Absolutely not!

These aren't just assignments to check off.

They are invitations to learn more about each other and fall more deeply in love with each other. 💕

Just like an in-person marriage retreat provides guided discussions and structure, these retreats give you everything you need to connect deeply without the pressure of figuring it out on your own.

And in the process, you'll also learn and practice practical skills like communication and forgiveness that will foster your connection and love with each other every day (not just on date night).

Many people tell us, "We just aren't emotional or touchy-feely types."

That's NOT what these retreats are about!

These retreats are designed to dig below the surface so that you can discuss and explore important topics together like:

➡️ What are your dreams or goals for the future?

➡️ How do you typically respond in various situations (what's your temperament?)

➡️ What specifically makes you feel loved and appreciated?

➡️ What kind of dates would you really enjoy (in addition to the Cana Feast Retreats, of course! 😉)

➡️ What do you think our top priority for our finances should be right now?

Many couples have trouble navigating these kinds of topics (and more!)

Having conversations about these things is a skill that can be learned. We're proof of that, because we didn't know how to address these topics early in our marriage, either!

It led to assumptions, misunderstandings, and unnecessary hurt. We realized that if we wanted a strong and connected marriage, we'd have to learn how to talk about the big stuff like money, intimacy, and dreams.

That's why we've built everything we've learned right into each retreat.

Each retreat gives you a structured and guided process for having a specific discussion about the retreat topic in a warm and loving way.

We break down big topics into manageable questions and give you lots of examples from our own experience and hundreds of other couples.

We tell you exactly how to share your thoughts with your spouse.

And we tell you how to listen to what your spouse is saying and receive it with love and understanding.

So if you aren't good at "deep conversations," then the Cana Feast Retreat Library is exactly what you need.

We get it. You've invested time and money and hope before, only to be disappointed.

Most programs fail not because they're bad, but because they don't fit into real life. You get excited, start strong, and then life gets busy and you abandon it.

That's why these retreats are

✅ Flexible so you can do them whenever and wherever it fits in your life

✅ Bite-sized so they aren't overwhelming. There is nothing to "keep up with" because each retreat is its own experience. You can never get behind with the retreat library! 😅

✅ Immediately rewarding so you feel connected right away!

Our general approach is also different from traditional counseling, which focuses on problems in the marriage.

We focus on love, joy, and connection in marriage first. 💕

Think about it this way: don't you think it would be easier to address issues and struggles as a couple after you have strengthened your connection and love and reminded yourselves that your marriage is bigger than your challenges?

That was exactly our experience years ago when we were at a low point. We were dealing with a lot: death of a relative, parent's divorce, a cross-country move, unemployment and money stress.

But the crises themselves weren't the worst part. The worst part was how we allowed those stresses to come between us and allowed our marriage to grow distant and cold.

Once we reconnected with each other, suddenly we could face those other problems as a team who had each other's backs.

So even if you've been disappointed before, we invite you to give the Cana Feast Retreat Library a try. It adapts to your busy life, and we always lead with love first.

We are so sorry to hear that. Our heart goes out to you, and know that we pray daily for everyone connected with our Cana Feast ministry. ❤️🙏

Our advice depends on what you mean by "a hard time." We always want what will be best for your marriage, so here is our honest advice. See if you can relate to these scenarios:

➡️ "I feel like I'm in survival mode"

Life can certainly be a lot, sometimes! We've been there. (Many times!) But there is a way out!

You need to focus on maintaining your connection in your marriage, ruthlessly prioritizing your schedule and your budget, and even ask for help where needed. Even 20 minutes together once a week can make a huge difference.

The Cana Feast Retreat Library would be a great investment in your marriage right now. In fact, the library includes a whole retreat specifically on getting out of survival mode! (Might we recommend you start with that one?)

➡️ "Our marriage has been on the back burner for years. Now we don't know how to relate to each other."

You need to rediscover the love, joy and commitment that brought you together in the first place and build on that.

While the Retreat Library can be a good starting point, our systematic Abundant course would actually be a better fit. It takes couples through a step-by-step approach to building (or rebuilding) their marriage, and also has opportunities for personalized support from us, so we can help you through your specific situation and offer personal guidance.

➡️ "We are trying to heal from serious betrayal (like an affair) or are dealing with significant psychological issues (like past abuse or active addiction)"

We are so sorry that your are bearing these crosses. We're praying for you!

While our programs might be a helpful supplemental support, you need and deserve specialized care for these and similar situations. Here are some resources and ideas:

Retrouvaille (https://helpourmarriage.org/) is a Catholic program centered around an in-person retreat with months of follow up. It is an excellent choice for couples seeking healing from significant rupture.

Hope's Garden (https://hopesgarden.com/) provides support for those suffering from betrayal trauma.

Professional counseling with a therapist trained in trauma, addiction, or whatever issue you are struggling with.

No matter what your specific situation, here's what we want you to hear - and it's important!

If you're going through a difficult time, there is help and there are resources for you. The most important thing is taking that first step.

Think of it this way:

Retreat Library = Your marriage vitamin - Perfect for couples who want to stay connected and grow together through regular date nights. Pick any topic that speaks to you right now. No pressure, no timeline.

Abundant = Your marriage intensive - For couples who need a complete reset or want to build new foundations together. It's our step-by-step program with live coaching and community support.

If you're looking to nurture what's already good, choose the Retreat Library. If you need to rebuild, go much deeper, or want our personal guidance, choose Abundant.

Still not sure? Start with the Retreat Library—you can always upgrade later!

We have worked with MANY husbands, wives, and couples who are not Catholic, and we love you!

While we and all of our programs are completely Catholic and we don't hide or "water down" what the Catholic Church teaches, non-Catholics we work with tell us that they feel very comfortable with us.

We are not here to judge your beliefs, but simply to explain the Catholic ones.

Think of it this way: Imagine you're at wedding in a tradition that you aren't familiar with (maybe a traditional Chinese or Indian wedding). You might recognize some things, like a bride and a groom and an exchange of vows. But there would likely be all manner of things that are unfamiliar to you. Imagine the friend that invited you sitting at your side and explaining the meaning behind all of those rituals and symbols. Understanding the meaning could help you appreciate them at a deeper level.

The Catholic understanding of marriage can be unfamiliar to many people. If you or your spouse isn't Catholic, the Retreat Library can be your guide—not to shame or convert, but to help you appreciate the faith of your spouse and also to see how those connect with contemporary research and practical skills for successful relationships.

We would be honored to be your guide.

Whether you're both Catholic, or are mixed faith, every marriage deserves the gift of deep connection.

🎉 🎉 Congratulations! 🎉 🎉  

We are so happy for you! We have worked with hundreds of engaged couples to prepare them for the sacrament of marriage. The fact that you are even considering Cana Feast while you are still engaged is a sign that you take your future marriage seriously and will work to make it strong and faithful! 

You will find that our virtual retreats are very beneficial in your time of preparation for your marriage. It will help you build healthy habits that will serve your marriage well for years.

Remember to check with your local parish or diocese to make sure that you fulfill the marriage preparation requirements set forth by them, as they do vary from place to place.

In the second chapter of the Gospel of John, we read about the wedding at Cana.  

While attending and celebrating at the wedding, Jesus' mother, Mary, noticed that the feast had run out of wine. At her urging, Jesus performed his first public miracle and changed approximately 300 gallons of water into the wine! 

Has your marriage run out of wine?  

We founded our Cana Feast ministry on a few firm beliefs:

That marriage gets better with age ("You have saved the best for last!")

That God's grace in marriage is extravagantly abundant ("9 jars each holding 30-40 gallons!") 

That our Blessed Mother's intercession is powerful and real ("they have no more wine")

We find so much hope, consolation, and joy in reading the story of the wedding at Cana, that we named our ministry Cana Feast. It's a reminder that when Jesus and his mother Mary are present, our marriage should be as joyful and abundant as the feast at that wedding at Cana.