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

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.

A Successful World Marriage Day

The CNMI Chapter of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Community recently celebrated WORLD MARRIAGE DAY on February 7, 2009 at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater. As a historic ecumenical celebration with Father Ike Ayuyu, Father Ryan Jimenez, Pastor Greg Dickerman and Pastor Roger Abe, the CNMI Marriage Encounter Community and the public joined together as one to celebrate the sanctity of marriage and family.

The ceremony commenced with a song by Jenni Aguon, “The Greatest Gift of All”, followed by each of the priests and pastors reading scripture verses. Interspersed among the verses were testimonies from three couples: Rex & Clarie Kosack, Charles & Cathy Cepeda and Gonzalo & Linda Pangelinan who shared their stories about love and marriage. Next, followed the homily by Pastor Dickerman, the candle lighting and the renewing of vows.

Lastly, the large Muna clan witnessed Father Ryan bestow a special honor and blessing for Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas Muna, recognized as the Longest Married Couple in the CNMI. The Muna’s have been married for 66 years and are blessed with many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The memorable event was a prelude to Valentine’s Day and the next Marriage Encounter Weekend, slated for March 27-29, 2009 at the Saipan Grand Hotel. For registration, please contact John & Vicky Mafnas at 285-8454 or Email: vbmafnas@yahoo.com.

World Marriage Day Proclamation Signing

On January 27th, Bishop Thomas Camacho and Lt. Governor Timothy Villagomez signed the World Marriage Day Proclamation for the CNMI. The Bishop has always been a strong advocate of Marriage Encounter and we are grateful for his strong support.

We look forward to the World Marriage Day Celebration next Saturday, February 7th from 4-6pm at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater. It's FREE and open to the public (all married couples).

See you there!

CNMI Marriage Encounter

The CNMI Marriage Encounter Community is pleased to introduce its newest members to the M.E. Community. Seventeen happy couples completed the Weekend on Sunday, November 16, 2008.

Don & Jeanette Boltz from California, Charlie & Esther Keone from Guam, Charles & Cathy Cepeda and Father Ike Ayuyu formed the presenting team for the Weekend.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It's a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It's a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other.

The emphasis of the Marriage Encounter weekend is on the communication between husbands and wives. The weekend provides a conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship.

It's not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity, or a substitute for counseling. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Marriage.

This is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention!

For information on the upcoming Weekend scheduled for March 27-29, 2009, please contact John & Vicky Mafnas at 285-8454.