An exciting marriage ministry uniquely created in San Antonio, TX.
We see it almost every day: Marriage is under attack by our society. Its sanctity is doubted and even ridiculed. Its foundation has been severely weakened. What can we do to protect this institution of marriage that we hold so dear? LOVE STRONG in our marriage, and help as many others as we can to LOVE STRONG in their marriages as well. Strong marriages make strong families, and strong families are the cornerstones of a vibrant and dynamic Christian community.
In 2014, the Very Reverend Father Carlos Velazquez, who is now the current Rector at San Fernando Cathedral, was at the time, the Pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He met with two of his parishioners, Didi and Tom Kolkebeck, and they decided to research marriage-enhancing retreats and programs in order to create a marriage retreat experience that would fill the void that was present in the parish and meet the needs of married couples at Holy Spirit Church. The Kolkebecks put together a preliminary weekend Retreat program and called it LOVESTRONG. The Kolkebecks, along with Fr. Carlos’ influence, were able to assemble the first Steering Committee of 5 couples in July 2014. They planned the first LOVESTRONG Retreat the following year in February 2015. This new and unique Marriage Retreat experience is copyrighted and in June 2020, the LOVESTRONG Marriage Ministry became an official nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
Mission Statement: The mission of the LOVESTRONG Marriage Ministry is to support, strengthen, and nurture the Christ-centered marital bond between a man and a woman utilizing an experiential-based weekend retreat program.
Vision Statement: The LOVESTRONG Marriage Ministry has been created and will be run solely by layperson couples of the Catholic Church, under the spiritual guidance of our pastors. We believe that marriage is exclusively a sacred bond between a man and a woman in the sacrament of holy matrimony. As such, it is a visible sign from God, instituted by Christ, giving each of us His grace. Therefore, it is our duty and our responsibility as Catholics to protect this Sacrament in our marriages, and to help other couples in our community do the same. By providing LOVESTRONG Marriage weekend Retreats, we hope to foster an enhanced commitment and enriched love between participating couples to strengthen and preserve marriages in our community.
Why is it important for married couples to attend a LOVESTRONG marriage retreat?
The LOVESTRONG Marriage Retreat is a Friday evening to Sunday afternoon weekend hosted by LOVESTRONG layperson married couples. This wonderful 3-day event celebrates the purpose of your marriage and the love you share while allowing you both the flexibility to spend the evenings together at home.
The LOVESTRONG Marriage Retreat is packed with special presentations, exercises, music, and activities designed to celebrate and reinforce each couple’s commitment to each other and a deepening of their Christ-centered bond.
LOVESTRONG Date Nights take place throughout the year and 2-4 weeks following each Retreat. The LOVESTRONG 501c3 will host occasional Date Nights, and individual parishes host Date Nights based on the needs of their parish. The LOVESTRONG Date Night meetings function as an opportunity for any and all married couples to further edify and spiritually strengthen their marriage and to have some fun together! The Date Nights typically run from 6:30pm until 8:30pm on a Friday evening.
Give each other the gift of TIME TOGETHER and enjoy a weekend Retreat and/or a Date Night together celebrating your marriage!
Go to the website Homepage or “Retreat Details” tab for a list of upcoming retreats or you can email us at info@LOVESTRONGMarriage.com.
God bless, and Live Love Strong!
