What is Catholic Engaged Encounter?

Catholic 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, intimacy, family, their role in the church and in society.

What happens on a weekend?

Through a series of ideas presented by teams of married couples, 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Do we have to stay all weekend?

Yes...the weekend begins on Saturday morning and ends late Sunday afternoon. Please arrange your schedule accordingly and select a weekend in which you can make this full commitment.

What should we pack and wear?

Separate sleeping facilities 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 is "dorm" style for sleeping and showering. Bedding is provided but you will need to bring your own towel. In addition you may want to to bring along an alarm clock and fan during the summer months.

When and Where?

Catholic Engaged Encounter weekends are held at St. Joseph Center in Jackson, Michigan. Directions will be sent out a few weeks before your weekend. The weekend begins on Saturday morning at 8:00 am and ends on Sunday at approximately 5:00 pm.

What is the cost of a weekend?

The cost of the weekend is $175 per couple which includes your meals, supplies and overnight stay. A free will donation is asked at the end the weekend.

How and when do we register?

Because of the size of the retreat center, space is limited on each weekend. You should register as soon as you decide to make a weekend. You may submit your registration form online, but your reservation will not be confirmed until we receive your $175 check or money order by mail.