriage, Lord, so that no day is a grind for them but every day is an adventure of anticipation in seeing Your presence at work among them. AMEN


UPDATED with Retreat Couples 6 Word Love Stories! Glimpses & Reflections from Our 2011 Annual Retrouvaille Enrichment Retreat! "It Takes 2!"

The Retrouvaille Annual Enrichment Retreat 2011 “It Takes 2!” was again held on the lovely & restful grounds of Mount Sacred Heart at the Clelian Retreat Center. Many thanks to our wonderful Retrouvaille hosts - Dory & Les Mosko! The day was filled with sharing and enjoying one another’s company within the family of “Retrouvaille” – where we each in our own way re-discovered what makes our “coupleness” unique and special!

Rob & Val’s heartfelt presentations & thought provoking dialogue questions were a wonderful way to begin reflecting on not only our relationships but perhaps seeing things from our spouses perspective. This inspired us to be a better spouse to our soul mate and to appreciate their presence in our lives.

Russ & Kathy’s presentation was based on a book they had recently enjoyed called “2: How Will You Create Something Beautiful Together?” by Dan Zadra & Kobi Yamada.
We explored the topic of being thankful for one another and the celebration of that gratefulness. It is not in God’s design that we go through life alone but that everything about us is designed to become stronger, happier and more fulfilled when we have found love with our partner – our matching “puzzle piece”.


Russ shared a very powerful quote by David Grayson –
“Looking back, I have only this to regret, that too often when I loved I did not say so. Tomorrow is promised to no one – today is always the best day to say “I appreciate you, you are truly someone I love.” Mission statements were made by each couple to eventually frame and place in their homes. In the forming of their joint mission statement as a couple – each was encouraged to identify not only weaknesses and areas to be worked on, but also to support and reaffirm future goals that would bring refreshment & renewal to their marriage.



The sunflower – a flower attributed to loyalty & longevity – whose blossoming “face” follows the sun throughout it’s course during the day. A large live arrangement of them were the focal point at the front of the room. Later, after the Liturgy – we all were bestowed a large sunflower to take home – much like the rose at our initial Retrouvaille weekends. This vibrant and happy flower is a reminder of our choice to constantly be stretching ourselves in the direction of the Light – the Son, and the higher road that we each want to be on together in our marriages.


Don & Chris Paglia of the Hartford Family Life Office came and demonstrated for us their Family Constellations technique – which through our group participation brings a very fresh and enlightening view of what sculpted us through our families of origin in coming to our marriages. Through this piece of the retreat each couple gained a new awareness and interaction with what had “come before” their coupleness in marriage.








There were times of quiet chatter and restful moments between the couples that came and as usual we found ourselves meandering through the lovely grounds and gardens at the Center. Especially loved are those which surround the path of the Stations of the Cross. The butterflies, though not as prolific on their migratory route this year, were in plain view once again amongst the purple blooms of the Butterfly Bushes that are planted up and down the path. This sign of beauty and hope is a welcome one we have come to enjoy each year!

The random wrought iron loveseat that was entwined with ivy and clematis were an inviting place to sit and reflect on the day together… The daisies, lilies, fuschia petunias, white hydrangea, lavender allium, ornamental grasses and even the apple trees were all beautiful displays of color and signs of God’s blessing, grace and peace for us to behold and take in. Nestled amongst these signs in nature were the many religious statues and sculpted stonework which only added to the reverent reflection and restful peace the couples felt.



Each bountiful and delicious meal we shared throughout the day was met with not only a wonderful array of tastes and aromas – but the sweetness of friendships shared and rekindled between the reunited Retrouvaille couples!




Before our dinner meal and final closing Liturgy we were asked to write a brief 6 word love story that summarized our marriage journeys respectively. It sounded quite easy but truly was not! Choosing just the right words and in those words capturing the essence of our “then-now-and future” moments in marriage was a true challenge! But in their reading – the many “love stories” they truly were all “spot on” in their concise synopsis of each couple’s experience on this path!
We hope to publish a few on this blog in the coming weeks so those of you who may not have had the opportunity to attend would be inspired and challenged to write your own!*(see below!) Many thanks to all who hosted, presented, labored, provided & prepared meals/snacks and participated in this year's Annual Retrouvaille Retreat! We welcome all Retrouvaille Alumni to join us in August of 2012 for our next annual retreat – you won’t want to miss it – and we promise you in the meeting up with old friends and new you will ALWAYS come away with something that will build up your marriage and bring it to a higher place!













*Here are some of the "6 WORD LOVE STORIES" that our retreat couples creatively came up with together to describe their own stories! Do YOU have your OWN 6 word love story that you can come up with as a couple??? If so PLEASE write one and COME & SHARE it at CORE!

Romantic Love
Painful Love
Unconditional Love

Blind Date Never Date Weekly Date

New Couple Married Single Committed Couple

God Creates - Anger Destroys - God Rebuilds

Attraction, hope, heartbreak, God, Baby, LOVE

Real Love, Real Hurt, Real Life!

Two Hearts, Drifted Apart, Reunited Forever

Wedding Day ~ Dooms Day ~ Miracle Day

She is, was, will be LOVE

We are, were, will be LOVE

Found Love
Destroyed Love
Rediscovered Love

Love Birds
Broken Wings
Soaring High







ENRICHMENT RETREAT XIV "It Takes 2"!!!!



Retrouvaille of Connecticut is Excited to Announce ~ ENRICHMENT RETREAT XIV!
"It Takes 2"

When we professed our Marriage Vows, Two became One.
Now whether raising a family or preparing for an "empty nest",
enjoying life on vacation or during retirement...
It's a lot easier and more enjoyable when the two are STILL one ~ and on the SAME page!

PLEASE JOIN US ~ on this year's Couples Retreat as we strengthen communication and intimacy through a series of workshops and activities!

Our special presenters this year will be...
DON & CHRIS PAGLIA of the Hartford Family Life Office!

DATE - Saturday, August 13, 2011

PLACE - The Clelian Cneter in Hamden

COST - $45 per couple

Includes - Continental Breakfast, Lunch AND Dinner

Retreat Benefits - Presentations - Free Laughs - Closing Service - Beautiful Holy Grounds - Quality Time Together!

COME AND ENJOY! RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW! PLEASE REGISTER BY AUGUST 6TH

Check-In from 9 - 9:45 Retreat from 10am to 6pm

50 Life Secrets & Tips - (short form!) by J. Lejuwaan

1. Memorize something everyday. Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment.

2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions. Possessions do end up owning you. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.

3. Develop an endless curiosity about this world. Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone.

4. Remember people’s names so that they feel appreciated and for your own future benefit when you want something from that person. To do this, say their name back to them when they introduce themselves.

5. Get fit! It’s ridiculous to think that we have one body, one sole means of functioning, and people are too lazy to take care of themselves. Fit bodies lead to better health, confidence and more success with romantic endeavors. 3 very good reasons to get in shape.

6. Learn to focus only on the present. The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.

7. Even more specifically, live in THIS moment. Even 10 minutes ago is the past. If you live purely in this moment you will always be happy because there is nothing wrong in this split-second.

8. Smile more often. Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day.

9. Drink water. Hydration is tremendously important for overall health. Soda has absolutely ZERO nutritional content; it’s like pouring a punch of sugar and syrup into your cup. Instead, fill it with life-replenishing water.

10. Don’t take life so seriously! Learn to laugh at the little things and this whole “existence” thing will be a whole lot easier. Be amused by your mistakes and failures and be thankful that you learned your lesson and won’t mess up like that again.

11. Think positive thoughts. When you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop it immediately by any means necessary. Slap yourself in the face, yell something positive at the top of your lungs or jump up and down.

12. Read books. No explanation needed.

13. Get in the sun. The sun feels amazing: your entire body will be coursing with warmth and life.

14. Help others. I’ll just give you a plethora of reasons why this is a MUST
* Helping people has a ripple effect. If you help someone they will feel more obliged to help someone else, and so on. Pay it forward
* You grow by giving and helping others. It can change you in ways you never expected
* Your relationship with that person will become stronger
* It’s the most fulfilling thing you can do on this planet. It not only feels amazing physically, you also feel like a good person
* You might be able to call in a favor later when you need some help
* Karma (if you believe in it)
* Because there are more people in this world than just you

15. Set aside a specific time to worry each day. Ponder all of your problems and anxieties during that time so that they will not distract you during work or moments of pleasure.

16. Be honest at all times. Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.

17. Sleep less. Fully adjusting to a new sleep cycle can take up to 21 days so don’t give up if you feel tired after switching to 5-hour nights. The “required” 8 hour/night is for normal people.

18. Read “Bringers of Light” and “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsch. These books will help you decide what you want to do in this life and how to get to that point. (Any other inspirational reading you've "put off" - READ IT!

19. Figure out what your goals and dreams are. So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. The most satisfying thing in the world (yes, better than sex, much better) is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.

20. Start your day off right. Wake up and set aside an hour for personal development activities (meditation, self-introspection, observing nature, etc.) Do the things that make you feel blissful, optimistic and empowered so that you can set a positive tone for your day.

21. Utilize ‘The Burning Method.’ Whenever a fear or worry or complaint comes to mind, close your eyes and imagine writing down the thought on a piece of paper. Then proceed to light the paper and fire and watch it disintegrate. Even better, actually write it down and burn it. You won’t have any problem ridding your mind of the thought after doing this.

22. Travel. Frequent Flyer Master Anyone who has ever gone anywhere will tell you that traveling is one of the most exciting and life-changing activities that you can do. Observing a different culture will expand your mind while making you further appreciate the life you already live.

23. The Rubber Band Method This is the third and final way to rid yourself of negative thoughts (hopefully by now you have figured out that this is very important!). Place a rubber band around your wrist and snap it against your skin anytime a negative thought finds its way into your head.

24. Learn to be unaffected by the words of others. Most people get very upset when they are called negative names by others, but there is a simple trick to overcoming this. Here it is: If I went up to you and called you a fire hydrant, would you be upset? Of course not. Obviously you are not a fire hydrant, you are a human being. SHED misplaced negativity - "water off the ducks back" rememeber??? The only exception is when someone calls you something that is true! In this case, you should thank them for alerting you to a weakness, one that you can now work on changing.

25. Read “Zen and the Art of Happiness” by Chris Prentiss. This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times regardless of the circumstances. Yes, this sounds like an oversimplification of happiness, but I assure you that this book will change you in an amazing way.

26. Develop the ability to forgive. Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple.Remaining angry feels horrible while forgiving someone brings a refreshing sensation to the mind and healing to the relationship.

27. Be the person that makes others feel special. Be known for your kindness and sympathy.

28. Learn to lucid dream, or to realize when you are dreaming so that you can control your dreams. Sleep feels good, but its rather boring and unproductive. With lucid dreaming under your belt, night time can be even more exciting than when you are awake. For those that know a thing or two about your subconscious, that is a BIG deal.

29. Visualize daily. It has been said and proven time and time again that what you focus on is what you get. If you complain all of the time, you will run into more of the things you complain about.

30. Meditate everyday for at least 20 minutes. In this modern world where everyone is so connected to everything else via cell phones, TV and internet, most people rarely enjoy the beauty of silence. The ability to quiet your mind and relax your body is an art and skill that everyone should develop.

31. Learn to control your mind. What kind of skilled human are you if you cannot even control your own thoughts? While the human mind is described as being a stream of consciousness, that does not mean you can’t decide where your stream flows.

32. Learn to control your emotions. The only person that can make you unhappy is you! You are the one that decides to be affected by the words and actions of others. Realize this so that the next time you experience a negative emotion, you can find the strength within yourself to overcome it.

33. Take a class in speed reading. Books are full of information that can enhance your knowledge-base, vocabulary and yourself as a person. Speed reading is an easy way to get at this info faster so that you can have more time for other endeavors.

34. Relax! This one is for you work-o-holics out there (myself included). Yes, work is very important and productive but you need to take some time to chill out everyday or you are going to burn out faster than a candle with no oxygen. Additionally, you need to reward yourself for a job well done.

35. Work on making good first impressions. Practice a strong, firm handshake and the small talk that generally goes along with meeting someone for the first time. People won’t know what to think of you if you have nothing more to say beyond “My name is _______, nice to meet you.”

36. Learn to use your eyes to their full potential:
* Make constant eye contact when in conversation. Looking away (especially down) is a sign of inferiority and unsureness. Instead, look at your conversation partner dead in the eyes and keep them locked on
* Master the piercing stare. You know when someone looks at you and it feels like they can see into your soul? Well that’s not a hereditary characteristic, it just takes practice. Work on sharpening your gaze in the mirror. You’ll know you have it when it’s intimidating to continue looking at yourself

37. Be mysterious. Don’t let off everything about you and definitely leave out some major details. There is something both alluring and mesmerizing about someone that no one knows fully about. I’m not saying to confide in no one or to alienate yourself. Just think James Bond.

38. Come up with a life mantra. You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.

39. Get good at something. Call it a hobby or a passion, whatever it is, just get damn good at it. Your occupation does not count! Make it something that you can practice often enough to excel at. Examples: Magic tricks, surfing, ping pong, creating short films, and unicycling.

40. Work out those abs. Above any other muscle group in the entire body, the abs are the most important. They constitute your core, the center point of your body.

41. Keep your brain sharp. The majority of people are stuck in ruts. They go to the same job everyday, hang out with the same friends and eat at the same places. While that may feel safe, it’s not the most stimulating lifestyle for your brain. Those synapses have been built up enough, so try something that you do NOT know how to do! Just like physical workouts, doing too much of the same exercise will eventually give no results. Switch it up!

42. Read something inspirational right before bed and after waking. This will set get you in a great mood for sleep and for the day. Read anything from a famous speech to your favorite self-improvement book.

43. Do what you love.Working for Yourself Guide There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later.

44. Choose your friends wisely. You are affected far more than you think by the people you spend your time with. Do your friends share your values? Do they encourage you when you speak of your goals and dreams or do they scoff? Make sure the people around you are conducive to the lifestyle you want to lead or you will find yourself being dragged again and again into behavior that distances you from your desires. Friends with a habit of producing negative thoughts will especially hinder you. This can be a hard task to follow through with if you realize you good friend is one of these saboteurs, but you must be firm! Don’t let anyone get in the way of you being all that you can be.

45. Don’t burn bridges. By that I mean maintain your relationships with people even if you think you are never going to see them again. For example, if you are quitting your job, don’t chew out your boss before leaving! You might run into him/her again later and life and wish you had never severed ties so harshly. You never know when you might need the help of someone you knew in the past.

46. Keep a journal/diary. It sounds like a very monotonous habit at first, but when you get into it, that little book will become a great way to organize your thoughts and track your growth over the years.

47. Read “New Pyscho-Cybernetics” by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. This book will explain why the content of your thoughts has such a profound effect on your life through religious, philosophical and scientific arguments. A must read for completely understand who this life thing works.

48. Learn to use and trust your subconscious/intuition. When you spend time in silence everyday, listen not for words but for a feeling that tells you to do something. Do not mistake your own reasoning and thoughts for those of your subconscious.

49. Develop a charismatic personality. You know, the kind of personality that is surrounded by people constantly and is the life of the party. Start visualizing yourself as THAT person. Belief is the first step! Reality will come soon after.

50. Love is all there is. If you truly want to be a master of life, let love be in your every action. Love your friends, family and enemies alike. This is the most difficult thing to do out of this entire list, which is why it is listed at #50. But if you accomplish this, you will be seen as a leader among everyone that allows hate, envy, disgust and all other negative emotions into their lives. Think Gandhi. Love is so rare in this world when compared to the massive presence of hate that by exuding love, you will immediately see yourself and the people around you change. Love. Love. Love.

April POST Pre-Scheduled Topics - Revised March 30, 2011


*****REMINDER: ALL SESSIONS WILL START AT 5:30 PM AND END AT 9:30 PM ALL PRESENTERS MUST BE THERE BY 5 (at the latest) TO SET UP

Week One April 16, 2011

*Dan &Terry #1 Sight Survey-Building Blocks to a Healthy Marriage, 5 D’s

Rob & Val #2 Sight Survey contd.-Effective Listening, Dialogue Workshop

OFF EASTER WEEK APRIL 23

Week Two April 30, 2011

*Russ and Cathy #3 Assessing Our Materials (self discovery), FOO, Personality Style

Russ & Cathy #4 Assessing Our Materials, Needs, Expectations, Interests, Values

WeekThree May 7,2011

*Bill and Terri #5 Decisions Our Framework, Commitment and Love

Lars and Maryellen #6 Decisions Our Framework, Trust and Forgiveness

Week Four May 14,2011

*Les & Dorie #7 Problems with the Contractor – Conflict 1

Les & Dorie) #8 Problems with the Contractor – Conflict 2

Week Five May 21, 2011

*Lars & MaryEllen #9 Making Our House a Home – Intimacy

Lars & MaryEllen #10 Making Our House a Home contd. – Sexual Relationship

Week Six May 28, 2011

*Bill & Terri #11 – Exploring Our Neighborhood-Marriage as a Sacrament

Dan & Terry #12 – Exploring Our Neighborhood-Post Session Review

FOLLOWED BY SERVICE OR MASS AND POT LUCK SUPPER *This couple brings the milk

CALL LES AND DORIE 203-466-6853 IF NEEDED OR EMAIL lmosko@aol.com

Please call to verify if these dates work for you, ASAP.

A Thank You Message for the Retrouvaille Community from Charles Farley...


Thank You Retrouvaille... for sharing your feelings about Linda and how she effected you as an individual and as a couple. I take solace in the fact that I also have known Linda in good times and bad, she has touched me deeply in my soul. In Retrouvaille we have found beautiful people and loving friends that influenced us to be all we could be for one another, and others. I know that these people have been sent by God to refine our character and to help us heal.


Linda and I have dialogued about death and covered many facets within the subject of death (including the burning of our books), but the empty hole left in my heart is not crippling, because I move forward day by day. I try to remember only the good times, good friends and our love. My children and grandchildren and friends have lifted my emotions above the self-pity and the "why’s" and "regrets". I have learned a valuable tool from Retrouvaille and that is the "Five D’s". Following the "Five D’s" has helped Linda and I, to know who we are and want we want in life and after death. It was hard at first to go through the "Five D’s", but it became easier as we continued to “DO”.


Again I thank everyone so much for all the Prayers, letters, cards and the perpetual memories and all the love.


May God bless all of Retrouvaille, the current and future couples.


Sincerely in Christ,

Charles W. Farley

In Memory of Linda Farley


UPDATED INFORMATION 3/17/2011 ~
Linda Farley's Memorial Tribute Pages can be found by clicking on any of the following links -


To send cards & letters
of condolence and sympathy:


Charles Farley & Family
1765 Old Waterbury Road
Cheshire, CT 06410


UPDATE 3/16/2011 ~ Our Retrouvaille Family mourns the loss of Linda Farley, who passed on into Our Lord's presence this evening...
In this grief we know that heaven truly has gained a most beautiful angel...
Our most heartfelt condolescences are offered to her best friend & loving husband Charles Farley.


Urgent Prayer Request to ALL Retrouvaille Attendees & Alumni

We have a dear sweet sister and true servant of the Lord - Linda Farley who along with her husband Charles have had amazing "servant hearts" in their ministering and giving to hurting couples...

Now THEY - namely Linda - has been impacted with severe physical sufferings and the failing of her kidneys. She has been hospitalized over the past several weeks and her condition is critical.

Please join in continued prayer for her recovery & restoration of health. And for Charles strength and fortitude as he devotes himself in total support of his wife during her time of physical trials and illness.

Many of you have been touched by the message of healing that they portrayed to you during your time of weakness during the Retrouvaille Weekend and sessions you may have attended - now we ALL can give back to them in this call to prayer for these two - a much loved couple in our CT Community - Linda and Charles Farley.

Retrouvaille Couple featured in Real Simple Magazine!

At this weekend's CT Retrouvaille's Weekend, we were privileged to have Barbara & Tim Hayden from our neighboring NE Retrouvaille Community as presenters.
Barbara sent us along this article from Real Simple Magazine that features Angie & Greg Cooper from Duluth, Georgia who are Retrouvaille Alumni!
They are also the now coordinators of the Atlanta, Georgia Retrouvaille Community as well!
They are featured in the article along with several other couples who have commited to making their marriages work!

If you click on the link below - you will be brought to the article in which you can find their story - once you read it there is also a small link that will take you to their photos as well as the other couples too!
It sure was great to see Retrouvaille given such good press to get the word out to the mainstream about help for hurting couples!
Thanks for sharing Barb!
Click on this link! - Toward a More Perfect Union Real Simple

Post Pre-Schedule for January Weekend

POST PRE-SCHEDULE FOR January 2011 WEEKEND
Revised Jan 13, 2011

*REMINDER: ALL SESSIONS WILL START AT 5:30 PM AND END AT 9:30 PM ALL PRESENTERS MUST BE THERE BY 5 (at the latest) TO SET UP

Week One Feb. 5, 2011
*Les & Dorie #1 Sight Survey-Building Blocks to a Healthy Marriage, 5 D’s
Bill & Terri #2 Sight Survey contd.-Effective Listening, Dialogue Workshop

Week Two Feb 12, 2011
*Bill and Terri #5 Decisions Our Framework, Commitment and Love
Lars and Maryellen #6 Decisions Our Framework, Trust and Forgiveness

Week Three February 19, 2011
*Russ and Cathy #3 Assessing Our Materials (self discovery), FOO, Personality Style
Russ & Cathy #4 Assessing Our Materials, Needs, Expectations, Interests, Values

Week Four Feb. 26, 2011
*Les & Dorie #7 Problems with the Contractor – Conflict 1
Les & Dorie) #8 Problems with the Contractor – Conflict 2

Week Five March 5, 2011
*Lars & MaryEllen #9 Making Our House a Home – Intimacy
Lars & MaryEllen #10 Making Our House a Home contd. – Sexual Relationship

Week Six** MARCH 12, 2011
*Tim AND Doreen #11 – Exploring Our Neighborhood-Marriage as a Sacrament
Les and Dorie #12 – Exploring Our Neighborhood-Post Session Review

**FOLLOWED BY SERVICE OR MASS AND POT LUCK SUPPER
*This couple brings the milk
CALL LES AND DORIE 203-466-6853 IF NEEDED OR EMAIL lmosko@aol.com

New Year's Resolutions for Your Marriage!

(Article by: Sheri & Bob Stritof, Marriage Guides


If you make New Year's resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution together that will benefit your marriage.

Old Familiar Urges -
This is the time of year that you may get those old familiar urges to make a resolution to make change in your lives, to do better, to be better, to love more, to get out of debt, etc.
This is good. To a point...

Too often good intentions and resolutions turn out to be rather large failures and you may think less of yourself. This is not a good way to start a new year. Additionally, your own or your spouse's poor self-image can have a very negative impact on your marriage.
Making a Couple ResolutionAside from your personal resolutions, we suggest that the two of you make one resolution that will enhance your marriage. Here are resolutions that could help your marriage relationship.


Organize Photographs Together.
Have More Candlelight Dinners.
Do Something to Simplify Your Life Together.
Dialogue Daily.
Watch Romantic Movies.
Pay Off a Major Debt.
Plan a 2nd Honeymoon.
Together Plan a Project for Your Yard.
Listen to More Love Songs.
Read a Book About Marriage Together. (attend group meetings)
Say I Love You More Often.
Discuss Marriage Mistakes.
Make and Schedule Plans to Have Fun Together.


Guidelines for Successful Resolutions in the New Year -

Before making any resolutions, either personal or as a couple, consider using these guidelines so that you are successful this year.
Pick only one or two resolutions.
Make sure that your resolutions are achievable.
Your resolutions should not depend on anyone else or on the two of you receiving a financial windfall, etc.
Make the time frame for your resolution a short one. Three weeks to a month is plenty long.
Share your plans with someone else for encouragement, support, and challenge.
Reward yourselves when you are successful.
Re-evaluate at the end of the time period. Decide if you want to continue the resolution or look for a new one.