Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE) provides quality marriage preparation primarily for couples who are planning to marry in the Catholic Church. However, couples who are not Catholic are also welcome to attend one of our weekends. The program is available in most dioceses in the United States and in many locations internationally.

CEE is recognized, both nationally and internationally, as a quality, highly effective, marriage preparation program designed to meet the needs of today's engaged couples.

Building Better Marriages Engaged Encounter introduces couples to a communication technique they can use effectively to foster a deeper knowledge of each other.

Spiritual Needs Each couple comes to realize that marriage is a sacrament and a vocation, and that God and prayer are essential to a fruitful marriage.

Personal Needs Each person is challenged to review the decision-making process and to examine the motives for seeking marriage.

A Commitment to Marriage The presenting teams usually consist of two married couples and a priest who give a series of carefully prepared presentations. The teams are serious about marriage, and believe that it is a sacrament and should not be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but deliberately, and seriously.

Engaged Encounter does not boast of a 0% failure rate. The teams are very realistic about what can be done on a weekend. They have noticed that even a minimally motivated couple can come to an experiential knowledge of what marriage is.

The Engaged Encounter Program It is an intensive weekend of work during which each couple is offered the time and opportunity to question, examine, and deepen their relationship with each other and with God. Couples are challenged to explore their relationship in a much deeper, more honest way than they have been before.

Topics covered during the weekend include self-awareness, human sexuality, communications, decision making, Natural Family Planning, vocation, sacrament, unity and more.

Through a series of talks presented by a team of two trained married couples and a priest, the engaged couples are invited to reflect privately on all aspects of married life, always from the viewpoint of their own relationship. Engaged 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 deeper, more honest way than they may have before. Each couple concentrates on each other. Personal reflection and dialogue are the main emphasis of the weekend. Couples are there to work at deepening their level of commitment and communication with each other as a couple. The weekend is not a social event, with the exception of meals and a few group activities.

Beginning in 2007 the total cost for the weekend retreats is $175. The fee must be paid upon registration and includes all meals, refreshments, lodging, and hand-outs. Please note that assistance is available for couples experiencing financial hardship. Registration must be made at least 14 days prior to attending a retreat weekend.

The weekend retreat fee is NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you need to change your retreat date after registering for a weekend, you may transfer and apply payment to the new weekend provided you make the change at least 14 days prior to your scheduled retreat weekend.

Yes, please arrange your schedule accordingly. The weekend begins on Friday evening promptly at 7:00 p.m. and ends Sunday afternoon about 4:00 p.m. Check-in on Friday begins at 6:00 p.m. so please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive and get signed in prior to 7:00 p.m.

The weekend retreat is for engaged couples who are making a commitment to the Catholic sacrament of matrimony. This weekend will help couples to deepen and develop the skills needed to enrich their lives together. The encounter is Catholic in orientation and origin, and may be an opportunity to renew a Church commitment or learn current Church teaching.

No. 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 especially beneficial and supporting of couples from differing faith backgrounds.

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.

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 experience and who share similar values provides a supportive environment for even further growth.

Separate dormitory-style sleeping areas are provided for men and women on the weekend. You will also need to bring your own linens to include bedsheets/blankets, pillow, towel, and wash cloth.

Bring casual clothing that will be comfortable. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts and sneakers are acceptable. Some of the time may be spent outdoors so you may want to bring a jacket or sweater. No formal gatherings require ties, coats or dresses.

Please bring along a snack to share with others. We supply all the meals and most refreshments including soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

The best time to attend is 2-3 months prior to your wedding date. Space is limited, therefore, reservations should be made as early as possible. We recommend that reservations be made at least six months prior to the Weekend desired.

All Engaged Encounter weekend retreats are held at the Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center at 15235 Furrow Road, Larkspur, CO 80018. A map and directions to the retreat center is available for download as part of the Registration Packet on the "Register" page.