Practical Teachings
Experience insightful and practical talks from a range of guest speakers, sharing openly and honestly from both Christian teachings and personal lived experiences.
Beyond the Vows Marriage Retreat
Grow closer together
Step away from the noise of everyday life and invest in what matters most. This one-day Catholic marriage retreat, hosted by Beyond the Vows, will be led by Byron and Francine Pirola—co-founders and principal authors of the SmartLoving marriage preparation series—who bring decades of real-world experience helping couples build strong, faith-filled marriages.
Time to Reconnect
Built-in moments for meaningful 1:1 conversations with your spouse, deepening your bond and strengthening your connection.
Prayer Experience
Personal time away from life's demands to connect with God and nurture your faith.
Testimonials from BTV 2025
'Every married couple needs this'
'It's real, it's grounded, and it reminds you of what marriage really is.'
'It was a powerful reminder that perseverance matters, and that by working through issues and staying committed, couples can grow stronger.'
'The day has helped my husband and I reconnect with the values of our marriage and what we want moving forward.'
Meet the Speakers
Byron & Francine Pirola
Francine & Byron Pirola are the co-founders and principal authors of the SmartLoving series. They are passionate about living Catholic marriage to the full and helping couples reach their marital potential. They have been married since 1988 and have five children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Another speaker being announced soon.
The Details
Saturday, 30th May 2026; 9:45am-5:00pm
$80 per couple
CRC Caroline Springs
Catholic Regional College, 10 College Street, Caroline Springs, VIC 3023
What to Expect
- Dynamic teachings
- Practical tips
- Shared meals
- Meaningful conversations
- Times of prayer
- Uplifting & fun environment
Did someone say babysitting?
We want to ensure the day is as accessible as possible for married couples, which is why we're delighted to offer babysitting services throughout the event for children aged 3 years and above. Once you've registered, you will receive an automated email with a link to register your child/children for babysitting.
Frequently Asked
Who is 'Beyond the Vows' for?
The Beyond the Vows marriage retreat day is designed for any married couple looking to reconnect with each other and draw closer in their vocation of marriage. Please note that the day has been crafted for Catholic couples and all that is shared will reflect and promote Catholic/Christian teaching.
Will I have to talk with others about our marriage relationship?
Absolutely not. The day is designed around private conversations between couples with no expectation to share with others. We respect your privacy.
Who is the day endorsed and sponsored by?
We are grateful for the generous support and endorsement of Melbourne Vocations Office, St Catherine of Siena Parish, Caroline Springs, The Catholic Women's League and Catholic Development Fund. We're thankful for the spiritual guidance and wisdom of many priests and seasoned Catholic married couples as we've prepared this event.
Do I have to be married to attend?
The Beyond the Vows marriage retreat day is designed for married couples to attend together. If you have a circumstance that limits your ability to attend as a couple, please email the team at beyondthevowsmelb@gmail.com
Is this a counselling event?
No. The day is designed to offer practical and hope-filled encouragement to married couples. As married couples ourselves, we understand that every marriage will go through seasons of hardship, so for those interested, we may be able to point you in the direction of marriage counselling to pursue after the event, but this is not the objective of the event.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately we are unable to process ticket refunds for this event.
Who's the team behind this event?
We're a group of Catholic friends cheering each other on in our vocation of marriage—through the great times and the tough ones. We've realised that marriage is a happily ever-learning journey, and that we craved some of the encouragement and formation that we receive before we got married! So, after some shared meals, prayer and late-night Zoom calls once the kids were asleep, the idea emerged to create a space where Catholic married couples can find encouragement, build marriage skills, keep learning and reconnect with the true meaning of marriage. And that's how 'Beyond the Vows' was born! We're excited for the opportunity to step away from the hustle of daily life, intentionally tune into our spouse and focus on growing in what truly matters in our marriages!
Sponsored by
Ready for renewed hope?
Your marriage doesn't need to be in crisis to deserve attention. Set aside a day to reaffirm your vows, deepen in intimacy and draw nearer to God.
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Beyond the Vows: A One Day Marriage Retreat
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