All parts of the weekend retreat must be completed from beginning to end in order to receive your marriage preparation certificate, which is presented at the completion of the weekend.

The weekend is formatted as a retreat. Staying at the facility where the retreat is taking place is part of the weekend experience. It is expected of all participants.

Yes. The weekend format is not presented to try to convert anyone to Catholicism however, the catholic doctrine is presented

No. Many of the couples that come to Engaged Encounter weekends are not both catholic. The weekend format is not presented to try to convert anyone to Catholicism however, the catholic doctrine is presented.

Yes. Catholic Engaged Encounter is an international organization and weekend retreats are happening all over the country. Always let the priest who is marrying you know what you intend to do for your marriage preparation requirement.

The basic differences are that the classes through Office of Family Life or your parish are presented in a group format with group discussion. The Sponsor Couple is one on one with a married couple and the four of you would dialog together. The Engaged Encounter Weekend is a series of presentations after which you and your fiancée will be given time to write and talk privately about these issues and how they pertain to your upcoming marriage. Similar topics are discussed in all of these pre-cana options.

Couples can do three things in the Baltimore Diocese to complete pre-cana requirements. Couples can attend a series of classes given through the Office of Family Life (410-547-5417 for more information). Couples can participate in pre-cana through their parish, this can be classes but is usually a Sponsor Couple program where you meet one on one with another married couple (check with your parish for this option). Lastly, couples can attend an Engaged Encounter Weekend Retreat.