Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) was started in 1968 by three Catholic couples and a priest in Long Island, New York. It is based on an experience created by Fr. Gabriel Calvo in Spain.  Couples in New York began presenting WWME weekends in major cities in the U.S. asking only that couples and priests in those areas pass the weekend on to other areas.  Since that time WWME has spread to 93 countries around the world and millions of couples have attended.
 
WWME is designed for couples with good marriages.  Retrouvaille is available for couples with troubled relationships or serious problems. The WWME experience teaches a communication technique called “dialogue” to help couples live a closer, more intimate life together.  When a couple registers with WWME, they are contacted by the registrar couple and given a choice of future dates. The Experiences are usually held in a hotel, retreat center or in a parish center.  In this area, WWME Experiences are scheduled in Sacramento and Reno. WWME is open to couples of all faiths.
 
The WWME Experience starts Friday evening about 8:00 pm. and ends with Mass on Sunday, concluding about 4:00 pm.  Three Catholic couples and a priest present the weekends.  A couple and the priest give a presentation, followed by a question to help participants personalize what they have just heard.  Couples “dialogue” on their responses in the privacy of their own rooms between presentations.  At no time are participants required to speak in front of others. Couples are encouraged to concentrate on their own relationships and not socialize with others except at meals.
 
There is a $100 application fee and all couples are given a blank envelope on Sunday and asked for a donation to support WWME.  Donations are voluntary and no couple is ever turned away due to lack of funds. An additional follow-up meeting about a week later helps couples apply what they have learned on their WWME Experience.  Additional gatherings for couples who want to continue to build on their initial Experience are also supported by WWME couples in many areas.
 
Please contact:
Dennis & Carrie Crawford
530.878.3744
dennis_crawford@yahoo.com 
or apply online at sacramentowwme.org.