this is the code for the render ad
Community› Cultural Wedding Boards› Catholic Weddings
Catholic Weddings
New Discussion

Engaged Encounter Weekend

ks107021ks107021
500 Comments
in Catholic Weddings
I have lurked on this board for a little while and have decided to post today.  I notice many couples do a pre-cana class in the evenings, or an Engaged Encounter day or day/night session, but has anyone done a whole weekend?  We have ours this weekend and it begins Friday at 7:00 and goes until Sunday at 3:00.  What should we expect?  What will we do in the evenings?  Will it be all reflections and journaling or will there be other activities? 

We are looking forward to the weekend, but we just don't know what to expect.  Just curious if others had done a whole weekend.  Thanks! 
Anniversary
Report Reply to Post

Re: Engaged Encounter Weekend

  • audreyjemaudreyjem
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    FI and I are going to one next weekend, and I'm with you. From what I've read about the one I'm attending, there will be some individual questions to answer, and then discuss as a couple. Our also has a full mass and meal times, but other than that I'm not too sure what to expect. I believe it will be lead by a priest and two couples.  Hope that helps a little!
    ~The Future Mrs. L~ Planning Bio Image and video hosting by TinyPic Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] member
    10000 Comments Fourth Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    We did the EE Weekend. Basically the weekend was a combination of large group and small group activities. There were also times where you will probably be alone or in a quiet area with just your FI. And then you once you have discussed or answered the questions in your workbook, you may come together as a larger group to discuss them. And throughout all of it the couples for the weekend will add to the discussion with their experiences and advice. Our weekend concluded with Mass on Sunday late morning/afternoon and then we were free to go.

    Don't be afraid to ask questions. The group that we went with was very diverse. There were some interracial and interfaith (one was not even Christian) couples there. Our adult leaders really stressed the importance of Christian marriage as to make the non Catholic people feel welcome and not out of place. Actually, I have heard of non Catholic couples attending the weekend by the recommendation of their pastor or whoever was facilitating their pre marriage counseling.

    It is definitely a jammed packed weekend. We were exhausted when we got home. It was also very emotional for me, but that may not be the same for you. It really gets you thinking and makes you reflect on different things that will likely arise in marriage.

    Good luck. I will say a prayer for you guys.
    Report Reply
  • TheBeckmeisterTheBeckmeister
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We did a whole weekend, too.  Be prepared to sit, listen, write, read, and talk.  We didn't really have much interaction with the other couples except during meal times.  We did have a few hours "off" on Saturday to walk around the grounds, take a nap, finish discussions you didn't have enough time for, etc.  I think we went pretty late into both Friday and Saturday evenings (maybe 10 or 11; I don't remember for sure, we did EE a year ago...).  

    I'd say to dress comfortably (jeans were fine) and just be open and honest.  I think it was very beneficial to our relationship.

    Have fun!
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Anniversary
    Report Reply
  • linzluvsgzusslinzluvsgzuss
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We did a whole weekend. It was great. A lot of time focused on you and FI as a couple, some minimal interaction with other couples. Basically, you go to a large room, hear a talk, write, then talk 1-on-1 with FI...rinse and repeat. It's a long weekend, but really good. Nothing to be anxious about :)
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • mica178mica178 member
    5000 Comments Fourth Anniversary 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_engaged-encounter-weekend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:4b7c523b-f8e1-4c6d-bf76-709a640050b7Post:e6f97003-b731-4eb5-875c-5dafaaa04a93">Re: Engaged Encounter Weekend</a>:
    [QUOTE]We did a whole weekend. It was great. A lot of time focused on you and FI as a couple, some minimal interaction with other couples. Basically, you go to a large room, hear a talk, write, then talk 1-on-1 with FI...rinse and repeat. It's a long weekend, but really good. Nothing to be anxious about :)
    Posted by linzluvsgzuss[/QUOTE]


    We had the same experience.  It was  tiring, though.  I'm not used to sitting still for so long! 
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic **Bio**
    Report Reply
  • Nickie431Nickie431 member
    Third Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We're headed to EE this weekend, as well, in Wichita, KS.  Our diocese only offers Pre-Cana (apparently not very well), and our priest really recommended that we diocese-hop.  Definitely taking a new journal and my favorite smooth-writing pen!  Prayers going out for you and all the other couples!
    "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (Isaiah 43:1)
    Report Reply
  • dancerbrat531dancerbrat531
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ours was very similar. We came at Friday evening, had some beginning sessions, and continued until Sunday afternoon and concluded with Mass. It was also just listening to the host couples give a talk about a certain topic within marriage, and then we would separate and write our own thoughts and feelings on the topic. Afterwards, we would reunite with our fiance in a private room and discuss what we had written. It was a great weekend that bonded my fiance and I even closer, while at the same time bringing up tough issues that you may not regularly discuss. Don't fret, it was a fun weekend that is a great starting foundation to a strong marriage. Smile
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards