Couples who believe in marriage help others strengthen theirs

"The greatest gift a mom and dad can give their children is a loving marriage."

Those words are used by Worldwide Marriage Encounter to promote weekends for couples who want to enrich and energize their marriages.

Tony and Joan Viscusi of Glenville wholeheartedly agree with the slogan because "we have witnessed miracles that take place for couples on a Marriage Encounter weekend," said Mr. Viscusi.

Leadership

The Viscusis, who have been married for 45 years, were recently chosen as the new ecclesial leaders for Worldwide Marriage Encounter in New York State. They have served as a leader couple on the weekends for 30 years.

They will work with Mike and Nancy Reisinger of Schenectady, who will serve as representative coordinators in the Diocese of Albany. They have been married for 38 years.

"The weekend venue is an opportunity for couples to enhance their marriage, and thereby enrich their family life and the life of the larger Church community," Mrs. Reisinger said.

Life-changing

After moving to the Albany Diocese from New Jersey, the Reisingers attended a weekend and decided afterward to volunteer as a leader couple.

"The weekend changed our lives," Mrs. Reisinger said. "It invigorated our marriage, and we didn't want to let go of that feeling. We saw what it did for our marriage. As a leader couple, we can see what it does for others."

Communication

The weekend is designed to teach couples a technique of loving communication that enriches their relationship.

"Marriage Encounter weekends continue to feed our marriage. We take what we learn and put that into our daily lives," noted Mrs. Viscusi. "I like the fact that, after all this time, Tony and I still have fun and enjoy being with each other. It keeps us 'young in love.'"

(The next Marriage Encounter weekend in the Albany Diocese will be held Nov. 16-18. To register, call Ed and Rhonda Staats at 279-3243.)

(10/18/07) [[In-content Ad]]