Retreat brings together generations of CSB+SJU couples

This weekend, a marriage retreat organized by a collaboration of people will take place at SJU’s Abbey Guesthouse. The marriage retreat, one of five regular Abbey-directed retreats that take place at the Guesthouse as part of the Spiritual Life Program, has been in place since 1983. Over 40 years of retreats and programs have worked to spread their mission of “the sacred family.” The goal of this retreat is to provide a space for couples to disconnect and “retreat” from the outside world and reconnect with each other. The retreat has always had a focus of religious reflection, prayer and activities designed to bring couples closer together. Every year, a couple is asked to lead portions of the retreat with a specific focus, and this year, President Brian Bruess and Carol Bruess PhD have been asked to lead. Carol Bruess shared her excitement for being able to participate in this year’s retreat; she expressed that she is looking forward to giving a lecture on small things that can impact marriages, and how to continue recommitting to each other. One other main feature of this years’ experience that Bruess is looking forward to is the luminary walk through the Abbey arboretum. “Brian and I are particularly excited to join couples on this walk,” Bruess said. “A chance to just be in nature and marvel at the beauty of being together, in this place.” Bruess will be leading four sessions, mainly centering on the theme of micro-moments as well as participating in the luminary walk. Br. Augustine, one of the main organizers of this event, shared his appreciation for the Bruess’ participation and the weekend in general. He explained that there are 16 couples participating in this retreat, and 32 people overall. He shared that while the exact number of alumni is not accessible information, the Abbey has been working closely with the Institutional Advancement department for the past nine months to plan this retreat. “The retreat was fully booked by the first week of January,” Augustine said. “And it was difficult to meet the growing demand from interested registrants.” Couples had the option to register for the full stay experience, where they will reside in the Guesthouse for the weekend, or the commuter experience, where they can participate in the activities and meals without staying on campus. Augustine expressed excitement about the amount of people interested in the retreat, despite the struggle to find enough rooms for everyone. “One participating couple expressed their excitement, sharing that this year marks their 25th wedding anniversary—and they are also a Bennie/Johnnie couple,” Augustine said. There is a lot of excitement and anticipation for this retreat, and Augustine shared what he hopes participants will gain from this retreat. “Just as monks strive to live in the New Jerusalem at Saint John’s Abbey, couples are called to take the leading roles of sacred family in their own homes.” Augustine said. “Through this retreat, we hope participants experience the joy of a sacred family and continue to practice the lessons they learn when they return home.” Bruess also shared her thoughts on the rewards and challenges of marital retreats. “The challenging part of committing to partake in a marriage retreat is often the ‘retreat’ part of the weekend: turning off your connection to the outside world and all of the demands of life,” Bruess said. “That said, when you arrive on St. John’s campus, check into Abbey Guesthouse, look out over gorgeous lake Sag and hear the bells of the church ring, being fully present and ready to retreat isn’t nearly as hard thanks to this most holy, precious setting.” The retreat begins Friday evening, on Valentine’s Day, and the weekend will end on Sunday morning with former Abbott, Father John Klaussen, reading the Renewal of the Vows.