Engaged Encounter  Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Engaged Encounter Weekend?

Engaged Encounter is an investment in the future - a weekend experience in which an atmosphere is created that enables each couple to concentrate exclusively on one another while free of the pressures and interruptions of daily life. However, this weekend is not a recreational retreat. It is a program designed to give each couple an opportunity to discuss honestly with each other, in a face-to-face manner, their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals, their attitudes about money, sex, family, their role in the church and in society.

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What Happens on a Weekend?

Through a series of ideas presented by teams of married couples and a priest, the engaged couples are stimulated to dialogue privately on all aspects of married life, always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. Couples are given the opportunity to question, examine and deepen their relationship with each other. Through a series of writing and sharing exercises the couples are challenged to explore many aspects of their relationship in a much deeper, more honest way than they may have before. Personal reflection and dialogue are the main emphasis of the weekend, with the exception of meals and a few group activities interspersed.

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What is the Cost of a Weekend? How do we register?

The cost of the weekend if $325 per couple which includes meals, lodging and supplies. This amount is to be included with the registration form. The fee is non-refundable in the event of cancellation; however, you may reschedule 30 days in advance. Confirmation of your reservation will be sent only upon receipt of the registration form and fee. Please register 2-3 months prior to your desired weekend to ensure your date.

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Do we have to stay all weekend?

Yes...the weekend begins on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. and ends Sunday afternoon about 2:00 p.m. Please arrange your schedule accordingly and select a weekend in which you can make this full commitment.

Please Note for 2020 retreat couples:

At Rosaryville our weekend begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner.

At New Orleans Retreat Center, our weekend begins at 7:00 p.m.
(dinner not provided).

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Does the couple have to be Catholic?

Although the weekend is designed for couples planning to be married in the Catholic Church, it is open to all couples of any faith. It has been found to be both beneficial and supporting of couples from differing faith backgrounds.

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How soon before the wedding should we attend our weekend?

We recommend the "earlier the better". As soon as you are engaged, or even considering engagement that is the right time to attend a weekend. By attending early you can discover areas of growth necessary in your relationship, determine if engagement and marriage is right for you at this time (before becoming too invested in the wedding preparations), and avoid the last minute hassles of attending a weekend while trying to do everything else your wedding day entails.

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Why should we attend?

The weekend experience offers each couple the insights, the tools, and the confidence to enrich their relationship and strengthen their love for one another. They learn that good marriages don't just happen. They must be developed. For many couples, this weekend is one of the most significant experiences of their courtship.

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What should we pack and wear?

Separate semi-private rooms are provided for men and women on the weekend. Pack separately and bring casual clothing that will be comfortable. Also bring a bathrobe as the facility has semi-private rooms for sleeping and showering. You will need to bring your own towel.  In addition you may want to bring along a pillow.

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How does an Engaged Encounter enhance a marriage?

The encounter weekend teaches a communication technique which permits each couple to explore important areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding. By continuing the newly acquired technique begun on the weekend, husbands and wives continually grow closer together to live more joyful and purposeful lives. While not an essential part of the experience, the availability of a community of others who have shared the weekend and who share similar values provides a supportive environment for even further growth.

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Comments from the marriage experts.

"Engaged Encounter is the best marriage preparation program in communication for engaged couples of any denomination in the U.S."
- Michael J McManus, author of the book, "Marriage Savers",
syndicated columnist in 100 newspapers and radio commentator.

"In addition to pre-marital counseling, another wonderful way to eliminate the unpleasant surprises of early married life is a program called Engaged Encounter ... I strongly recommend Engaged Encounter to every couple planning a wedding."
- Dr. James Dobson, author of "Love for a Lifetime",
founder of Focus on the Family

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