Hello Twin Cities Retrouvaille, 

NEW POST LOCATION
Post Sessions have moved to Guardian Angels in Oakdale, MN.  See details below.

ANOTHER CORE LOCATION - ST. MARY'S IN PLYMOUTH
Beginning on Saturday, September 16 at 6:30 PM, we will having CORE meetings the 3rd Sunday of each month at St. Mary's in Plymouth, Room 201.  CORE will continue to meet 1st Friday of the month in Eagan.  More details to follow.
 
SEARCH FOR NEW TCR CHAPLAIN
We have been actively working with Bishop Hebda and the Archdiocese Office of Marriage and Family to find a chaplain to join the TCR Board.  If you know of a potential priest who would be good for this position, please let us know.  
 
Five Things Children of Divorce Want The Church To Know
by Bethany Meola of Life-Giving Wounds

Every year over a million children experience the divorce of their parents and at least 25% of young adults are children of divorce. Life-Giving Wounds is a ministry that gives voice to the pain of now-adult children of divorce or separation and help them find God's lasting healing. While every child of divorce has his/her own story, these are common threads:
  1. Our wounds may be invisible, but they're real
  2. Family breakdown is a lifelong wound
  3. We want to have lasting relationships, but we need some extra guidance
  4. We want to hear more about forgiveness - and boundaries
  5. We're more than our wounds
Click Here to Read the Full Article
HOLY FAMILY AREA - CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
RETROUVAILLE: OFFERING HOPE AND SUPPORT FOR HURTING MARRIAGES
www.holyfamilyarea.org

The Holy Family Area - Catholic Community newsletter of Montevideo, Minnesota, recently highlighted Janelle and Jim DeZeeuw's Retrouvaille experience (see pages 4 and 5 in the newsletter).  

"Just knowing that we know other couples who have been where we're at and truly know what we are going through is comforting. These couples aren't going to judge us. They aren't going to tell us to just give up and get divorced. They are going to love and support us."  -- Janelle DeZeeuw
 
Click Here to Read the Full Article

CORE In-Person - Eagan, MN


September 1, 2023 - No CORE meeting
(Labor Day Weekend)
October 6, 2023

Meetings held every 1st Friday of the month coincident with the monthly retreat weekends.
 
Best Western Plus Dakota Ridge Hotel
3450 Washington Drive, Eagan, MN
(Meet in the lower level conference room)

For the remainder of the year and beginning of the new year, these CORE meetings will be continuing the Gottman Series (see below for more details). 

Gottman Institute's

"Sound Relationship House"

Sessions do not need to be taken in order! 

Join us anytime as we enrich our marriages with the help of  Gottman Institute's "Sound Relationship House".

All meetings held at Best Western Dakota Ridge in Eagan, MN

Friday, August 4, 2023, 7:15pm
Dinner provided at 6pm

Friday, September 1, 2023, 6:30pm
Potluck
The Sound Relationship House is a foundational theory introduced and developed by Dr. John Gottman. It says that a foundationally strong relationship is like a house. It contains weight-bearing pillars and floors that help couples establish a strong link. This structure, called the Sound Relationship House, has provided numerous couples with the foundations they need to have happy, healthy relationships that last.

Gottman Sound Relationship House assists couples in managing their marriages and developing problem-solving abilities. These abilities allow couples to be more adaptable in their relationships while also assisting them in achieving emotional stability and peaceful life.

The Sound Relationship House is built on seven levels and two pillars. The two pillars that keep the house standing are Trust and Commitment. Dr. John Gottman shares the seven principles linked to each level or floor of the Sound Relationship House in his book “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” These seven floors or levels are:
  • Build Love Maps
  • Share Fondness and Admiration
  • Turn Towards Instead of Away
  • The Positive Perspective
  • Manage Conflict
  • Make Life Dreams Come True
  • Create Shared Meaning
Click Here for More Information on the Sound Relationship House

CORE In-Person - Plymouth, MN
September 16, 2023 - POTLUCK
(Potluck for the 1st CORE meeting at this new location)


Meetings held every 3rd Saturday of the month
at St. Mary's church in Plymouth, MN, room 201.

Time:  6:30 ~ 8:00 PM
Location: St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church
                105 Forestview Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55441
Meeting dates:
    -  September 16, 2023  (Potluck)
    -  October 21, 2023
    -  November 18, 2023
    -  (December 16, 2023 - NO CORE, XMAS Party)
Writing to Heal Opportunity

The “Writing to Heal” weekend is an opportunity for couples to focus on a specific area in their relationship in which they would both like to experience more growth and healing.  

When:  Saturday October 15 - Sunday October 16, 2023
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center
Farmington, MN
https://mtolivetretreat.org/

Space is limited - so don't delay to register
Click Here for More Information and to Sign-Up
Volunteers Needed

TCR is 100% volunteer run.  
We need more volunteers.
Please prayerfully consider helping.

Thank you!
Mozeo Texting to Post Couples
Some of you may have been part of recent groups that received text messages while attending Post Sessions with reminders to dialogue daily.  We are look for a volunteer to take over this position. 
Time commitment is 2 hours bimonthly
Click Here for More Information for Mozeo Texting
Weekend Set-Up  and Clean-Up
We need volunteers to help set-up/clean-up for the Retrouvaille weekends.  You can volunteer just for set-up or just clean-up or both!  If interested, clink the link for more information and to sign-up. The time commitment  is 1-2 hours bimonthly
Click Here for More Information and to Sign-Up
Friday Night Greeters
"Greeter Couples" are requested to help on weekends with the Friday Night Couples (FNC's). 
Enjoy complementary dinner with Retrouvaille friends, then help escort FNC's to their hotel rooms.
Goal:  Talk to FNC couples and help them relax.  Check to make sure that both of their key cards are working.  Provide encouragement for the weekend.  Confirm that they have made a good decision to attend.  Tell them when you made your weekend and maybe share how Retrouvaille helped heal your marriage.
Click Here for More Information and to Sign-Up
POST Session Helpers
Interested in POST sessions but would like to do more?  We need helpers at the POST sessions to help prepare the room, set-up tables & chairs, and work with the coordinators to help the session run smoothly.  Help for just one session or several.  Please use the link below to email the coordinators for more information.        
Click Here to Email for More Information or to Sign-Up
"FUN" Event Coordinators
We are looking for a couple to set-up a "FUN" event for more community involvement.  It could be anything from bowling to golf simulator to group pickleball. If you have an idea, we would love to hear it! 
Click Here to Email Ideas or to Sign-Up

Angel Helpers Needed

How would you like to repeat the Retrouvaille weekend with your spouse?

Help with details behind the scenes during the weekend. Tasks include helping serve meals, clean-up after meals, running errands if needed.  Your cost is $0 to attend the weekend.  TCR will cover your hotel cost + meals.  
Your main duty: work on your marriage.
We are looking for 1-2 angel couples per weekend:
            October 6-8, 2023
            December 1-3, 2023
            February 2-4, 2024

 
Click Here to Learn More and to Volunteer
NEW POST LOCATION
POST sessions are now held at Guardian Angels Church in Oakdale, MN,
from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM   
https://www.guardian-angels.org/

Guardian Angels Catholic Church 
8260 4th Street North 
Oakdale, MN 55128 
Missed a POST Session?
Need a refresher?

Join us any time!
ALL ARE WELCOME!


All TCR POST sessions are available both in-person and online.  We strongly encourage in-person attendance; however if in-person is not possible, please use the following link to join via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87448109675?pwd=elVNcjIwRlhDajBRVU1TUENKU3VEQT09

Meeting ID: 874 4810 9675

Passcode: 735639


For more information contact:
Jim & Vicki Smith   
Jim Cell:  507-381-7614
Vicki Cell:  651-890-9377
TCRPost@TCR-mn.org

September 2, 2023 - No Meeting - Labor Day Weekend

Saturday, September 9, 2023  9:30-2:00 with Noon Potluck
Post 9 - Intimacy
Post 10 - Sexual Relationship 

September 16, 2023 - No Meeting 

Saturday, September 23, 2023  9:30-2:00 with Noon Potluck
Post 7 – Conflict Part 1 
Post 8 – Conflict Part 2 

Saturday, September 30, 2023  9:30-2:00 with Noon Potluck
Post 11 - Marriage as a Sacrament 
Post 12 - Looking Beyond Us 
International Online POST Sessions
Tuesday Nights 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Central Time)

Please enter the first name for both Husband and Wife in the First Name box when registering. This will present both names in the Meeting window.
 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Click Here to Register for the On-Line Post Sessions

Central MN CORE In-Person
September 17, 2023

Meetings held every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) from 1:00-3:00 PM.

St. Michael’s Church
1036 Co Rd 4
St Cloud 56303

Please contact Kyle or Jennifer for additional information
jennifer_paumen@hotmail.com
 
International CORE Meetings

1st Thursday of Month 7 pm

Retrouvaille International hosts an online CORE the first Thursday of each month, from
7-9 pm Central Time.

September 7, 2023

Questions call be directed to
Dick and Irene
financeteam@helpourmarriage.org
Click Here for Advanced Registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This is a new link and all need to reregister.  The old link is no longer in use.
We look forward to seeing many of your shining faces on this monthly Online CORE.
Save the date

Saturday, December 16th

6 pm - 9 pm
 

Heritage Hall
St. Peter's Church
Mendota Heights, MN

 
Men's Group
Fargo Men's Groups

In-Person: Friday Mornings 6:30am
at Snap Dragon Asian Buffet in Moorhead

Virtual: Wednesday Mornings 6:30am
(see zoom link below)

The Fargo Retrouvaille Community would like to welcome any and all men to join the Friday morning group meetings. 
It is an awesome opportunity for men to support one another as we strive to become the best husbands, father, brothers, and sons we can be. 

Brad and Lisa Gray
Red River Retrouvaille
Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Blvd
Fargo, ND 58104
(701) 356-7903 – office
(701) 306-7685 - mobile
brad.gray@fargodiocese.org
Click Here for Zoom Meeting Weds 6:30am
Would you like to become a Mentor Couple?

Two of our most important goals in Retrouvaille are helping hurting couples and developing our TCR community. Here is a chance to do both! 

TCR is starting a Mentor Couple program similar to efforts in other successful communities.  
What is a Mentor Couple?
Mentors are TCR couples who have been through a weekend and the Post sessions. They connect with new Friday night couples to provide a supportive link to TCR and its programs. 

What are the qualifications?
If you have been in Retrouvaille for a year and want to help other couples, you qualify! Being good listeners and working well together as a couple are particularly helpful. 

What will Mentor Couples actually do?
The Friday night couple you are helping will receive your contact information and a short bio. They will be expecting a text from you in the week following their weekend to set up a call. This is a chance for them to stay connected to another couple who has shared their weekend experience. As with all Retrouvaille, this is not therapy, but a listening ear and an open heart.  

How do I find out more?
Contact Eric & Char Anderson at TCRFinance@tcr-mn.org.  
 
More Dialogue Questions

No need to look all over for Dialogue Questions. 

Click the link below for dialogue questions that can be sorted by subject.
 
Click Here for Dialogue Questions
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Helpful Resources

Are you looking for books or website to help yourself or your marriage?  Click below for resources for Marriage, Marriage Counseling, Infidelity, Forgiveness, Sex & Intimacy, Pornography & Sex Addiction, Workaholism, Substance Abuse, Depression, and Devotionals.
Click here for books and Website Links
Click here for MN Relationship & Marriage Counselors
Book Drive for FNCs

Do you have books that helped heal your marriage?  Would you be willing to donate them to other couples who need help with their marriage? 

Bring any books you would like to donate to the Best Western Dakota Ridge in Eagan during a Retrouvaille weekend or to any Post Session.
Relevant Radio
Relevant Radio

Bringing Christ to the world through the media

We would like to thank Relevant Radio for their support and sharing Retrouvaille through the media.

Tune in to 1330AM
Click here to support Relevant Radio
Patron Saint of Retrouvaille - St. Joseph

O blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of thy chaste spouse, the virgin Mother of God, I choose thee this day to be my special patron and advocate and I firmly resolve to honor thee all the days of my life. Therefore I humbly beseech thee to receive me as thy client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me in every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and protect me at the hour of my death. Amen

'I know by experience, ' says St. Teresa of Avila, 'that the glorious St. Joseph assists us generally in all necessities. I never asked him for anything which he did not obtain for me. 
Mission & Vision Statements
Mission Statement

Twin Cities Retrouvaille is a Christian peer ministry that, with the help of God, teaches communication skills and offers a support community to couples experiencing pain and disappointment in their marriage relationships. 

Vision Statement

The vision of TCR is to build a healthy, vibrant, and expanding community which provides a nurturing environment that inspires Retrouvaille couples to grow in support for each other, other couples, and to reach out to other communities.

TCR Board Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7pm-9pm.
Meetings are open for all community members to attend.
If you would like to attend, please contact any of the board members listed below.

TCR Board Members:

Community Coordinators:  Mike & Ann Cerney   TCRCoordinator@tcr-mn.org
Finance Coordinators:  Eric & Char Anderson   TCRFinance@tcr-mn.org
Secretary:  Stan & Mary Nordin   TCRSecretary@tcr-mn.org    
Registration Coordinators:  Dean & Pat Ziegenbein   TCRRegistration@tcr-mn.org   
Weekend Coordinators:   Tim & Teresa Sazma TCRWeekend@TCR-mn.org
POST Coordinators: Jim & Vicki Smith  TCRPost@tcr-mn.org
Volunteer Coordinators   OPEN  TCRVolunteer@tcr-mn.org
CORE Coordinators:  OPEN   TCRCore@tcr-mn.org