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Engaged Encounter
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 their fiance', 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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Through a series of talks 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 more deeper more honest way then they may have before. Personal reflection and dialogue are the main emphasis of the weekend with the exception of meals and a few groups activities.
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At this time the anticipated total weekend cost is $225 per couple. This includes meals, lodging and hand-outs.
Please register 2-3 months prior to your desired weekend to ensure your date.
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Yes...the weekend begins with Registration at 7:30AM - 8:30AM on
Saturday and ends
Sunday afternoon about 3:30 p.m. Please arrange your schedule
accordingly and select a weekend in which you can make this full commitment.
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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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Although we are called Engaged Encounter, a couple does not need to be actually
engaged to attend a 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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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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"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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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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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 "dormitory" style for sleeping and showering.
Depending on where you register for your weekend (Phoenix or Tucson) bedding may or may not be provided.
Regardless, upon registering, you will be sent a confirmation letter explaining further details on what to pack and bring.
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