FOCCUS is not part of the Catholic Engaged Encounter program. The FOCCUS survey should be completed and the results thereof should be discussed with your priest / parish representative.
We recommend the using the “earlier the better” policy. Many parishes require you to start marriage prep at least 6 months in advance. As soon as you are engaged, or even considering engagement, it is the right time to attend a retreat. By attending early, you can discover areas of growth necessary in your relationship, determine if engagement and marriage is right for you and avoid the last-minute hassles of attending a retreat while trying to do everything else your wedding day entails.
Catholic Engaged Encounter is designed to provide couples getting married the tools needed for a successful marriage. The retreat is open to any engaged couple wanting to prepare for a deeper, more meaningful life together in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church according to its Church law.
Cincinnati-Covington Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekends are $275 per couple. This covers individual bedrooms, towels and bed linens, 4 meals (per individuals), and materials for the retreat. Full refunds will be returned via Paypal up to one month before your scheduled weekend. Between one month and 2 weeks prior to your scheduled weekend we can move you to another weekend (space permitting). Two weeks or less, we are unable to refund any portion of your Application Fee.
This weekend is not group therapy, instead, it provides personal one-on-one time for the couple to learn about each other and marriage based on 5 major themes: The Family we Grew Up In, Sacramental Marriage, Communications, Intimacy – more than just sex, and Values. Couples learn about these 5 major themes through a series of presentations given by married couples. You are given time to reflect privately as a couple. Couples are never required to share with the group.
We suggest you bring the following items with you:
- Wear comfortable casual clothing.
- Bring a snack to share with others on the weekend.
- A six pack of your favorite soda, energy or sports drink.
- Water, tea, and coffee will be provided.
- If you have dietary needs/restrictions feel free to bring your own food. We have a microwave and refrigerator available for your use.
- The retreat center does NOT allow pillows or bedding brought from home. There are extras available in your room.
Please include your name and your dietary restrictions in the comment section on the registration page.
Our retreat centers try to accommodate for differing needs however, we cannot guarantee your needs will be met.
Other retreats may be present and it becomes difficult to balance meals for large numbers. Please feel free to bring your own food. We have a refrigerator and microwave available for your use.
3 Day Weekends start Friday at 7:30 pm, so plan to arrive between 7:00 – 7:15 pm. Eat dinner before arriving.
2 Day Weekends start Saturday at 8:00 am, so plan to arrive between 7:30 – 7:45 am. Eat breakfast before arriving.
Weekends end on Sunday around 4:00 pm.
During the weekend we will celebrate Sunday mass and when possible, reconciliation.
Each couple will receive two journals to use throughout the retreat. These are yours to keep. The journal provides an outline of the retreat and topics covered. Due to varying factors such as meal times and slight differences in presentation length, we are unable to provide exact timing of each presentation. Most presentations, individual reflection and couple reflection time total about 45 – 60 minutes.
YES, it is very important that you stay for the entire retreat. If you arrive late or leave early, you will miss important parts of the retreat experience, and we will not be able to give you your certificate of completion of the retreat.
If you have children or pets that need care over the weekend, please find outside help from family and friends. This weekend is to focus on you.
Yes, we do ask that you observe a few basic rules.
- Please refrain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
- We ask that you dress appropriately. Please remember the weekend is presented at a Catholic facility and be respectful of your surroundings.
- Please do not leave the weekend, for any reason, unless an emergency arises. If you need to leave, please speak to one of the team members.
Dress for the entire weekend is casual. Please dress comfortably. We will attend Mass during the weekend, however casual attire is acceptable.
Due to state law, our retreat centers prohibit smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes/vaping inside the facilities. Each facility has designated smoking areas outside of the building.
Planning a wedding can be a fun and exciting time. It can also be stressful. Catholic Engaged Encounter offers a weekend-long retreat away from the hustle and bustle of life, where you can focus on each other, your relationship, and what it means to become a sacrament. While couples spend the majority of the retreat together – there is not much free time. Couples should plan to start their day a little earlier and work a little later than they typically would on an average weekend at home.
No, the purpose of the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend is to interact with and talk with your fiance or fiancee about issues you may not have already discussed. If your fiance or fiancee is not present, you will be unable to complete the program.
No, the Covington Diocese requires a full session of NFP or a similarly approved course. Engaged and married couples learn the safe and highly effective Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP) taught by the Couple to Couple League. For information, class schedules, and registration, visit ccli.org. For information about other NFP methods, call the Covington Diocesan Department of Catechesis and Formation. (859-392-1500)
You will be notified by email if a delay or cancellation is necessary due to weather or other significant events. Please be sure to check the email address you gave us at the time of registration.
For a 2 day weekend, a decision will not be made until 6 am on Saturday. That decision may entail a 2 hour delay or a postponement of the weekend for another date.
For a 3 day weekend, a decision will be made by 4 pm on Friday. That decision may entail starting on Saturday morning or a postponement of the weekend for another date.
If inclement weather is expected towards the end of the weekend, the decision concerning early dismissal will be made and communicated during the weekend.
In the event of an emergency, you can contact Monica or Mike Malinowski (Registration Couple) @ 513-336-6244.
Have a different question?
Start with a strong foundation.
Reserve a spot for you and your fiance at a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend near you.