JOYFUL! Vol 2: Issue 2
Here, we're family.
The WCI Team is delighted to bring you JOYFUL! the official communique of the Wojtyła Community & Institute. This is your one-stop for all the inspiring stories and exciting events, from podcasts to conferences to marriage retreats, wherever St. John Paul II's Rule is changing lives, you can find it here! This issue includes:
EXPLOSIONS OF GRACE
An interview with co-founder and Exec. Director, Theresa Martin
Praised be Jesus Christ now and forever! It is only God’s grace that can take the measly loaves and fish of those here at the WCI and feed the multitude. What a wonderful God we have! Perhaps you do not know all that has been happening within the WCI, so let us explain .In November, God inspired Peter & Theresa with a specific task and a promise of growth. Not only did He ask them to be open to the possibility of a Spanish translation of The Rule, and Hispanic leadership within the WCI, but also to organize the WCI according to the growth He was providing. Have you heard about the story of Gideon from the Old Testament in the book of Judges? This is what Theresa said it felt like ... read more
NEWLY MARRIED RETREAT DAY
by: Jimmy Meagher
My wife and I were excited to be attending the Archdiocesan Newly Married Retreat Day (Archdiocese of Saint Paul/ Minneapolis) on February 1st where Peter & Theresa Martin were the main speakers. It is always nice to spend more intentional time on retreat. The speakers were enjoyable and informative. The thing we enjoyed most was hearing the personal experiences of marriage from the speakers... read more
THE REAL AND THE IDEAL: Joys & Challenges of Starting an MCG - MCG SPOTLIGHT
by: Joshua Wilson, WCI Leader Couple, Lafayette, LA.
During our engagement and marriage-prep process, Lilly and talked intently about wanting to join a program like Domestic Church after we received our sacrament... Keep reading
LOOK TO WUJEK: THE RULE BEING LIVED OUT IN THE CITY WHERE IT WAS WRITTEN
by: Mary & Maciek Kolek, WCI Leader Couple, Kracow, Poland.
Theology of the Body (TOB) and the teachings of St. John Paul II have played a foundational role in our story—often without us even realizing it... click here.
HISTORY & MISSION: We've been given wings: and yet, we use them to sweet the streets
by: Theresa Martin, Executive Director
This mission began when I was handed the Italian copy of the Rule for Married Couple Groups by St. John Paul II (when he was Cardinal Wojtyła) in the book Bellezza e spiritualità dell’amore coniugale, and the director said to me as she handed me this book: “this has been waiting for you.” ..... Keep reading
Register for the next marriage retreat, Two Souls United in Christ; July 18-20 in Grand Coteau, LA
Come experience the beauty and hospitality of South Louisiana while pouring into your marriage. Located on sprawling acreage with century-old oak trees, the Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat Center is the perfect summer getaway for you and your spouse.
Click here to register today... Early bird discount ends on June 1st!
¡Bienvenidos Daniel y Maria! Welcome, Daniel & Maria!
Meet the couple behind the upcoming Spanish translation of The Rule!
by: Daniel & Maria Cabrera
¡Hola! Somos Daniel y María Cabrera, de Indiana, y estamos muy felices de ser parte de esta familia. Nos llena de ilusión estudiar y llevar La Regla a más matrimonios deseosos de fortalecer su unión, vivir en santidad y experimentar el gozo que llena el corazón al hacer la voluntad de Dios...
Hello! We are Daniel and Maria Cabrera from Indiana, and we are thrilled to be part of this family. We look forward to studying and sharing The Rule with couples eager to strengthen their unions, live in holiness, and experience the profound joy that comes from following God's will. read more.
LENTEN CONJUGAL SPIRITUALITY CHALLENGES
by: Peter Martin, founder.
... Recently someone asked me: “what’s the best way to go about our Lenten practices as a married couple?” Firstly: make sure your spouse is aware of what practices you are undertaking. We should do this for two reasons: so that our spouse is able to assist in our Lenten practices by encouraging us and not leading us into temptation and so that there can be a built-in accountability. What about practices we do together? ... keep reading!
The Power of the Pope - part 2
by: Gina Loehr, WCI Leader Couple, Mount Calvary, WI.
... As a theatre major, my plan had been to move to New York after graduation to start an acting career. But I felt a desire to nurture my recently renewed Catholic faith, and I was encouraged by the fact that Pope John Paul II had been an actor too!... keep reading!
LEADER COUPLES AROUND THE WORLD SHARE THE DETAILS AND FRUITS OF FOLLOWING JP2'S RULE FOR MARRIED COUPLES!
Learn more about how WCI leader couples have encountered The Rule, and how their groups are spreading the JOY of this way of life to their communities... read more
DUC IN ALTUM MARRIAGE RETREAT BLESSES COUPLES
The Duc in Altum – Into the Deep marriage retreat in Winona, MN February 28th to March 2nd was an incredibly blessed weekend! 34 couples came from 12 different dioceses to spend time soaking their marriage in God’s grace and merciful love for the weekend, going into the deep with Christ! read all about it!
MEET THE WCI'S MEDIA SPECIALIST: Megan Nelson
Megan shares a bit about her story, including how she was led to the WCI, and what it has meant to her to be part of this community.
First, thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself. I was born and raised in southwest Iowa, in a small town called Treynor. I now call Firth, Nebraska, my home. My husband, Nick, and I have been happily married for 15 years this year. We were married in 2010 while Nick was serving on Active Duty in the US Army. read about Megan here!
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