Record number of Catholic military couples attend AMS marriage retreat in South Korea

Nearly 40 Catholic US military couples gathered in Gangneug, South Korea, earlier this month for a weekend focused on faith and marriage, setting a new participation record for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS).

The gathering, held Sept. 5-7 at the Skybay Hotel, drew 39 couples from bases across South Korea, including USAG Humphreys, USAG Daegu, and Osan Air Base, according to a Sept. 11 press release from AMS. It was the 10th marriage enrichment retreat offered by the AMS since 2018 and the most well-attended to date. The previous record of 31 couples was set in Germany earlier this year.

Dr. Mark Moitoza, who oversees evangelization for the archdiocese and directed the program, said the retreat gave couples space to reflect and reconnect despite the demands of military life. 

“Military schedules are demanding and living overseas can add additional stress,” he said in the release. “Being able to provide this unique moment to focus on the Lord and the gift of marriage helps couples recognize that they are not alone despite vast time differences.”

The program combined liturgies, guided discussions, and time for rest. Priests serving as military chaplains — Fr. John F. Reutemann III and Fr. Joseph B. Baltz — celebrated Mass, offered confessions, and provided counsel. Participants also prayed before the Blessed Sacrament and shared a Saturday evening dinner celebrating the sacrament of matrimony.

Couples were invited to reflect on communication, commitment, and intimacy, using the REFOCCUS Marriage Enrichment Inventory, a tool developed by FOCCUS, Inc. of the Archdiocese of Omaha. The resource encourages spouses to view marriage as an ongoing process requiring openness and growth.

Behind the scenes, local volunteers ensured the retreat ran smoothly. A team coordinated by Lt. Col. Gabriel Young arranged transportation, worked with the hotel, and provided details ranging from liturgical music to retreat materials. Moitoza praised their efforts, saying the planning was carried out “flawlessly.”

Since 2018, AMS marriage retreats have been held in locations as varied as Maryland, California, Italy, Guam, and Germany, according to the release. The South Korea gathering, supported by benefactors, continues the archdiocese’s effort to strengthen Catholic marriages among military families stationed around the world.

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