Worldwide Marriage Encounter's emphasis is on communication between husband and wife, who spend a weekend together away from the distractions and the tensions of everyday life, to concentrate on each other. It's mission of renewal in the Church and change in the world is to assist couples and priests to live fully intimate and responsible relationships by providing them with a Catholic "experience" and ongoing community support for such a lifestyle.
The Marriage Encounter Community (also called Love circle, circle, board, etc.) is a monthly gathering that provides support for couples, who have made a Marriage Encounter Weekend, by encouraging their Sacramental Unions with prayer, presentation, dialogue, and sharing of feelings. The presentation deals with some aspect of the marital relationship. The community supports the Church by furthering other ministry within the parish, and the local area Marriage Encounter by promoting and assisting with the weekend.
Marriage Encounter is not a retreat, nor a marriage clinic, nor group sensitivity. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian Marriage.