Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is an Engaged Encounter? 

Engaged Encounter is one of the approved marriage preparation programs available to couples being married in the Catholic Church. 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. It is a weekend to be shared privately by a couple, though the weekend will have approximately 25 couples attending. The weekend is not a recreational retreat. The weekend utilizes a dynamic process based on listening, writing and dialogue. It gives couples making a commitment to Christian covenant marriage the opportunity for honest intensive communication about their future lives together. Engaged Encounter 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. The couples are urged to communicate in terms of planning a marriage, not only as a wedding day celebration, but as a lifelong commitment to each other. 

2) What happens on a weekend?

Through a series of talks presented by a team of two or three trained married couples and a priest, the engaged couples are invited to reflect 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. Each couple concentrates on each other. Personal reflection and dialogue are the main emphasis of the weekend. Couples are there to work at deepening their level of commitment and communication with each other as a couple. The weekend is not a social event, with the exception of meals and a few group activities. 

3) How much does a weekend cost?

The normal cost for a resident overnight weekend in 2007 is approximatley $280 per couple which includes meals and two nights double occupancy lodging shared with another participant of the same gender. A non-overnight weekend is abound $175 per couple which includes meals on Saturday and Sunday.

4) Who is it for? 

The weekend retreat is for engaged couples who are making a commitment to the Catholic sacrament of matrimony. This weekend will help couples to deepen and develop the skills needed to enrich their lives together. The encounter is Catholic in orientation and origin, and may be an opportunity to renew a Church commitment or learn current Church teaching. 

5) Do you have to be Catholic to attend a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend? 

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. Many faiths offer an Engaged Encounter program of their own. 

6) Why should I 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. 

7) Can I arrive late or leave early during a weekend?

While we will try to accommodate your schedule as best we can, our program is a complete package. Engaged Encounter requires that you attend all the presentations to finish the program receive a completion certificate. If you have special circumstances, please contact us ahead of time.

8) How does Engaged Encounter enrich a marriage? 

The encounter weekend teaches a communication technique which permits couples to explore important areas of their relationship in a spirit of love and understanding. By continuing the newly-acquired techniques 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 experience and who share similar values provides a supportive environment for even further growth. 

9) Is there an ideal time to attend? 

The best time to attend is several months prior to your anticipated wedding date. Space is limited, therefore, reservations should be made as early as possible. We recommend that reservations be made at least six months prior to the Weekend desired. 

10) Who facilitates the weekend? 

A team of two or three married couples and sometimes a priest facilitate and guide the weekend. The team consists of couples with well prepared, consistent and balanced presentations. The presentations involve personal sharing on marriage and family issues.

11) How can we get a copy of the Hands Prayer?

The prayer is posted on numerous sites throughout the internet. You can easily find it by searching Google.

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