FAQ

A Wedding is a Day... A Marriage is a Lifetime !

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catholic Engaged Encounter?
It is a Weekend designed for couples who are preparing for marriage. While it is spent with other engaged couples, private time is available to build a closer relationship. The Weekend provides couples an opportunity to talk together honestly and intensely about their future lives together-- their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals, as well as their attitudes about money, children, family and their role in church and society.

What is the weekend like?
Through a series of ideas presented by the team the engaged couple is stimulated to discuss privately all aspects of their forthcoming married life. Their discussion is always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. Personal reflection and dialogue between them becomes the main thrusts of the weekend. Meals together with all of the couples and Sunday Mass provide group participation.

When is the weekend held?
The weekend begins Friday evening at 7:30PM and concludes late Sunday afternoon with Mass. The couple MUST stay the entire Weekend (no exceptions). Certificates of attendance are given at the close of the Weekend.

Do we have to be Catholic?
The Weekend is Catholic in orientation and is presented by two Catholic married couples and a priest. Anyone planning for marriage in the Catholic Church is eligible for the Weekend. However, the weekend is open to couples of all faiths.

When is the best time to attend?
If possible, couples should plan to attend a weekend several months before their wedding to obtain maximum benefit. Couples must plan to stay the entire Weekend to benefit from the experience thoroughly.

What is the cost of the weekend?
We are a non-profit organization and we try to keep costs to a minimum. The cost of the weekend is $250 per couple. ($50 is non-refundable). The amount of the weekend must be prepaid when the application and a self-addressed, stamped envelope is mailed in. An opportunity for a donation is made available during the weekend.

How do we register?
Complete the electronic registration form by clicking on the registration link at the top of this page. The cost of the weekend should be mailed as soon as you register to ensure your requested weekend.

Where is the weekend held?
Weekends are held at two locations within the San Bernardino Diocese. After the couple sends in their reservation, a letter is returned in their self-addressed, stamped envelope with detailed instructions where and when their particular weekend will be held. Note: You will be sharing a room with a person of the same gender at all of the facilities. No exceptions are made to these sleeping arrangements.

Is a Spanish Language Weekend Available?
For a Spanish Language weekend please contact Alberto & Monica Santana at (909) 872-0738.

What if we are already married?
If you are being married for the first time in the Catholic church we recommend you attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend. If you have been married in the Catholic church and are renewing your wedding vows we recommend you attend a Marriage Encounter weekend.

How do I contact Engaged Encounter Communities in other localities?
Please visit the worldwide CEE web site for a listing of all communities and schedules for upcoming weekends.