Samantha and Jack

First of all, thank you so much for the whole experience of this course. It was incredibly enriching and I feel that it has really helped us grow together.

This was a fun and special experience for us as a couple. The book and guided conversations were a great way for us to uncover things we had not talked about in other conversations. The questions helped us to dive deeper into the topics covered. We are in a special situation where we are living far apart for a large part of our engagement, and this was a wonderful w2ay for us to spend quality time together, focusing on our relationship. Thank you for the talks and tools you gave to us. I would not change this weekend. I thought it thoroughly covered important topics that need to be discussed. Thank you, Samantha

First of all, thank you so much for the whole experience of this course. It was incredibly enriching and I feel that it has really helped us grow together. More than anything it increased the excitement I have to be married to Samantha even more. This was not an easy feat, as I was already incredibly excited. I love the idea based around conversations. I am so happy with our communication ability and this preparation reaffirmed that. I thought the “Issues” conversation was incredibly well thought out and useful. I would recommend this to anyone, and not change a thing. Thanks for helping to strengthen our relationship! Sincerely, Zach

Katy and Matt

I found the conversation guide to be a helpful tool in getting each other to open up as well as actively listen to the other person.

I was pleasantly surprised by the info in this retreat. Many of these topics have been brought up by our parents (as my parents are a focus couple at their church.) I found the conversation guide to be a helpful tool in getting each other to open up as well as actively listen to the other person. I think these tools will be quite helpful down the road and also during the wedding planning process. It was nice going through this with other couples. It will be nice to see familiar faces at church. Also it was fun to hear everyone’s stories. I especially liked Father Tom coming in to speak. St. Ambrose is so big, I felt that I got to know him a little more, and since he sat with us at lunch, he perhaps knows us a little better, as well. Thanks for a great weekend! Katy

I had no idea how or what this retreat was going to be about. I have gained a lot out of this experience. I was a little skeptical and reserved, but once I was here I was very alert, took a lot of information in, and was really glad I attended. Thank you so much for all the information, worksheets and storytelling. It opened my eyes wide open. Very good retreat and well put together. Keep up the good work. Thanks so much for everything. I was never once bored with any of the presentations. Matt

Melissa and Tony

Rev. Frank created a very open environment that made it easy to discuss the topics together.

Thank you so much for the amazing effort you put forth to make this a special (and painless) weekend. Everything from the refreshments to the friendly conversation was much appreciated and a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the opportunity to take time out of our busy schedules and discuss important aspects of marriage. You created a very open environment that made it easy to discuss the topics together. I also enjoyed stories about your own experiences and marriage. I look forward to a health and lasting relationship, too! Thanks again! Melissa

Thank you for taking the time to be with us at such an influential portion of our lives. Quite honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to coming. Quite honestly, again, I enjoyed the experience. Melissa and I are very close and the last two days helped us become even closer. The values and morals talked about helped us realize we are on the same page for most of the important things. We have found a few weaknesses and look forward to addressing them together. Always together! Thanks! Tony

Megan and Jacob

I like that most of the time was spent one-on-one with my fiancé using the worksheets to help facilitate important conversations.

Thank you for the wonderful weekend and all the materials/food for thought you sent us home with. I like that most of the time was spent one-on-one with my fiancé using the worksheets to help facilitate important conversations. It was a very helpful format and very relaxed atmosphere. I never felt intimidated or put on the spot – and I was afraid of that. I appreciate your words of encouragement and advice. The weekend was just the right amount of time. I really felt it was worthwhile and would recommend it to a friend. Meagan

Thank you so much for this opportunity. These two days have been great. I enjoyed the intimate format of sitting close to other couples, getting alone time with my fiancé to share the topics, and receiving a lot of good information through the workbooks. The retreat flowed well and in many ways, it went by too fast. I felt very welcome and accepted and you made the retreat feel very comfortable and laid back. Thank you again for this opportunity, and I will look forward to the additional assignments that we have left to do. God bless! Jacob P.S. The food was great!

Darci and Michael

Thank you for being so welcoming to all couples. We were very hesitant to come at first, but felt very comfortable in the process.

Thank you for being so welcoming to all couples. We were very hesitant to come at first, but felt very comfortable in the process. I really enjoyed the small group discussions, as well as person “couple time” to ourselves. I liked the smaller group of people, and getting a chance to mingle with others at lunch or breaks. Also, thanks for the additional materials for after the wedding, as it’s a continuous and working progress to be “as one.” Darci

I thought everything was great. Food, snacks, location, materials, conversation. I enjoyed the relating back to your experience and I think more sharing what happened and how you worked through challenges is good for connecting the dots. Facilities were great, and I felt very welcome even though we are not members of St. Ambrose. Sincerely, Michael