Looking for a Pre-Marital Retreat!?

robdavisjr

My Fiancee and I have friends that went on a Catholic pre-marital retreat. We are not Catholic, but love the idea of going on a weekend retreat with other engaged couples for premarital counseling. Does anyone know of any Christian pre-marital retreats? (preferrably in the Mid-Atlantic region?)

Ms.BriarRose

There is a program called Engaged Encounter that lots of the Catholic Diocese run- I know Baltimore definitely does one.I know you are not Catholic, but I am recommending the Catholic Engaged Encounter for 2 reasons.  First, the way Engaged Encounter is set up, there are other denominations available, but they are very hard to find compared to the Catholic one.  Second, because of the type of program it is, it really doesn't matter what denomination you are- it's set up so that it's all one on one time with you and FI.  I have spoken to several pastors (I am Lutheran) who attended Catholic ones and Lutheran ones, and to people who teach both, and they said that the program is exactly the same.I highly recommend you look into Engaged Encounter.  It's really one of the only types of retreats where it's faith based but doesn't really matter what part of Christianity you are part of.  I know that sounds odd, but the entire weekend is set up that they give you topics to work on, and most of it is done one-on-one.  It's also written in a way that it is made as exciting or as boring as the leaders want it, so you want to make sure that you find one in an area that is highly recommended.If you have more questions about Engaged Encounter, I highly suggest you post about it on the Catholic Weddings board.  Quite a few girls have done it over there, and they can direct you to who has a good program, what to expect, etc.  I asked myself over there a while ago, and they were extremely helpful.If you don't find an away retreat type premarital counseling that works for you, but are still interested in premarital counseling, let me know- my FI and I decided it was a must for us, a way of "fireproofing' our marriage.  I have several names of Christian therapists and pastors that use a certain non-denominational program that might work as well.  My email is msbriarrose@gmail.com.  Any way I can help, let me know!

Sparrow515

My FI and I are going on the Engaged Encounter this weekend.  There aren't anymore scheduled for 2009, but you can check out the website.  It's www.wilmee.org.  I'm really looking forward to it, and from what our priest says, it's very interactive and there is a lot to be learned about not only marriage, but about each other. HTH!

Ms.BriarRose

Sparrow- I didn't know you were doing it too!  When you get back, you will def have to let me know how it was, okay?  Bri and I really want to do one, but with all my medical ish going on, and having to be separated, we felt it just wasn't the right time right now.  I hope that you and FI have a great time, though, and you will have to come back and tell us how you liked it!

Sparrow515

I definetly will Brit!

robdavisjr

BriarRose and Sparrow, thanks for your input! I think that we'll definitely take a look at this. I hope that we have not missed our chance, as her shower is this weekend! Someone on another board suggested FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember, which is for Married Couples, with 2 breakout session during the weekend for pre-marriage couples... We may not have a choice as we are running out of time! (Feb 6th, 2010). Thanks again! -Rob

Ms.BriarRose

Rob, check out [url]http://www.engagedencounter.com/[/url] for more info.  Also check out diocese websites- sometimes they offer it, but it isn't listed on the EE website.All of the diocese, including Philadelphia and Baltimore, offer EE- so you may be able to find one through someplace nearby, but not necessarily in Wilmington or DE.  Also, if you wanted to look for other EE, just google Engaged Encounter- you might get lucky and find a session run close by!  I know I looked into the EE run by Lutheran churches, but most of them are out in the mid-west (not surprising, LOL).  Another thing to think about and check into is with local churches- some of them might run their own retreats.  You could also check with religious camps in the area- for example, the Lutheran camp for this area, Mar-Lu-Ridge, might offer different opportunities, and I am sure that the Ridge is not the only religious camp around here.  Just some other thoughts!

robdavisjr

BriarRose, thanks! It sounds like you are on the ball with this stuff! I have called a few churches and their courses supposed to be for members, and we have not decided on a church yet. Have you heard of FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember? Someone recommended it on another board, and while it is specifically for engaged couples, they have two breakout sessions during the weekend for pre-marriage couples. There is one next weekend in Williamsburg. Let me know if you have heard anything good/bad!!Thanks again!Rob