I just wanted to send out a message for anyone who may be interested or may be going to an Engaged Encounter (a requirement for getting married in the Catholic Church).
I just wanted to tell everyone that I think it is more than worth it! However, you only get out of it what you put into it...
I think we both felt like we got a lot from the experience. The retreat really helps couples to talk about very important topics and possible issues that will absolutely come up in a marriage. It also starts a great line of communication, as long as you both can keep it going. I always felt like my fiance and I had good communication before, but I think the experience just put it on a whole new level. Plus the two host couples were really great and had so much to share from their own experiences in their marriages. One of the couples we met was together for about 7 or 8 years (I forget), the other has been together for over 40. That's awesome! It's really nice to know that it does still exist.
Don't worry if one of you is not Catholic (my fiance is not), they are not pushy about converting. Of course it may come up, because it's a possible reality and a possible issue for some couples. But, by no means do they sit there and try and make everyone Catholic.
Also, the whole weekend wasn't serious, there was some fun activities too. You also get a chance to meet some really cool people. It's nice to talk to other couples who are getting married. Because if you're like me, you are one of the only one of your friends getting married.
So that's it from me for now. I hope this can help someone who may be curious or skeptical about the experience. I can almost guarentee you wont regret it!
