From staff reports
The Catholic Campus Ministry at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, is holding a daylong retreat to help young adults prepare for when they are ready for Catholic marriage.
Titled “Before ‘I Do,’” the April 29 retreat is open to all young adults regardless of their relationship status.
“The college-age group faces numerous obstacles, one of which is relationships,” Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Catholic campus minister in Monmouth University, said in discussing the impetus for the event. “By the time they start thinking about marriage, they’re unprepared.”
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The retreat will feature pastoral and lay ministry advice including that of Father Mark Nillo, parochial vicar of St. Michael Parish, West End, who will speak on the marriage preparation process; D’Averso-Collins, who will address relationship obstacles and the cohabitation culture; and witness by Lori and Mike McCahill, who lead the marriage ministry in their parish, St. Benedict, Holmdel, and serve on the Diocese’s Council on Marriage. The couple, married more than 30 years, will speak about how faith has played a role in their life journey.
“We’re hoping to give young adults a clear picture of what Catholic marriage looks like and how they can prepare now, so that when the time comes, they feel equipped to make an informed decision,” D’Averso-Collins said.
The retreat will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the university’s Catholic Center, 16 Beechwood Ave., West Long Branch, NJ 07764. To reserve a spot by April 25, contact D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@monmouth.edu.