Columbus Engaged Encounter
Frequently Asked Questions
EE is a marriage preparation program for couples who are committed
to building a deep and long lasting marital relationship.
The weekend is an opportunity to put aside wedding plans, job issues,
and day-to-day responsibilities to focus on your relationship. It is
a time to share feelings, hopes, fears, joys, and frustrations. It is
NOT a retreat, counseling clinic or sensitivity course.
Engaged Encounter is designed for couples of all ages who are either
engaged or considering marriage. It is an alternative to Diocesan
and Parish based PreCana which satisfies the Catholic Church's marriage
preparation requirement. Although Catholic in origin and orientation,
it is open to couples of all faiths who seek to enrich their quality
of life together. In fact, fifty percent of participating couples are
interfaith.
Engaged Encounter creates an atmosphere in which the couple can
concentrate exclusively on their relationship without distraction.
A series of presentations are given by married couples, which include
personal sharing on marriage and family life. Each presentation gives
the engaged an opportunity to reflect on their own relationship with
each other, God, and the community around them.
The main thrust of the weekend is the engaged couple's personal
reflections with each other on the subjects in the presentations.
The weekend begins the process of building a life together, a process
which takes a lifetime to complete. The weekend closes with mass on
Sunday.
Reflections on the presentations are strictly between the engaged
couple. Invitations to share thoughts or opinions outside of this
context are purely voluntary.
The cost of the weekend is currently $210.
No couple is turned away because of cost.
Financial aid is available. Please have your priest
or minister call or write us to recommend you for a
full or partial scholarship if you cannot cover the cost of the weekend.
The fee covers the cost of lodging for two nights, five (5) meals, and materials for the engaged couples. The presenting couples are non-paid volunteers.
Payment in full is due no later than two weeks prior to the weekend.
Columbus Engaged Encounter is required to submit the number of attending couples to our facilities two weeks in advance of the weekend. No refunds will be offered for cancellations submitted within two weeks of a scheduled weekend.
Pre-registration is essential to securing
a place on the weekend of your choice. You can register in one of two ways:
- Fill out the registration form online. You can pay online with a credit card or mail a check to the registration couple.
- Fill out the registration form on the brochure. Mail the completed form and your check to the registration couple.
Once the registration has been received, a space will be reserved for you on the weekend.
A confirmation notice will be sent to the address or email indicated. About two weeks prior to the weekend a letter or email will be sent to you with details and instructions concerning the weekend.