Life happens. Sometimes sweethearts find each other, marry, and after decades are still going strong, bar the occassional and inevitable disagreements, usually about the kids, or money!  Sometimes what seemed to be pretty strong unions at first, end when serious vice or violence emerges making it necessary for a couple to part ways, for safety's sake.  Finally, sometimes, our Lord calls a husband or wife home, leaving behind souls suffering the heartbreak of the death of a spouse.  
         Choosing to be vulnerable and love someone again after the pain of death or divorce is the reality and the journey for many people in and out of the Catholic Church.  Helping these couples form and nurture strong bonds that will last a lifetime,  whether a couple is preparing for a remarriage or is already remarried is what the New Life Ministry is all about.
          New Life is a peer ministry where couples who have experienced a divorce/annulment or the death of a spouse work with other couples with similiar life experiences to stregthen their relationships with each other and with God.  The New Life Retreat the group offers is for: couples who are preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church after divorce and Catholic annulment. It is also for couples who are considering remarriage, or for those already remarried couples who may have experienced traditional marriage prep that did not address the realities of remarriage.  These couples can participate in the retreat as marriage enrichment. 
          "Common topics like conflict resolution and finances take on a new perspective when seen through the lens of remarriage, " said Liz Miller, New Life leader. "Remarriage couples have unique concerns that first time marrying couples don't have," said Chris Miller. The Millers say remarring couples often have to work through making peace with the past and navigate the normal challenges surrounding the blending of two families.
          Another group who would benefit from the New Life Retreat are engaged couples who have never been married before but have children from previous relationships.
          The New Life team will be offering their retreat September 24 & 25 at St. Paul Catholic Church.  For more information please visit their web site. https://ilovestellamaris.org/remarriage