CNMI Marriage Encounter

Thank you, Castros & Pale Ike!

2011-11-22T20:37:00.003+10:00

The CNMI Marriage Encounter recently awarded Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Isaac Ayuyu for their tireless work and dedication to the ME community. They served for the past two and half years as the Ecclesial leaders who helped grow and enrich couples and families in the CNMI. Congratulations and Thank You!

Letter from USA Marriage Encounter Ecclesial Team to the CNMI Chapter

2011-11-15T09:59:00.001+10:00

Dear Jun and Linda,

We want to share with you the beautiful words that Brian and Claudine and Fr. Jeff shared with us and with the entire U.S. Board last month. They sang your praises! Their words are as follows:

"Gonzalo (Jun) and Linda Pangelinan are the Weekend Pillar of the Commonwealth

of the Northern Mariana Islands. They lead the amazing community support for

this small and remote, but vibrant community of lovers. For Saipan’s October

weekend, applications jumped from 12 to 23 confirmed couples in just two days.

We went into the weekend with a waiting list of at least a half dozen more couples.

During the weekend, Jun and Linda lovingly attended to every need, often

providing support before the presenting teams realized it was needed. Their

weekend support includes a core group of couples that stays at the hotel facility (at

their own expense), refreshes the snack table and serves meals. To provide support

and encouragement for the Saipan community, they hold a bonfire on the beach

late Saturday night. Their love for each other and this Movement is an inspiration

for all."

Jun and Linda, we join Brian and Claudine and Fr. Jeff in praising you for the way you are so beautifully serving Worldwide Marriage Encounter in your area in Section 12. We can only imagine how many couples are touched by your tender care for them, especially the couples on the weekends you so generously serve! We are especially grateful for your commitment to filling weekends. Our Church in Saipan and our movement in particular, are blessed by the considerable gifts you share with them all!

We are grateful for all of the time, energy, prayer and the many sacrifices all four of you continue to make so that Worldwide Marriage Encounter can continue to be a strong presence in and for our Church. May God continue to bless you as abundantly as you are blessing so many others!

With our love,

ScottandKaren & Fr. Tom

"Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

CNMI M.E.'s Ecclesial Team 2011-2013

2011-11-09T12:03:00.002+10:00

CNMI's Marriage Encounter Community is pleased to announce it's Ecclesial Team of Father Isaac Ayuyu and Charles & Cathy Cepeda. They will lead the M.E. Community for the next two years to offer the islands of Saipan, Tinian & Rota the gift of Marriage Encounter. There is nothing more important in the world than God & Family and M.E.'s commitment to enrich the lives of couples further strengthens the family unit.

ME Weekend Reunion on Thursday evening

2011-10-19T13:51:00.001+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

Congratulations on a successful ME Weekend! We humbly thank the ME community for all your love and support and warmly invite ALL ME couples to the Reunion this Thursday at 6pm at the Aqua Resort's Rey Lounge. Please bring your dialogue books and a dish to share.

What: ME Fall Weekend Reunion
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time: 6-9pm
Place: Aqua Resort's Rey Lounge
Bring: Your Spouse, a dish to share (potluck) and dialogue books

* If couples are available to assist with set up @ 5:30pm, please contact Kanae at kanaequinn@yahoo.com / 285-1168 or Boni atbherealways@gmail.com /483-9221.

If child care is unavailable, please feel free to bring your child/children along with games/toys/books to keep them occupied during our meeting.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Love & Blessings,
Russ & Kanae Quinn and Wayne & Boni Pangelinan
Community Pillars

CNMI M.E. Leadership Discernment Election Tonight!

2011-10-17T09:22:00.001+10:00

Dearest Ones!

Today is another EXCITING day for the CNMI Worldwide Area Marriage Encounter. We will be doing a discernment process and balloting to select our new leaders.

All encountered present tonight will be able to submit a ballot. Please join us this evening for a prayerful discernment.

What: CNMI Area Leadership Discernment

Where: San Antonio Parish Social Hall

Time: 6:00PM

Bring: A dish to share

We had just concluded another powerful weekend and we are again blessed with tonight's event. Our Section 12 Ecclesial Couple, Brian & Claudine Perry, will be running tonight’s leadership discernment process. Let’s welcome them with the Island Spirit!

Love and hugs,

Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Ike Ayuyu

M.E. Weekend - Starts Tonight!

2011-10-14T15:47:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai Marriage Encounter Family! Our weekend has begun! Below is the schedule of events for each day! Please come and Join us at the Aqua Resort as we carry out our Lord’s weekend! We ask for your continued prayers especially for our new couples as they experience their weekend for the first time!

OCTOBER 14-16 2011

WEEKEND AGENDA

FRIDAY

6pm Greet-In begins – Please come and welcome our new couples as they wait

For the weekend to begin in the Rey Lounge

7:30 pm Intro Ceremony begins - Please join us in welcoming our new couples and help them feel at ease as they proceed into the conference room.

See coordinators before going home for updates on weekend (schedules, food serving volunteers, Greet-off potluck, Prayer Couples, etc)

See the Quinns if you need to purchase M.E. shirts

Get the list of new couples so you can prepare your Extra Prayer Letters (EPLs)-Instructions/explanations available with the list J

-Work on your prayer letters (EPLs) for the new couples!!

***Dialogue!!….Diagonally, if you wish!! J

SATURDAY

6:30am Prep Conference Room Snacks/drinks

7:00am Volunteers for Breakfast Serving Arrive for information/instructions

7:50-8:25am Breakfast

Work on your prayer letters (EPLs) for the new couples!!

11:30am Volunteers for Lunch Serving Arrive for Information/Instructions

12-12:45pm Lunch

Work on your prayer letters (EPLs) for the new couples!!

5pm Volunteers for Dinner Serving Arrive for Information/Instructions

5:40-6:30pm Dinner

Work on your Prayer letters (EPLs) for the new couples!!

Please bring in your PLs, EPLs by the Evening of Saturday… the earlier the better!!

SUNDAY

7am Volunteers for Breakfast Serving Arrive

7:30-8:15am Breakfast

8:00am Assembling of Gift Bags, PLs, EPLs begins in Facility Room.

9:00am If you haven’t yet, turned in your Prayer Letters/Extra Prayer Letters Please! J There will be a designated area at the Lover’s Control Room.

11:00am Volunteers for distribution of Gift Bags, EPLs, PLs arrive for briefing

12 noon Volunteers for Lunch Serving Arrive

12:30-1:15pm Lunch

Distribution of Gift Bags, EPLs, PLs

1:30pm Set up for Graduation Celebration/Greet-off Potluck

2pm Volunteers to help Prayer couples manage couple’s children/family arrive to pitch in J

3pm Please bring your donation for potluck greet off to the Costa Restaurant

3:30-4:00 Prayer Couples and families should all be present for Greet Off.

Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you for your Support and Faith in our Movement!!

The WEEKEND is near! Get ready!

2011-10-10T09:19:00.002+10:00

Hello ME Family,

Get ready for another exciting ME Weekend this Friday through Sunday at the Aqua Resort Saipan! We'll be welcoming 25 new couples into the community and look forward to seeing all the ME Alumni! Please join us at the Greet in, F&B meal times, Greet off and the special Alumni Bonfire on Saturday night at 10pm on the beach south of Aqua.

See you all then!

Ready for the Next ME Weekend? It's NEXT WEEK!

2011-10-05T17:02:00.003+10:00

Hafa adai to our beloved M.E. Family,

We, your fall 2011 weekend coordinators, along with our energetic and committed co-coordinators Wayne ♥ Boni Pangelinan, would like to extend our heartfelt love and appreciation to all the couples who have lovingly volunteered their time and talents to help prepare for the upcoming October 14-16 weekend. These couples have been working hard for the past 2 months in fulfilling the vision of M.E. which is “To love one another”.

Weekend Pillars: Gonzalo ♥ Linda Pangelinan & John ♥ Carol Hosono

Registration: Vince ♥ MaryRose Ruwaath & John ♥ Vicky Mafnas

Facility: JJ ♥ Juanette Atalig & Gary ♥ Lynette Camacho

Publicity: Russ ♥ Kanae Quinn

Greet In: Jake ♥ Jackie Van Dam & John ♥ Michelle Tagabuel

Prayer Couple: Shawn ♥ Melisha San Nicolas & Glenn ♥ Elisha Muna & Jack ♥ Carla Sablan

Prayer Vigil: Wayne ♥ Boni Pangelinan

Greet Off: Walter ♥ Jessica Mendez & Patrick ♥ Mardi Reyes & Antonia♥Rosalita Magofna

Food & Beverage: John ♥ Divina Jenkins

Pulpit Talks: Vince ♥ Hilma Castro

Ecclesial Team: Vince ♥ Hilma Castro & Fr. Isaac Ayuyu

Without your life giving kindness and generosity, these weekends would not be possible. Again we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We would also like to sincerely thank the rest of our M.E. community for all your support and prayers. Although you may not be with us physically, you are with us in spirit.

Our weekend is just around the corner! Next week Friday October 14, we shall begin work for our Lord’s weekend.

We are writing to invite the M.E. community to join us for the last 2 planning meetings. One is scheduled for this Thursday October 6^th, beginning at 7 p.m. at JJ and Juanette’s home in Finasisu. We thank you JJ & Juanette for opening your home to us! The last and final planning meeting will be at the same time and place on Thursday October 13 – the night before the weekend. Please come if you are able to.

Also, we are calling on our community to be present on Friday October 14 for our famous “Greet In” tradition. Encountered couples will enthusiastically and energetically welcome the new couples as they walk into the conference room to start their weekend. Please be at the Aqua Resort Club by 6pm to help us comfort and welcome our new couples.

Finally, we ask for your continued prayers. Please join us in asking our God for guidance and direction as we carry out His will during His weekend. For without Him, nothing is possible!

We love you and look forward to being with you soon! Please don’t hesitate to contact us at the numbers below, should you need anything.

Love,

Tom ♥ Erica Thornburgh -287-9205 or 285-6372

Next M.E. Weekend is coming up!

2011-10-04T14:15:00.002+10:00

Hafa adai, Lovers!

PRAYER VIGIL / PRAYER SCROLL
If you haven't signed up for a prayer vigil hour, do so now at:
http://www.wwmeprayerscroll.org/files/PrayerScroll.asp?Table=251&GMT=10&DST=False
There are still 9-hours left.

PLANNING MEETING
Join us for the weekend planning meeting this Thursday, 7PM at JJ & Juanette Ataligs' home in Fina Sisu. We have less than two weeks!

M.E. Prayer Vigil

2011-09-26T15:25:00.002+10:00

Hello Lovers!

The Weekend is fast approaching on 14~16 October and we need all Encountered Couples to sign up for the Prayer Vigil from Friday 8pm to Sunday 4pm.

Please sign up online at:
http://www.wwmeprayerscroll.org/files/PrayerScroll.asp?Table=251&GMT=10

Remember that the prayer vigil hour is a time to spend with your spouse as a couple and reflect on your relationship as well as those who are participating in the Weekend and their families at home.

M.E. Memorial Mass for Ben Tured on Tue, 9/27/11

2011-09-24T11:09:00.000+10:00

Dear Lovers,

We wanted to let everyone know that our M.E. brother, Ben Tured, passed away on this past Monday. He was with his wife Mercy and family in Yap at the time.

There will be a memorial mass for Ben on Tuesday, September 27, at Kristo Rai Parish Church in Garapan. It will start at 6PM. Please all be there with your family, if you can. Our Marriage Encounter family is organizing the mass details.

Lovers, we also we lost another Encountered brother recently. It was Bill Kintz. Let's also pray for his the repose of his soul and for the comfort of his widow Virginia.

With much Love,

Vince & Hilma and Father Ike

Upcoming ME Weekend on October 14-16, 2011

2011-09-08T02:59:00.001+10:00

Lovers,

You can now download registration forms and email it to your prospective couples.

The forms are available at: http://cnmime.org/docs/Fall2011RegistrationForm.pdf

We need at least 20 couples to make the weekend happen. Let's all try to invite at least one couple to make a weekend and make a difference in our community!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our weekend coordinators Tom & Erica Thornburgh at 287-9205 or 285-6372.

Hugs,

Vince & Hilma and Father Ike

Fall Weekend Planning Meeting on August 29th!

2011-08-20T07:06:00.000+10:00

Hafa Adai Lovers!

Our Fall 2011 Weekend Coordinators, Tom & Erica Thornburgh, are calling the first planning meeting for the Fall 2011 Marriage Encounter Weekend.

What: Fall 2011 Weekend Planning Meeting

Where: Thornburgh's Residence in Gualo Rai (See Map below)

When: Monday, August 29, 2011

Time: 6:30PM

Let’s help and support our weekend coordinators make this the best possible weekend!

Love,

Vince & Hilma and Father Ike

Notes: Once on Historia Place, it is the 3-story house on the left.

Father Isaac Ayuyu's 25th Anniversary of Priesthood

2011-08-20T06:54:00.002+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

A luncheon will be held in celebration of our beloved Father Isaac Ayuyu's 25th year anniversary of priesthood. The luncheon will also double as a fundraising event. Proceeds will be used to make much needed upgrades to the Mt. Carmel Cathedral.

As you may know, Father Ike continues to be an instrumental part of the local Marriage Encounter and has been for over a decade now. We ask our all M.E. couples to join the community celebrate this special occasion of our local area M.E. Ecclesial Priest, Father Isaac Ayuyu's 25th Years of priesthood.

The Luncheon will be held at the Pacific Islands Club on Saturday, September 3. Reply to this email or call Vince at 287-8089 or Hilma at 789-7881 for Luncheon tickets ($40 per head).

Love & Hugs

Vince & Hilma Castro

Congratulations, Ed & Dorsha Guinto!

2011-06-23T13:00:00.003+10:00

The CNMI M.E. Community congratulations Ed & Dorsha Guinto on the birth of their 4th son, Ed Jr. on Father's Day, June 19, 2011. The Guinto's were encountered in March 2011 and are currently enrolled in the Steps Program. God bless the Guinto Family!

M.E.morial Day BBQ on Sun, 5/29!

2011-05-21T13:43:00.000+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

Next weekend is the M.E.morial Day BBQ! We invite all of you to attend but in order to properly prepare for the event, we'd like to know how many can make it. Kindly take the poll.

The New M.E. T-shirts (I Love M.E. & M.E. First) will also be available for sale at the BBQ. Sizes S-XL are $18 and XXL is $20. If you ordered one at the Reunion, please come and join us at the BBQ and pick up your shirt.

Also, if anyone can help with Set Up, Games and Clean Up, please call Wayne 483-5587 or Kanae at 285-1168.

We look forward to seeing you all next Sunday!

Love,
Wayne & Boni
Russ & Kanae

Vote for Your Favorite T-shirt by Sunday

2011-05-14T10:52:00.002+10:00

Dear M.E. Community,

Please scroll below to view and vote for the next M.E. T-shirt. We value your opinion and look forward to seeing you at the M.E.morial Day BBQ on Sunday, 5/29/11 from 1-6pm.

Keep Dialoguing!

M.E. T-shirt Design Preview

2011-05-11T19:23:00.006+10:00

Hello Lovers!

Please see some of the M.E. T-shirt designs. Let us know which one you like best by taking the poll below.

Thank you!

Wayne & Boni

Russ & Kanae

M.E. T-shirt Slogan Poll

2011-05-10T09:39:00.002+10:00

Come Join M.E.memorial Day BBQ on May 29!

2011-05-09T11:14:00.002+10:00

Bring your family and friends (non-encountered OK) to the upcoming M.E.morial Day BBQ on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the Northern part of American Memorial Park (close to the playground). We'll have food, games and lots of fun!

Please bring a dish/drinks to share!

Call 287--318 or 483-5587 to confirm and/or sign up for one of the three committees (set up, clean up, games).

Hope to see you all there!

Your M.E. Community Pillar
Wayne & Boni Pangelinan
Russ & Kanae Quinn

CNMI ME Weekend Wrap Up Meeting Wednesday Night

2011-04-19T14:49:00.000+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

We are inviting you, especially supervisors, to attend the weekend wrap-up meeting to discuss the Joys, Successes, Challenges and Needs of the recently concluded Spring Weekend.

Your presence and feedback are important to making the next scheduled weekend run smoother for all those involved in the M.E. Weekend experience.

When: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Time: 7PM

Location: JJ & Juanette Atalig’s Home in Fina Sisu

Bring: Spouse, Dialogue books & a dish to share

We look forward to seeing everyone there.

If you need directions to JJ & Juanette Atalig’s house, just call Vince at 287.8089.

Love,

The Weekend Pillar & Spring 2011 Coordinators

Another Successful Weekend!

2011-04-16T10:47:00.002+10:00

The CNMI Worldwide Marriage Encounter Community wishes to thank all of the volunteers who lovingly organized and supported the ME Weekend at the Aqua Resort from 8~10 April 2011. The countless hours, energy and dedication from the community made the Weekend special for the 28 new couples.

A huge kudos to the presenting team: Vince & Hilma Castro, Mike & Jeanne Emry, Father Isaac Ayuyu and Julian & Marcia Calvo for touching the hearts of the new couples with your life-giving work!

The next CNMI ME gathering is slated for Sunday, 29 May 2011 at the American Memorial Park. It will be a family picnic/BBQ!

Hope to see you all then!

ME Reunion this Thursday!

2011-04-12T16:20:00.001+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter is pleased to graduate 28 new couples from the Spring Weekend, which took place from 8~10 April 2011. The presenting team consisted of: Vince & Hilma Castro, Father Isaac Ayuyu, Mike & Jeanne Emry and Julian and Marcia Calvo.

Invitation to a Reunion!
Please join the M.E. Community at the Weekend Reunion on Thu, April 13, 2011 Starting at 6:00pm at the Aqua Resort Club’s Rey Lounge.

For newly encountered couples, this is your final presentation of the Weekend.
For encountered couples, come meet the new couples!
Please bring your dialogue books and a potluck dish to share.
Contact: Russ & Kanae Quinn – 287-0318

CNMI Marriage Encounter Weekend Enrichment Tonight!

2011-04-07T12:05:00.001+10:00

REMINDER!!!!

This event is TONIGHT... See Below:

Dearest Lovers,

You are invited to the pre-weekend MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT NIGHT. The main topic is regarding the use of feelings vs. judgments in our communication, especially in dialogue. Our visiting couple, Mike & Jeanne Emry will be presenting this portion of the evening.

We all know how dear our marriages are, so let’s take some time out of our schedule to invest in it. A great way to do this is with our ME community that share our values.

The enrichment will begin with evening prayer so this will be a beautiful evening of spirituality as well.

Date: Thursday, April 7, 2011 ---TONIGHT

Time: 6:30PM Sharp

Venue: Kristo Rai Parish Social Hall, Garapan

Note: Bring your dialogue books and a dish to share

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Love,

Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Isaac

Support MMAC at the Spring Weekend!

2011-04-01T15:04:00.002+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter plans to support the Marianas March Against Cancer at the Spring Weekend. There will be a donation box available so ME community members may contribute any amount to assist with the fight against cancer. The actual MMAC is scheduled for 13-14 May 2011.

All set for the Spring Marriage Encounter Weekend on April 8~10, 2011

2011-04-01T14:53:00.002+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter is preparing for the Spring Weekend on April 8~10, 2011 at the Aqua Resort Club in Achugao, Saipan. The entire Saipan ME Community is ready to welcome 25+ new, loving couples to the community. For already encountered couples, please come to the Aqua Resort at 6:30pm on Friday for the Greet in!

For questions about the Marriage Encounter, please contact Kanae Quinn at 285-1168 or email kanaequinn@yahoo.com

Upcoming ME Weekend on April 8~10, 2011

2011-03-24T15:46:00.002+10:00

Hello everyone!

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter will be hosting the Spring 2011 Weekend on April 8~10, 2011 at the Aqua Resort Club in Achugao, Saipan. The Weekend is for married couples who seek to prioritize their relationships and take time out of their hectic schedules to spend with one another.

One common myth is that the ME Weekend is for troubled marriages. That's completely inaccurate! The ME Weekend is intended for happily married couples who want to grow even closer to their spouses. It's all about communication techniques that apply to marriage, family and even to friends and co-workers. Communication is essential so ME provides the appropriate tools for couples as they mature in their relationships.

For more information about the ME Weekend, please feel free to contact Vince and MaryRose Ruwaath at 287-9953 or email vennyruuz@yahoo.com.

The cost of registration for the Weekend (2 nights accommodation and all meals) is $50 per couple. What a great deal!!

2011 Spring Weekend Filling Up!

2011-03-03T16:31:00.002+10:00

Don't miss this chance to stay 2 nights at the Aqua Resort with all meals to spend with your spouse for the Spring Marriage Encounter Weekend on 8~10 April 2011!

You may know a lot of couples who've participated in ME and for many, it's life changing...for the better. Remember when you first met your husband/wife and were so excited to be together every minute of the day? Wasn't it pure romance? Well, an ME weekend provides the perfect setting to put that special romance back into your relationship.

Although some misinformed couples may believe that ME is not for them because they're marriage is strong, it's actually for EVERY MARRIED COUPLE because every marriage can improve through enhanced communication. ME is about inviting couples who are in good marriages to invest a weekend of their time to make it GREAT (FANTASTIC, UNBELIEVABLE)!

If you are interested in joining this upcoming weekend, please contact Vince and Mary Rose Ruwaath at 285-8454 or email: vennyruuz@yahoo.com

ME Brinner

2011-02-21T08:02:00.005+10:00

Last Tuesday night for our ME Step 9, we decided to have "Brinner" Breakfast for Dinner. The brinner consisted of french toast, muffins, banana smoothie, egg & chorizo filled tortillas, fruit salad, grits, and crangrape punch. It was super yummy!
Our Steps family: Yosh & Nikki, Evan & Heejung, Wayne & Boni and Dave & Helen. Tomorrow night is Step 10... Mexican night!

2011 Spring Weekend Planning Meeting on 2/17!

2011-02-15T15:46:00.001+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

Please come to this week’s Weekend planning meeting.

As you may have heard, the next weekend will be held at Aqua Resort. The location is going to be a big selling point for those whom you invite to make a Weekend. You can download registration forms here.

Meeting Details:

Date: Thursday, February 17

Time: 6:30PM

Location: JJ and Juanette Atalig’s home in Fina Sisu (Call Vince @ 287-8089 if you need directions)

Other: Bring a dish to share and don’t forget your dialogue books

2011 Spring Weekend Planning Meeting on 2/10!

2011-02-07T11:51:00.000+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

Our spring 2011 ME weekend coordinators, Wayne & Boni Pangelinan are calling our 2nd planning meeting.

Let’s give them our support as we plan another great weekend! See details meeting below:

Place: Wayne & Boni Pangelinan’s Home in Papago (Click here for map)

Date: Thursday, February 10th

Time: 6:30PM

Note: Please bring a special dish to share and your dialogue books!

Homework: Ask couples to join the weekend and bring the names/registration forms to the meeting.

Click here for Registration Form

Love,

Vince & Hilma and Father Isaac

2011 Spring Weekend Planning Meeting on 2/3!

2011-02-01T15:26:00.002+10:00

Dearest Lovers,

Our spring 2011 ME weekend coordinators, Wayne & Boni Pangelinan are calling our first planning meeting.

Wayne and Boni just made their weekend in October and are on fire! Let’s give them our support as we plan another great weekend! See details meeting below:

Place: Wayne & Boni Pangelinan’s Home in Papago (Click here for map)

Date: Thursday, February 3^rd

Time: 6:30PM

Note: Please bring a special dish to share, your dialogue books and names of couples you want to invite to make the weekend!

Love,

Vince & Hilma and Father Isaac

* The next weekend is March 25~27, 2011!

Merry Christmas, Lovers!

2010-12-05T20:05:00.002+10:00

A warm and gracious thank you to the Sonoda/Thornburgh family for hosting the 2010 ME Christmas in Love Party last night. What a wonderful gathering filled with love, laughter, food, drinks, games and dancing! The decorations and setting were unbelievably gorgeous! A special thank you to Tom, Erica, Seiji, Jessica, Mark, John, Carol, Linda, Jun, Jake and Jackie!

Spending an evening with the ME family is always marked with absolute fun! Merry Christmas!

Don't forget to RSVP for the ME Christmas in Love Party!

2010-11-27T14:26:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone,

Please RSVP at kanaequinn@yahoo.com to let us know if you can attend the Christmas in Love party at the Thornburgh's in Gualo Rai on Saturday, December 4, 2010. You won't want to miss the cocktails from 5-6pm and dinner, games, dancing from 6-9pm!

Let's celebrate Christmas, our ME community and the love for all!

Marriage Encounter Christmas Party on December 4th

2010-11-02T11:48:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone!

Let's celebrate Christmas together on Saturday, December 4th at the Thornburgh's in Gualo Rai (5-9pm)! It's a time to thank the Lord for our marriages and families in addition to reuniting with the ME community and sharing an evening together. Let's eat, drink and be merry!

We'll also have a potluck, white elephant gift exchange (used or new with $10 limit) and lots of fun! It is for Couples only! Please RSVP Russ & Kanae Quinn by 11/30 to kanaequinn@yahoo.com!

World Priests' Day on October 31st

2010-10-27T09:00:00.000+10:00

Dearest Couples,

This is just a reminder that World Priest Day is this Sunday, October 31.

If you have not started to romance your priest/pastor, it's not too late. Start today! Here are some ideas:

1. Send a card to your parish priest or bishop telling them what their sacrament and/or friendship means to you.
2. Introduce yourself and family to your priest or bishop you have not met.
3. Invite a priest or bishop you know, or do not know, to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. If you invite them to dinner, you may make it a candle-lighted dinner with china, linens, and maybe soft music. Be creative! Kids could be included in this too! Let the kids help set the table and prepare for his arrival. Or make it a down home barbecue or something unique and special to your family
5. Send them flowers or a balloon bouquet.
6. Invite them on a family picnic and pick them up if possible.
7. If you know a priest or bishop out of town, give them a call; send a note, flowers, balloon bouquet.
8. Bake them cookies, etc. (Kids love to get involved).
9. Have the kids color a picture for them or write them a letter.
10. Invite them to your home.
11. Go on an outing together, such as a dinner and a play, concert, bowling, movie, hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, etc.
12. Be creative and have fun with this special event. Let us know what you dreamed up to honor priests so that we can pass on the ideas.

More information available at: http://wpd.wwme.org

Love,

Vince & Hilma

World Priests Day on October 31

2010-10-20T13:21:00.000+10:00

World Priest Day to be celebrated on October 31st

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is sponsoring World Priest Day on Sunday, October 31, 2010, which coincides with the Serra Club’s Priesthood Sunday. World Priest Day focuses on celebrating the ongoing affirmation of priests and building of relationships between couples and priests. The mission and purpose of World Priest Day is to celebrate and affirm the men who commit their lives to the Lord and the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is an opportunity for Encountered couples to thank, affirm and share their love and support for priests/pastors.

It is designed to be a day or several days to rejoice in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. On this day, or during the week preceding or following it, Encountered couples across the country are encouraged to develop one or several activities to affirm priests. This will be a unique occasion for reaching out to priests. Go to wpd.wwme.org for ideas that you can use.

Couples of other faiths are also encouraged to do the same for their priests/pastors.

Here are some suggestions couples can do to thank and affirm their priests/pastors: START TODAY!!!

1. Send a card to your parish priest or bishop telling them what their sacrament and/or friendship means to you.
2. Introduce yourself and family to your priest or bishop you have not met.
3. Invite a priest or bishop you know, or do not know, to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. If you invite them to dinner, you may make it a candle-lighted dinner with china, linens, and maybe soft music. Be creative! Kids could be included in this too! Let the kids help set the table and prepare for his arrival. Or make it a down home barbecue or something unique and special to your family
5. Send them flowers or a balloon bouquet.
6. Invite them on a family picnic and pick them up if possible.
7. If you know a priest or bishop out of town, give them a call; send a note, flowers, balloon bouquet.
8. Bake them cookies, etc. (Kids love to get involved).
9. Have the kids color a picture for them or write them a letter.
10. Invite them to your home.
11. Go on an outing together, such as a dinner and a play, concert, bowling, movie, hunting,
fishing, golf, tennis, etc.
12. Be creative and have fun with this special event. Let us know what you dreamed up to honor
priests so that we can pass on the ideas.

Weekend Reunion this Thursday!

2010-10-13T11:59:00.002+10:00

Wilma, George & Tanya
More ME couples!
Two generations of presenters: The Thornburgh's & Sonoda's
Bishop Camacho & the Castro's The Weekend Coodinators: Van Dam's & Hosono's
Dearest Lovers,

The Weekend was a success thanks to everyone in the community that chipped in one way or another. Special thanks goes to the Weekend Coordinators, Co-coordinators and supervisors. GREAT JOB!!!!

Please join us at the Weekend Reunion this Thursday. Your couple power will be shining bright as we invite the newly encountered couples into our community & to sign up for our STEPS along our journey program.

EVENT DETAILS:

Venue: Saipan Grand Hotel, Seaside Hall

Date: Thursday, October 14, 2010

Time: 6:00 PM Sharp

Misc: Pot-Luck (Bring a dish to share)

GET YOU RED HOT M.E. SHIRTS
There are only a few left so get them for the reunion!

XXL - $20 each

XL - $18 each

L - $18 each

M - $18 each

S - $18 each

Please contact Russ & Kanae Quinn at kanaequinn@yahoo.com

ME Weekend Planning Meeting Tonight at Saipan Community School

2010-09-30T09:34:00.001+10:00

Please NOTE: Meeting Venue will be at Saipan Community School
-------------
Hello Lovers,

We are only 9 days away from our weekend. Crunch time begins!
First off Jake and I want to thank everyone that has been coming to meetings and planning and working hard. Thanks for all the support you guys! We really couldn't do/plan this weekend without you!
This coming Thursday (tomorrow night) will be our last Thursday meeting. Next Thursday will be the Enrichment night for the weekend!
Please come and help finalize all the last details!
There is a change in the meeting - please note:
Thursday, September 30, 2010, at 6:30pm
it will be at SAIPAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL - CLASSROOM 6.
Please call or let any other ME couples that you know of the changes! Thank you!
If you have any questions or need directions, please call either Jake (285-9272) or Jackie (285-4653)
See you soon lovers!!!
Love,
The Van Dams

The GIft of Love

2010-09-19T21:05:00.002+10:00

Who doesn't enjoy receiving gifts of love? If you know of any married couple who has not yet been encountered, inviting them to the next ME Weekend is THE gift of love! It's something tangible that you can give a couple to not only enrich their marriage but the lives of all their loved ones. ME is unique in that it allows couples to dig within themselves to discover how much in love they are with their spouses, even after 5, 10, 20, 30, years of marriage. The true secret to a healthy and loving marriage is excellent communication and that is the essence of Marriage Encounter.

If you're interested in inviting a friend, please feel free to have them contact Jake & Jackie Van Dam at 285-9272. Registration is still ongoing for the Fall Weekend scheduled fo October 8~10, 2010 at the Saipan Grand Hotel. The cost is $50 per couple and includes two nights' accommodation, all meals and materials. What a deal! There is no better gift to give any couple than ME!

Weekend Recruiting

2010-09-11T11:34:00.002+10:00

Dear ME Community,

Now is the time to talk to you friends and family members about the opportunity of the upcoming Weekend Marriage Encounter from 8~10 October 2010 at the Saipan Grand Hotel. It's a gift you are giving someone else to enjoy an even better relationship with our spouses through enhanced communication.

Over the years, we've had many friends who joined and are thankful for the experience.

Please contact Jake/Jackie Van Dam at 285-9272 or Russ/Kanae Quinn at 287-0318 for more information!

Weekend Planning Meeting Tonight & Pulpit Talk

2010-09-09T10:54:00.001+10:00

(From our Weekend Co-coordinators, John and Carol Hosono)

Lovers,

We are recruiting couples for October 8-10 Weekend. Please let us know if you need us to email you the registration forms. To expedite the registration, please call your couples and fill out the form for them. After that, you may forward the forms to the Castros, the VanDams or Vicky Mafnas.

Also, we are recruiting couples for Pulpit talks. Please email Carol H. at prideof90@gmail.com if you are interested in doing one (or two, or three). Any help we can get will be a big one!! Just let us know the church and time...we'll send out the dates we can start once Pale Ry confirms with us.

Keep that spirit alive and see you all tomorrow for our weeklies! If you can't make it to our meetings, please try to make it to the Greet-In. We will be sending out the Weekend schedule at a later date.

God Bless,

The Hosonos

STONE

2010-08-31T16:30:00.001+10:00

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT .
DURING SOME POINT OF THE
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE
IN THE FACE

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND,

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE .

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE'

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED
'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT'

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Get Ready for the next ME Weekend on Oct 8~10, 2010!

2010-08-31T16:29:00.001+10:00

Dearest Companions on the Journey!

It's that time once again to invite couples to make a Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next weekend is scheduled for October 8, 9 & 10 at the Saipan Grand Hotel. There is just over a month left to invite couples so let's pull out all the stops and get those couples registered today!

For those couples that just made their weekends last spring or fall, take out your weekend workbooks and look on page 63. You will find the list of couples that you wrote down to invite to a weekend. Call them up and invite them today!

Registration forms can be downloaded at our website at www.cnmime.org or by clicking here.

You can turn in the registration forms at the weekend planning meetings or to Jake & Jackie Van Dam (285-9272), John & Vicky Mafnas (285-8454) or Vince & Hilma Castro (287-8089)

The next planning meeting is on September 9 at at the Van Dams' house in Gualo Rai. Click here for map.

Love & Hugs,

Vince & Hilma and Father Ike

A Great Back to School BBQ

2010-08-31T14:00:00.003+10:00

Thank you to all the families that joined us on Saturday, August 28th at Pak Pak Beach in San Antonio for a Marriage Encounter BBQ and reunion. There was of course fantastic food, wonderful company and a nice afternoon with our ME family. Special thanks to Jun for bringing his big grill and for cooking the ribs and chicken! Yum! We look forward to the next reunion...

ME BBQ at Pak Pak Beach Today!

2010-08-28T10:40:00.002+10:00

Dearest ME Family,

It's almost the end of summer and for some, school has already begun. We wanted to get the ME Community back together for a nice, casual BBQ/Picnic down at Pak Pak Beach in San Antonio. Please bring a dish to share, some drinks and your families! We look forward to seeing you there.

Love,
Russ & Kanae
Community Pillar

Congratulations, Step 10 Complete!

2010-08-18T13:53:00.002+10:00

Our Steps group completed the 10 session journey last night with fun, food and wine! Thank you to Justin & Hee Jae Mariano, our co-facilitators, Bill & Angela Santos, Ralph & Diann Torres and Dick & Sarah Brostrom. We thank you for your commitment, enthusiasm and love during these wonderful dinners. We look forward to continuing the journey this evening with Steeper Steps!

ME BBQ on August 28th & Weekend Planning Meeting this Thursday

2010-08-18T12:06:00.000+10:00

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER SPECIAL EVENTS!!

ME REUNION

Our Community Pillar ~ Russ and Kanae Quinn have come up with a great end of summer event! An AWESOME ME Family Reunion BBQ to be held on Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 12 noon to 5pm at Pakpak Beach just south of PIC! This is a great family event ~ so bring your spouse! Bring your kids! Bring some food and/or drinks!!

See this link for the picnic details! http://cnmime.org/maps/bbqinfo.pdf

See what others are bringing and add to the list by following this link for a menu listing! http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/MEBacktoSchoolPotluckBBQ

SEE YOU THERE!

WEEKEND PLANNING MEETING THIS THURSDAY - AUGUST 19, 2010

Lovers,

Please don't forget the next planning meeting at 6:30 pm THIS THURSDAY at the NEW Van Dam residence in Gualo Rai (Click here for a Map).

Bring your journals, some food to share, any ideas and suggestions you may have and most importantly, your M.E love!!

Thank you Jake and Jackie!

See you soon lovers!

Pillar Meeting Tomorrow Night!

2010-07-22T15:16:00.002+10:00

The CNMI chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter will be holding its leadership meeting tomorrow night. If you are a pillar, please come to the Quinn's at 6:30pm and bring a dish to share!

We look forward to seeing everyone again and sadly, we must say farewell to the Aguon's.

Steps Ongoing

2010-07-02T11:53:00.003+10:00

A few of the Steps groups concluded prior to the summer break and we congratulate them for their speedy completion. We are tackling Step 7 tonight and Step 8 on Monday. The Steps concepts are invaluable. Not only do they remind us of how we should treat others (not only our spouses), they also provide a great sense of belonging to a wonderful set of friends who, over the 10 sessions, become an extended part of our families. We now have many "Steps" children that we frequently encounter at various events around island.

For those who have not yet been encountered, the next ME Weekend is from 8-10 October. Should you have any questions about the Weekend, feel free to email me at kanaequinn@yahoo.com.

God bless & Happy 4th of July!

Step 1 - Feelings are Neither Right Nor Wrong

2010-04-21T17:05:00.003+10:00

We started Step 1 with our newest group last night and thoroughly enjoyed the evening where we broke bread together, talked about how each couple met, did a 10/10 and then studied the first concept of Steps, "Feelings are neither right nor wrong". Although I have studied this numerous times, I am reminded that it's always good to review and understand it so that my head and heart can appreciate its essence.

We were also happy to celebrate one couple's 2 year anniversary with a decadent chocolate cake! The Steps program is awesome and I highly recommend it to each encountered couple.

STEP 10 Complete!

2010-04-03T12:09:00.005+10:00

The CNMI Marriage Encounter is pleased to graduate the first 2010 class of the Steps Along the Journey Program. The Quinn/Jimenez/Mister group consisted of four new couples.

We are thankful to the Mister's for their contribution as co-facilitators for the journey!

Nikolina and Ed Gechig have embraced all the Steps.
Becky & Mark Robles celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary today. Congratulations!

Sisi & Ray Alvarez are utilizing the concepts and feel the ME love!

Bina and Gordon Marciano share their new communication skills with all of their family members.

We also thank Father Ryan Jimenez for contributing his time and love to ME.

Tonight, we start Steeper Steps so the journey continues!

An Amazing Weekend!

2010-03-27T15:48:00.003+10:00

At the Reunion on Thursday evening, Bishop Camacho honored ME's Section 12 Leaders with a special appreciation plaque, thanking Mike & Jeanne Emry for their untiring love & devotion to the CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Bishop Camacho was the first encountered priest for the CNMI and is committed to preserving marriages for CNMI residents.

Our extended family~ Bill & Angela Santos with their 4 lovely children. Bill & Angela joined the Weekend and loved it! We are thrilled for them!
Dick & Sarah Brostrom were joined by their three beautiful teenagers. It is fantastic to see more of our friends participate in ME.

Ed & Nikolina are our Steps kids. What a wonderful couple!

Congratulations to the 28 newly encountered couples. We strongly encourage you to enroll in the Steps Along the Journey Program to further enhance your Weekend memories.

From Ben & Cathy Sawer

2010-03-23T12:21:00.002+10:00

Sunday, March 21

Dear ME Family,

Greetings in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit who is the author and preserver of marriage. God is the one who started it and who offers us resources like ME and His Spirit working through others and in our own hearts to make it successful. We congratulate you in committing to your weekend. We just finished praying for you last night (our morning). A couple did the same for us 39 years ago at our first weekend!

We trust that the Lord Jesus will become increasingly real to each of you as you strive to be the spouse that God intends you to be. Be humble and ready to admit that you cannot do it alone. Love and be loved by your Creator who promises to always be there for you even when you struggle or are lonely in your marriage. He can and will do miracles sometimes when we have no hope. Trust Him.

Cathy and I send our love.

God has and will bless you for honoring Him in your commitment to each other.

Dr. Ben & Cathy Sawer

Marriage Encounter Weekend this Friday ~ Sunday!

2010-03-16T16:01:00.003+10:00

The CNMI Marriage Encounter Weekend will be taking place at the Saipan Grand Hotel from March 19~21, 2010. We encourage all Encountered Couples visit the Grand Hotel for meals, greet in and greet off to support the ME Community. Please come and see your ME family!

Countdown for the next Weekend on March 19~21

2010-03-10T13:37:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai M.E. Lovers!

Our hearts are filled with joy and excitement as we announce that as of today, we have confirmed 19 couples for the March 19~21 weekend! We thank our M.E. Community for working hard to bring in these recruits! Please continue your quest in trying to confirm more couples as we are all aware that not all of them make it to the weekend. Keep in mind that our target is 25 couples.

Our last planning meeting was truly heartwarming. Having the opportunity to spend time with those couples who have been a part of the M.E. family for many many years is not only encouraging to us but brings so much inspiration into our marriages! Thank you for your presence and support! Please don't forget to come to tomorrow's final planning meeting!

Meeting Date: Thursday March 11, 2011
Meeting Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Tony & Linda Yarobwemal's Residence in Koblerville
(Please call Tom at 287-9205 or Erica at 285-6372 for directions)
Special thank you to the Y's for your kindness in opening up your home to us!

In line with our M.E. tradition, please bring a dish to share if you are able.
Agenda for the meeting will include committee updates and discussion of needs from each committee.

Please don't forget to bring any registration forms and payment to the meeting! Although the deadline was announced earlier, new registrations are still welcomed.

Finally, we ask all recruiting couples to take time to romance your recruits from now up until the weekend. Sometimes new couples tend to get "cold feet" as the weekend nears. Many times, all it takes is for recruiters to answer their questions and provide support to ease any nervous feelings. Since recruiting couples already have a trusting relationship with their recruits, they are most suited for the job of calming their fears and helping to prepare them for a truly magnificent weekend!

We love you, M.E. Family, God Bless You, and we look forward to seeing you at tomorrow's meeting!

Countdown to March 19~21....9 days!

M.E. Prayer Vigil

2010-03-02T10:06:00.003+10:00

Dear M.E. Lovers!

The next M.E. Weekend is soon upon us and we need volunteer couples to pray for every hour from Friday through Sunday for the candidates, presenters and priests.

Please follow the access link to sign up for a specific time to help make the next Weekend a success:
http://www.wwmeprayerscroll.org/files/PrayerScroll.asp?Table+1968GMT=10

If you have any questions, please contact John & Divina Jenkins at 670-256-5385 or email: johnanddivina@yahoo.com

Luau of Love Tonight at PIC!

2010-02-19T12:50:00.003+10:00

Dear Lovers!

The CNMI Marriage Encounter is organizing the Luau of Love Cocktail Party tonight at PIC's Seaside Grill from 6:30-9:30pm tonight!

The price is $22 per person or $44 per couple and includes food, open bar, games, dancing and raffles.

This is a great opportunity to invite prospective couples for the next ME Weekend, scheduled at the Saipan Grand Hotel on 19-21 March 2010. We look forward to welcoming another 20-25 couples to enhance their marriages through ME.

Tickets for tonight are available at the door. See you then!

ME Weekend Registration foms are available on http://cnmime.org/

World Marriage Day Mass This Sunday

2010-02-12T16:36:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai, M.E. Family!

As you may have heard, this Sunday, February 14, 2010, was proclaimed World Marriage Day by Lt. Governor Eloy S. Inos. The Most Reverend Bishop Camacho also sent his message regarding World Marriage Day.

To celebrate this prodigious occasion, all Encountered Couples and Families are encouraged to attend the World Marriage Day Mass (see details).

Presiders: The Most Reverend Bishop Thomas Camacho & Reverend Father Ryan Jimenez

Location: Mt. Carmel Cathedral, Chalan Kanoa

Time: 9:00 am

Suggested Attire: Wear your M.E. shirts

If you need shirt, the red M.E. Shirts are available for purchase from Mark & Jenni Aguon. You can contact Jenni at 287-9742. If you want the shirts for the mass, please contact Jenni before Saturday at noon. Shirts are $18 each and XXL are $20 each.

Get ready for lots of M.E. Hugs. We'll see you there.

Love & Hugs,
Vince & Hilma Castro

ME Weekend Planning Meeting Tonight

2010-02-11T18:08:00.002+10:00

Hello lovers!

Please show your support to help with the ME Weekend Planning Committee Meeting tonight at 7pm at the NMPASI bldg on Middle Road.

As usual, please bring a dish to share and registration forms for your new recruits.

If you can't make it tonight but have registration forms, please email the Thornburgh's at maniekka@yahoo.com or tomthornburgh@gmail.com.

We also need help for the World Marriage Day Mass this upcoming Sunday and planning for the Luau for Love (aka Valentine's Ball).

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vince & Hilma Castro

To Love is a Decision

2010-01-26T16:00:00.002+10:00

CNMI Marriage Encounter Weekend

Date: March 19-21, 2010

Venue: TBA

Hafa Adai CNMI M.E. Family,

May your homes be filled with the graces of our Lord this New Year! The time has come to begin preparing for the March 2010 Marriage Encounter Weekend. The weekend will be held on March 19, 20, and 21. The venue is still being negotiated. We are writing to invite all ME Couples to join us for the first preparation meeting scheduled for this Thursday, January 28, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at NMPASI. (NMPASI is located on Middle Road, south of Pacific Medical Center or North of Gualo Rai Intersection). It has been said by many before that miracles happen during an ME weekend! Your help and support will indeed ensure that these miracles happen once again! We hope to see you there!

Remember to please begin recruiting couples! Our goal is to encounter 25 couples this weekend! Registration forms will be sent to you shortly!

Should you have any questions, you may contact Tom at 287-9205 or Erica at 285-7372. We send you our love and prayers and wish you all a wonderful week! May God Bless our M.E. Community and may we always "Love one another as God has loved us".

Love and Prayers always,

Tom & Erica Thornburgh

March 2010 Weekend Coordinators

CNMI Marriage Encounter Pillar Meeting

2009-12-23T15:40:00.004+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter holds monthly pillar (board) meetings much like any other organization. Last week, we revealed our Secret Santa couples and had an entertaining evening trying to guess which couple "romanced" the other.

Julian & Marcia Calvo are now one of our presenting couples. Their secret santa couple was...

Mark & Jenni Aguon.

John & Carol Hosono are relatively new as encountered couples. They are fun-loving, vivacious and committed to ME!

Ironically, Jun & Linda Pangelinan were our Secret Santa couple. We "romanced" them with gifts each week but they were completely surprised to learn it was us. We also discovered that they were our couple! We received a beautifully arranged gift basket full of goodies from them!

Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Issac are part of the Ecclesial Team.

And, we also celebrated Father Ryan's birthday!

The next weekend is scheduled for March 19-21. If any couple is interested in participating in this life-changing event, please email me at kanaequinn@yahoo.com

Christ for the Masses

2009-12-13T18:27:00.003+10:00

With the busy-ness of the holidays upon us, we need to be reminded of the meaning of Christmas, which signifies Christ for the Masses! Gift buying & giving in addition to Christmas parties and vacations are all meaningful ways of celebrating the joy of love & family when performed from the love of our hearts. But, we must not forget what we're actually celebrating... Christ came to Earth to show His love for all. Jesus mandated us to love each other so let's remember to be extra kind, compassionate, gentle, patient and most of all forgiving this season.

Prayer Warrior for Encha

2009-12-08T09:12:00.002+10:00

Dear Companion on the Journey~

We ask for your prayers for Father Isaac's sister, Encha Ayuyu Lydia. You may have met her. She is a flight attendant for Continental.

Encha is seriously ill with a liver problem. She is being evacuated to the Philippines Tuesday or Wednesday this week for a liver transplant. She is currently at the Guam Memorial Hospital.

Father Isaac will be leaving today for Guam to anoint his sister Encha, before she departs for the Philippines.

Please keep Encha in your prayers.

Vince & Hilma Castro

Steps Starts Again

2009-11-25T17:35:00.003+10:00

This week, we completed Step 2 with our new group consisting of the following ME couples:
Russ & Kanae Quinn, Father Ryan Jimenez, Tyce & Angie Mister as Facilitators/Co-Facilitators

Ray & Sisi Alvarez, Ed & Nikolita Gechig, Gordon & Bina Marciano and Mark & Becky Robles are our the newly encountered couples.

We look forward to spending 10 sessions with our new Steps Family!

2010 Marriage Encounter Calendar of Events

2009-11-04T14:22:00.002+10:00

Jan / Feb: Spring Mixer; Valentine's Sweetheart's Ball; World Marriage Day
Feb / Mar: Recruitment period; Spring Weekend Planning
Mar / Apr: Spring Weekend; Reunion; Easter
Apr / May: Marianas March Against Cancer; Steps Along the Journey
May / Jun: Graduation Season; Steps Along the Journey
Jun / Jul: Family Fun Fest; Summer Social (adults); Steps Along the Journey
Jul / Aug: Fall Mixer
Aug / Sep: Fall Weekend Planning; Labor of Love (family)
Sep / Oct: Fall Weekend; Halloween Party
Oct / Nov: World Priest Day; Pastor Appreciation Month; Steps Along the Journey
Nov / Dec: Holiday Season; Steps Along the Journey

Steeper Steps Completed!

2009-11-04T14:04:00.005+10:00

In just 9 days, our group completed the 4 session Steeper Steps led by Rex & Clarie Kosack. We gained a much deeper understanding about the power of grace and forgiveness and learned how anger can be so destructive in a relationship.

Thank you very much, Rex & Clarie, for your selfless giving of time and energy to ME!

Roger & Teresita Abe.
Jake & Jackie Van Dam enjoying the chocolate heart cake I baked.

Peter & Natashia Tomokane just had their son 3 months ago. She was pregnant while we were in the Steps program earlier in the year.

Congratulations, all!

Steeper Steps Ongoing

2009-10-28T16:38:00.002+10:00

Our group commenced Steeper Steps last Thursday evening and our plan is to complete it in a record 9 days! Yes, we'll be done with the 4 sessions this Saturday afternoon, before trick-or-treating begins!

Steeper Steps is the "graduate" course to the Steps Along the Journey and encompasses the concepts of anger, grace and forgiveness, which are vital components of any relationship. Rex & Clarie Kosack are the sole facilitators for this program as Rex created all the material himself several years ago.

For couples who have completed Steps, it's time to get your group together for Steeper Steps! It's something you won't want to miss!

ME Halloween Party at the Yarowemals'

2009-10-26T16:02:00.002+10:00

On Saturday, October 31st at 6:00pm, Tony and Linda Yarobwemal (the Y's) will be hosting a special Halloween party. Why drive around with the kids when you can come to one place and relax? Have the kids stay in one are and enjoy the goodies and treats!

Please bring a dish & candies to share for dinner/snack.

This is also an opportunity for you to invite those whom you listed as potential couples (and their families).

The Y's live in Koblerville on the street that intersects As Lito Road (where ABCD mart is).

Sign up for STEPS NOW!

2009-10-26T15:56:00.002+10:00

On Friday night, the CNMI Marriage Encounter held a Reunion for the newly encountered couples. It was a fantastic night of sharing and learning about the couples' experiences during the actual Weekend. All of the couples who attended signed up for the Steps Along the Journey program. Rex & Clarie Kosack are in charge of the Steps program. If anyone from past Weekends are interested in attending the upcoming sessions, please contact Clarie Kosack ASAP! Tel: 322-8800 or email: clarie.kosack@saipan.com

Ray & Sisi Alvarez with John & Divina Jenkins

Gordon & Bini Marciano with us (Russ & Kanae Quinn)

ME Reunion Tonight!

2009-10-23T14:56:00.002+10:00

Dear Lovers,

The ME Reunion is TONIGHT at the Grand Hotel's Seaside Hall, starting at 6pm. This is THE opportunity for newly and past encountered couples to sign up for the STEPS program and learn more about the ME concepts. Healthy marriages, like healthy bodies need to remain active. We need to nourish our marriages with quality time and commitment to prioritize each other's needs.

Steps Along the Journey is THE best way for newly encountered couples to continue the buzz from the Weekend and apply it to their lives.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2009
Time: 6-9pm
Venue: Grand Hotel Seaside Hall
Why: It's the best thing you can do for your marriage & family!

See you there!

Marriage Encounter Weekend - Another Successful Production!

2009-10-21T15:13:00.004+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the World Wide Marriage Encounter completed another amazing Weekend for 19 new couples who were committed to strengthening their marriages by learning how to improve their communication skills and most importantly, spending quality time together without the distractions of everyday life.

We were happy to see the "veterans" of ME:

Jess & Anicia, Ben & Lovey, Rex & Clarie, Fred & Maggie.
ME would not be what it is today without you!

Our presenters: Jess & Anicia and Vince & Hilma. They did a superb job!
Spending time with our ME Family and discussing the successes of the Weekend.

Jeff & Sonia, Alphonso & Jacinta are dear supporters of ME!

THE ME FAMILY! We're love you all!

Marriage Encounter Weekend - Just Started!

2009-10-17T11:50:00.003+10:00

Last night, the Fall Marriage Encounter Weekend commenced at the Saipan Grand Resort. This session, the presenting teams are: Don & Jeanette Boltz from California, Jess & Anicia Sonoda, Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Ryan Jimenez. The ME Community is in full force with the organizing of the Weekend's details. For all Encountered Couples, please come to the Greet Off at 4PM this Sunday at the Saipan Grand Hotel and bring a potluck dish to share!

John & Divina Jenkins becoming encountered for their 2nd time!
Father Ryan, a huge proponent of the ME Community. Thank you for all your love & support!

Jun & Lin Pangelinan, along with John & Carol Hosono are this Weekend's Coordinators! They continue to give so much of their love, time and dedication to ME! THANK YOU!

ME Encountered Couples: Yosh & Nikki Gabaldon, Justin & Hee Jae Mariano, Jake & Jackie Van Dam! They have all been through the Steps Along the Journey enrichment program as well!

Weekend Planning Meeting Tonight!

2009-10-01T06:19:00.000+10:00

Our next Weekend Planning Meeting will be tomorrow
October 1, 2009
6:30 pm
at
Tony and Linda Yarobwemal's Residence
(Koblerville)
*Please bring a snack to share*
Please come and share you time, talents ~ and most especially ~ your love!

We are getting closer and closer to the Weekend ~ October 16-18, 2009! Please call the Hosonos (286-4997) or the Pangelinans (483-4111) for more details on how you can help make it great!
ALSO
Please take a look at the Weekend Greet Off Potluck Menu! If you can volunteer to take out a dish, please input your name and contact information and email back to Joe and Annale' Torres tesablan@gmail.com or call them at 235-6260 (w) or 285-8293 (c).

Upcoming ME Weekend

2009-09-24T21:06:00.000+10:00

Hello Lovers,

I'm sure you've all heard that our next weekend is coming up in October. Our teams have been working so hard and wonderfully to help make it a success. John and I along with Jun and Linda cannot express enough our appreciation for all the unselfish acts of Love coming in from our M.E. community. We extend our love and our hands out to the entire M.E. community and invite you to reach out to other couples who you know have been encountered but have moved on to other things due to their busy schedules. We are seeking them out to come back into our community and make our fire even bigger and stronger.

As we all know (and feel) the whole nation is experiencing hard times. Because of this, WWME is having difficulty paying for our weekends. In the spirit of continuing to share the Dream with other couples, we humbly reach out to all of you to join us in making this upcoming weekend even more special, not only for the in-coming couples, but also for all of us who have already been encountered .

If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Carol, Linda P. or Hilma. Linda P. will be updating us on how much is coming in. Our Pot is now at $200. :) Any amount will be sincerely appreciated.

If you can't contribute monetarily, Your presence during the Greet-in and the Greet-off will be an honor.

God Bless you all with all the love that we all deserve!!

John&CaroL/Jun&Lin

Weekend Planning next Thu and Bishop's B-day Mass on Fri

2009-09-17T08:06:00.002+10:00

Hello Lovers,

Here are a couple of updates:

Weekend Planning Meeting
This is to inform everyone that there will be no planning meetingthis week for the October Weekend. Planning meetings will resume next Thursday, September 24, 2009.

Bishop's Birthday Mass
Bishop Camacho celebrates his 76th birthday this Friday, September 18th. As you know, Bishop Camacho has been a driving force in the Marriage Encounter in the CNMI. As such, encountered couples are encouraged to attend the 6:00am mass at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral this Friday to celebrate mass with the Bishop. Refreshments will be available after the mass.

ME Weekend Planning Committee & Birthday Celebration

2009-09-12T12:17:00.003+10:00

On Thursday evening, we attended the weekly ME Weekend Planning Committee meeting at the Y's home. The Weekend plans are coming along smoothly and we need to just find the 25 couples to be encountered. They don't know this yet, but the ME Weekend will change their lives forever (for the better)!

Alfonso brought a beautiful birthday cake for his lovely wife, Jacinta, who celebrated her 49th birthday on September 10th!

Alfonso and Jacinta, the happy couple.
The ME family was happy to celebrate the special occasion and bestow birthday blessings to Jacinta. She and Alfonso were encountered last year and have completed Steps Along the Journey & Steeper Steps!
Many of the couples who continue onto the Steps program remain close with the ME community and their marriage is enhanced through the commitment of prioritizing the marriage.

We missed Julian and Marcia at the Labor for Love Picnic so it was fantastic seeing them again!

The next ME Planning Meeting is scheduled for September 24th at 6:30pm at the Y's since September 17th is the monthly ME Leadership meeting.

Labor for Love Kick Off BBQ

2009-09-08T20:18:00.006+10:00

On Labor Day, the CNMI Marriage Encounter Community joined together to celebrate love and family at Susupe Beach. Mark & Jenni Aguon did an awesome job organizing the event! They also received help from Vanessa Pangelinan and Jackie Van Dam with all the games. The ME family contributed food, tents, picnic tables and prizes to ensure a day of excitement. It was a perfect day at the beach with beautiful weather, plenty of food, fun games and to top it off, an awesome community of friends.

After lots of food, the games began! First, the water balloon toss!

John and his daughter won! Congratulations!

There were many families who enjoyed the day, including Jeff, Sonia and Sole Camacho.

We joined the Family Fear Factor with Kenji and Dallas!

Sonia, Jeff and girls won that game.

Juanette and her boys played all day!

The kids limbo. Maybe the bar was too high?

Bella was happy to win the limbo contest.

It was then the adults' turn. Mark is showing his limbo moves.

Tyce is 6'2" but he can get down!

Sheila must have been a limbo queen in college.

The kids didn't want the games to stop so they ended up chasing Russ around the park.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event. We hope to see you at Thursday's Weekend Planning meeting at the Y's. 6:30pm.

Labor for Love Kick Off 2009 on Sep 7th!

2009-09-03T14:44:00.002+10:00

We are also excited to announce that our ME Community will have a family event on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2009 - 12 noon to 6pm in and around the 4H Building at Susupe Beach! We've dubbed it the Labor for Love Kick Off 2009 and it promises to be a fun filled bbq picnic type event with games and prizes for our Couples and also for the kids!! We are also opening up this event to any Couples you know who you would like to invite to make the October 2009 Weekend! So dig out that list of Couples you have thought of inviting and ask them to come with you to the Labor of Love fun day! See the attached invitations you can print out to use/share! (You can contact Jenni Aguon at 287-9742 or Kanae Quinn at 285-1168 for more info!) We have also attached a list of what we need to make this event a great success! Please take a look and contact the Aguons or Quinns if you can help out!

Weekend Plannig Meeting Tonight!

2009-09-03T14:37:00.000+10:00

The Fall Weekend will take place on October 16-18, 2009 at the Saipan Grand Hotel! Our Weekend Coordinators JOHN & CAROL HOSONO (from the MARCH 2009 WEEKEND) and Cocoordinators JUN & LIN PANGELINAN will be holding it's first preparation meeting...

Thursday, September 3, 2009 (tomorrow)
at
6:00 pm
at
Tony and Lynn Yarobwemal's residence
in Koblerville
(see attached map)
(if you can...please bring a snack)

We know that we alone cannot make a Weekend a reality. It takes the love and support of the ME Community. We hope we'll see you there ~ with any ideas, comments or concerns ~ so that we can make this Weekend WONDERFUL!

You can contact the Hosonos at 286-4997 and the Pangelinans at 483-4111 with questions or for more details.

Let's all work together to spread the love we felt on our Weekends to other Couples!

Let your Couple Power Shine!

Love,
Vince & Hilma Castro and Fr. Isaac Ayuyu

The Myths about the Marriage Encounter Weekend

2009-08-25T16:00:00.005+10:00

For those who have not been "encountered", the idea of participating in the upcoming ME Weekend may appear to be a bit threatening. Why? Some people think that if you attend the Weekend, you're automatically admitting that something is wrong with your marriage and that can be either shameful or embarrassing. Family and friends who haven't attended may tease you about it. Others may think that because their marriage is fine, there's no need to attend a "marriage seminar". And still others believe that at the "Weekend", you will have to expose your private lives to strangers. These are the most common excuses for not wanting to attend.

Unfortunately, all of these excuses are just that...excuses and not based on reality or fact. The CNMI Marriage Encounter is a warm, family-oriented organization that not only promotes strong marriages, it also enhances love and communication among couples. If you know of anyone who has been encountered, ask them about their experience!

We've met many couples along the years whose marriages were saved due to the communication techniques they learned in ME. We've also heard from other couples who are back in that "romance" stage of their relationship with their spouse since they can openly share their feelings with each other. ME is for EVERYONE! It doesn't matter if your marriage is good or great, the Weekend will help you reconnect with your best friend and partner for life.

An attractive feature of the Weekend is that the Worldwide Marriage Encounter organization helps make our Saipan Weekend completely affordable: $50 per couple for two nights' stay at the Saipan Grand Hotel, including meals. If you are interested in joining, please contact John & Carol Hosono, the Fall Weekend Coordinators at 286-4997 or johnhosono@gmail.com.

Steps 10 Complete!

2009-08-19T15:45:00.004+10:00

Last Saturday night, our Steps Family completed Step 10. What an accomplishment! We fast-tracked the Steps since Ed & Daisy are expecting their son very soon! Our group consisted of Russ and me (facilitators), Mark & Jenni Aguon (co-facilitators), Gary & Vanessa Pangelinan, Justin Mariano & Hee Jae Lee and Ed & Daisy Propst. What an amazing bonding experience we shared through our ten Steps sessions. We've already planned our next two reunions: a party at Ed's Dad's house and a "Fireproof" movie night!

As part of our celebration, I made an angel food, berry, chocolate pudding trifle for dessert. There is one thing about Steps... there is always an abundance of great food!
The next Steps session will follow the October 16-18 Weekend, so it's likely that they will begin in early November. If anyone is interested in attending the next ME Weekend, you can contact Jun & Linda Pangelinan: linpangelinan@gmail.com

Happy Anniversary, Propst's & Mariano/Lee's!

2009-07-28T10:23:00.003+10:00

On Saturday, our Steps group met to enjoy dinner, discuss Step 5 and celebrate the wedding anniversaries of Justin & Hee Jae as well as Ed & Daisy. Their joint anniversaries were yesterday on July 27th!

Ed & Daisy, Justin & Hee Jae were encountered in March and enrolled in Steps as a way to continue the Marriage Encounter program and allow the concepts introduced in their Weekend to grow.

Ed & Daisy have been married for 7 years

Justin & Hee Jae have been married four years

Congratulations to all of you on making your marriage a priority!

Diocese of Chalan Kanoa: Year of the Priest

2009-07-24T10:09:00.003+10:00

Year of the Priest: St. John Vianney

O Jesus, I pray for Your faithful and fervent priests;
for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;
for Your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;
for Your tempted priests;
for Your lonely and desolate priest;
for Your young priests;
for Your dying priests;
for the souls of Your priests in purgatory.
But above all I recommend to You the priests dearest to me;
the priest who baptized me;
the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me our Body and Blood in Holy communion;
the priests who taught and instructed me;
all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way.
O Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.
Amen.
St. John Vianney, pray for us; obtain for us many and holy priests.

Dear ME Lovers ~

Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed this year from June 19, 2009 as the Year of the Priest. For the ME community, it's an opportunity for us to show our love and appreciation to our local priests and pastors. More information will be available soon.

Prayer Support for Jesus Atalig

2009-07-15T11:18:00.000+10:00

Dearest CNMI Lovers,

We are reaching out to you with an urgent request for your loving prayers and support for Jesus Atalig ~ father of JJ Atalig as he prepares to travel off island for special medical treatment.

JJ and Juanette have been an active part of our CNMI Marriage Encounter Community for many years ~ supporting Couples with their hard work and prayers at each Weekend.

Please pray for their family as JJ will accompany his father for the off island medical treatment early next month.

With love and prayers,

Vince & Hilma and Fr. Isaac

2009-07-10T13:36:00.002+10:00

Hafa Adai Lovers,

We're sending out this prayer warrior to our ME Community to urgently request special prayers for Fr. Chuck Gallagher who will undergo surgery beginning at 8pm tonight (Saipan time).

As we may recall hearing on our Weekends, Fr. Chuck was one of the pioneers who helped form Worldwide Marriage Encounter in the United States.

Please offer your prayers for this servant of the Lord who has given so much love to so many.

With love and prayers,

Vince & Hilma Castro and Fr. Isaac Ayuyu

The history of Worldwide Marriage Encounter began with Father Chuck Gallagher:

1969 - Fr. Chuck Gallagher, two other priests and couples from New York give 22 Weekends. As each Weekend finished, they learned more and made changes to make the Weekends even better. Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) begins developing under the leadership of Fr. Charles Gallagher, S.J. and Edward & Harriet Garzero. The songs from “Man from LaMancha” are added to the Weekend. The Weekend went from Long Island, NY to Buffalo and Sioux City, Iowa. The Marriage Encounter symbol consisting of a heart symbolizing life, the two circles husband and wife and the cross symbolizing the church is created. The song I’ll Never Find Another You (There’s A New World Somewhere) by the Seekers is adopted as “our song”.

1970 – New York reaches out to Grand Forks, North Dakota. The importance of Daily Dialogue and the sharing of our feelings are recognized as the important cornerstones of Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

1971 – A decision is made to “encounter” the United States. The gift of WWME spreads through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina, and through September of 1972 the following cities – Washington D.C., Boston, Detroit, St. Louis, San Antonio, New Orleans, Kansas City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. The Catholic expression of WWME begins interfaith reach out to the Jewish and Episcopal denominations.

1972 – Worldwide expansion begins with a reach out to Belgium. The first National Convention is held in Hicksville, New York. WWME begins to organize in regions within the United States. WWME is offered in England.

1973 – The “Weekend” is offered in Chile, India and Ireland. The Second National Convention is held in Hicksville, NY. The World wide Family of Worldwide Marriage Encounter is created. The first Spanish-speaking Weekend is given in Brooklyn. Due to philosophical differences two distinct programs of Marriage Encounter developed. Both exist today. One is Worldwide Marriage Encounter the other National Marriage Encounter both have the origin from Encuentro Conjugal.

1974 – The Weekend is taken to Australia, France, Japan, Mexico and Germany. Spanish speaking Worldwide Marriage Encounters begin in San Antonio, TX. and spread to Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico. 100,000 couples are “encountered” in the United States. The Third National Convention is held at St. John’s University in NY. A nationwide hour-by-hour Prayer Vigil for religious vocations begins with the start of the Holy Year.

1975 – The first Worldwide Convention of Worldwide Marriage Encounter is held at St. John’s Univ. in N.Y. A pilgrimage is made to Lourdes and Rome. Weekends are offered in Spain, Indonesia, Brazil and Okinawa.

1976 – The Fifth National/Second Worldwide Convention is held in Philadelphia. Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offered to 750,000 couples. As one country reaches out to another the Weekend spreads to Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Korea, Guam, Bolivia, Holland, Yugoslavia, Peru, Columbia, Guatemala, Philippines and the Virgin Islands. WWME participates in the 41st Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia.

1977 – Weekends are offered in Rome, Korea, (Korean Speaking), Fiji, Argentina, South Africa, Kenya and New Zealand. The first European Secretariat meeting is held in Belgium and Canada organizes their Secretariat structure.

1978 – WWME is ten years old and holds its first International Council meeting formed at Cuernavaca, Mexico with the Seven Secretariats of Asia, South Pacific, Pan-Africa, Europe, United States, Canada and Latin America. The first contact is made in Poland with Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, aka Pope John Paul II.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter continues to be the strongest pro-marriage movement in the world now presented in over 87 countries and made available in twelve faith expressions.

ME Steps Family Reunion

2009-06-27T12:05:00.004+10:00

Last night, we took advantage of a special Happy Hour promotion at PIC to get together with one of our Steps Families for food, drinks, music and lively conversation. Steps Reunions are not unique or uncommon as we all feel a need to get together with our Steps Families from time to time.

After spending 10 or more sessions together, all the couples become our close "brothers and sisters" through ME. Last night, our group (Mark & Jenni Aguon, Gary & Lyn Camacho, Jun & Linda Pangelinan, Sheila Trianni, Russ & Kanae Quinn) celebrated and vowed to get together when Mike returned from his trip.

ME is a wonderful community, full of loving couples who prioritize their marriages and realize that we want to all have a happy and healthy home life.

Mark & Jenni also won a raffle prize!

Help Support Guam's ME Weekend!

2009-06-23T10:53:00.001+10:00

Greetings Lovers!

It is with great pleasure that we share with you that the Guam Area will be presenting a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend from Friday, June 26, 2009 through Sunday, June 28, 2009. Two of our own Presenting Teams ~ Jess & Anicia Sonoda and Julian & Marcia Calvo ~ will be presenting during this Weekend.

It was the Guam Marriage Encounter movement that shared the blessings of the Weekend with the CNMI back in the 1980s. And now, we have the opportunity to help encourage and support them during their Weekend by signing up for the Prayer Vigil.

If you can, please share your Couple Power with the Guam couples making the Weekend...as well as the Presenters as they present...by signing up for an hour of prayer between June 26th at 6pm and June 28th at 5pm.

You can email David and Carolyne at <apondisino@hotmail.com>(or we can also forward your reply to them). (Please see their original request below!)

With love and prayers,

Vince Hilma Castro and Fr. Isaac Ayuyu

Urgent Call for Prayers!

2009-06-11T15:20:00.000+10:00

Dearest ME Lovers,

We're urgently asking for your prayers for John Kleinfelder
as he undergoes rounds of tests, diagnosis and eventually treatment
for a sudden medical condition which is affecting his heart and body.

John and Rosemary Kleinfelder have been presenting Worldwide
Marriage Encounter Weekends for over thirty years and have served
as leaders for their Area, Section and even at the National level.
They have also been instrumental in forming the Weekend presentations
~ helping all Weekend Presenters ~ so that they can touch our lives
when we experience our Weekend.

We ask for your loving thoughts and prayers for John & Rosemary,
their family and all of the medical doctors and nurses trying to help them
as they experience this time of greate challenge.

You are all in our prayers,

Vince & Hilma and Fr. Isaac

ME at GTC Elementary Cultural & Health Festival

2009-06-06T11:19:00.001+10:00

Vince and Hilma Castro are going out into the community and have sponsored a booth at the
2nd Annual GTC Elementary School Cultural and Health Festival
which is TODAY!

June 6, 2009
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
at
the GTC School Field
in
San Roque

If you have any free time, drop on by!
We'd be happy to see you!
If you are interested in trying something similar in any of our other village communities,
let us know!

Let's spread the love!!

With love and prayers,

Vince & Hilma Castro
(789-7881)

ME joins Marianas March Against Cancer

2009-05-07T13:47:00.002+10:00

Good Morning Lovers!

The Marianas March Against Cancer is almost here!! It will be taking place on May 22-23, 2009 at the Hopwood Jr. High School Field. During this event, we will be burning luminary candles to support and honor our family and friends who are either battling this deadly disease or have passed away as a result of their battle. If you would like to order a luminary for someone in your life who has been affected by cancer, please fill out the form below and give us their information. Luminaries are $5 each.

Please email back any completed forms or call our TEAM WWME Captains, Antonio Lorraine Arriola for more details at 898-5787 (c), 237-3350 (Lorraine's Work), 288-0462 (h).

We hope to see you at the MMAC this year!

Steps is starting

2009-04-30T15:52:00.003+10:00

Rex & Clarie Kosack organized a Steps facilitator meeting yesterday and it was great to see all of our Steps family again. Rex announced that we'll have five groups this session with several new co-facilitating couples.

Steps is truly an essential part or really, the "Heart" of ME. This is where the ME community grows through the small groups meeting for each of the 10 Steps and learning not only how to better communicate with their spouse, but also their friends and family. The bond that closely binds Steps families are often much tighter than those of regular family members.

Steps couples seize the opportunity to love each other even more and take their relationship to the next level. It's often too easy to take a marriage or spouse for granted and Steps helps all of us remember to prioritize our relationships.

If you have any questions about Steps, please call Rex or Clarie Kosack at 322-8800.

Enroll for Steps Along the Journey - NOW!

2009-04-06T11:29:00.001+10:00

To All Encountered Couples and Priests!

Thank you for your prayers for,
attendance at, and loving contribution to
the (April 2, 2009) Reunion for the March 2009 Weekend.

SI YU’OS MA’ASE ~ Thank you
For your assistance in building the M.E. Community!

And

Don’t forget..........

Steps Along the Journey
New cycle has started, for Sign-Ups (please see attached form!) and scheduling information, please contact the Coordinators: Rex & Clarie Kosack
Telephone No. 322-8800
E-Mail: clarie.kosack@saipan.com or rex.kosack@saipan.com
&
Fall 2009 Weekend
Set for October 23-25, 2009
For registration and other recruiting information, please contact the Ecclesial Team:
Fr. Isaac Ayuyu
Tel. No. 234-3000; E-Mail: ikeayuyu@gmail.com
Vince & Hilma Castro
Tel. No. 789-7881; E-Mail: vincecastro@yahoo.com or mailto:hilmacastrome@gamil.com

Thank you, Father Ike & Cepeda's for your loving contribution

2009-04-06T11:23:00.002+10:00

At the ME reunion on Thursday evening, 4/2/09, the new Ecclesial leaders, Vince & Hilma Castro, awarded Father Ike and Charles & Cathy Cepeda for their 2+ years of dedicated service to the CNMI ME Community. Bishop Tomas A. Camacho issued the plaques, giving deserved recognition.

New Ecclesial Leadership Team for CNMI

2009-03-31T12:46:00.003+10:00

Last night, Mike & Jeanne Emry, the Section 12 Leaders for the CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, facilitated the Discernment process, whereby the new Leadership for the CNMI ME Community was chosen. Approximately 30 ME community members participated in the selection process.

A big Congratulations goes to Vince & Hilma Castro and Father Isaac Ayuyu for their commitment to serve the CNMI ME Community for the next two years. And, we would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Charles & Cathy Cepeda and Father Ike for their past 2+ years of love & service to our community. Our strong supportive community looks forward to the next Weekend, scheduled October 23-25, 2009 and the continuing enrichment programs such as Steps Along the Journey and Steeper Steps.

Vince & Hilma Castro, Father Ike, Jeanne & Mike Emry

Thank you, Vince & Hilma, for stepping up to become our new leaders. We love and support you!

Another Successful ME Weekend!

2009-03-31T12:33:00.002+10:00

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter is proud to welcome 24 new couples into the ME Community. These couples spent the Weekend enhancing and enriching their marriages through deeper communication. Congratulations to all of the newly encountered couples and the entire ME community who tirelessly gave their time, love and support to make the Weekend a successful one.

As a reminder to all newly encountered couples...

The Reunion (final presentation) is this Thursday, April 2, 2009 from 6pm at the Saipan Grand Hotel's Seaside Hall. Please bring a potluck dish to share.

All ME Couples are strongly encouraged to attend as well.

Justin Mariano & Hee Jae Lee with friend, Ysabel Aguon

The ME Community

ME "Lovers": Roy & Ruth Sablan, Charles & Cathy Cepeda and Jeff & Sonia Camacho

Frank & Carol Demapan ~ will they be the next Weekend Coordinators in October?

CNMI Marriage Encounter Weekend

2009-03-31T12:20:00.003+10:00

On Friday night, the CNMI ME Community came out in force to show their love and support to the 24 couples attending their Weekend Encounter at the Saipan Grand Hotel.

Father Isaac Ayuyu was the Presenting Priest, along with Mike and Jeanne Emry from California. Charles & Cathy Cepeda as the Ecclesial leaders, welcomed the Section 12 leaders to Saipan. This is their return trip to the Marianas.
Bishop Tomas A. Camacho speaks to all the new and encountered couples at the beginning of the Weekend. Jun & Linda Pangelinan did a fantastic job as the Coordinators!

Encountered Couples who are also Family:

JJ & Juanette Atalig, Peter & Natashia Tomokane, Dave & Nan Attao.

Perry & Leona Sablan and Evelyn & Newman Techur were some of the couples that helped throughout the Weekend.

Gary, Lynette & Dallas Camacho with "Uncle" Russ

Spring Marriage Encounter Weekend Starts Tonight!

2009-03-27T13:57:00.002+10:00

The Spring Marriage Encounter Weekend begins tonight at 6pm at the Saipan Grand Hotel. ME is pleased to welcome the Section 12 leaders: Mike & Jeanne Emry to be one of the Presenting Couples for this Weekend! Other presenters include Jess & Anicia Sonoda, Julian & Marcia Calvo and Father Isaac C. Ayuyu.

The ME Weekend is truly a time for the couple to learn about ways to enrich their marriage through intimate communication. Some people may think that registering for the Weekend signals a troubled marriage, but in reality, it means that the couple cares enough about their spouse to enhance their marriage and take it to another level. Remember when you first met your spouse and you were so in love with that person? Well... that romance can be re-kindled and we've witnessed hundreds of CNMI couples who complete the Weekend feeling like newlyweds. At ME, we believe that marriage is a lifetime journey and an investment that money can't buy.

At the Steps reunion last Saturday, we got together at the home of Rex and Clarie Kosack to get together with other couples who just completed or on their way to complete "Steps Along The Journey", the 10-week session that immediately follows the Weekend. These couples were encountered in November 2008 and the Facilitators/Co-Facilitators include: Rex & Clarie Kosack, Jun & Linda Pangelinan, Jess & Anicia Sonoda, Vince & Hilma Castro, Russ & Kanae Quinn, Jeff & Sonia Camacho and Sean & Barbara Maycock (not pictured).

The Sonoda's & Castro's group all watched the movie, "Fireproof" and created T-shirts that read, "My Marriage Is Fireproof". www.fireproof.com

We look forward to the Reunion on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at the Saipan Grand Hotel.

For any questions, please contact Russ & Kanae Quinn @ 287-0318.

March 27-29, 2009 ~ the Next M.E. Weekend!

2009-03-12T11:10:00.003+10:00

This morning, Vince & Hilma Castro and Russ & Kanae Quinn appeared on the Harry Blalock Morning Radio Show on KZMI 103.9 FM to invite listeners to register for the weekend. All married couples in the CNMI are eligible to attend. The Weekend allows couples to spend time together, focusing on communication in their marriage.

The cost is only $50 per couple for a 2 night stay and covers all meals on Saturday and Sunday at the Saipan Grand Hotel. For those who wish to attend but are unable to fund the $50, sponsors are available. Please contact Hilma & Vince Castro. Hilma:789-7881 and Vince: 287-8089. Email: hilmacastrome@gmail.com.

Will you be attending the M.E.morial BBQ on 5/29 (1-6pm)?
	Yes, count us in! There will be 2 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 3 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 4 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 5 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 6 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 7 of us.
	Yes, count us in! There will be 8 of us.
	No, sorry we can't make it.

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	I'm Not AshaM.E.
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