Catholic Engaged Encounter of Cleveland
 

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What is "Engaged Encounter"? 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, a counseling clinic or a sensitivity course.

What happens at Engaged Encounter? Engaged Encounter creates an atmosphere in which the couple can concentrate, without distraction, exclusively on their relationship. A series of presentations are given my 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.

Are there group discussions? Reflections on the presentations are strictly between the engaged couple. There is, however, one "Open discussion " session on Saturday evening. This session is facilitated by the CEE presenting couples and the priest. This is a time when the engaged couples get to network and share open discussion with each other in a large group setting. Anonymous questions are put into a box by the couples, the facilitators read the questions aloud, and the group answers the questions and comments. If requested, the Priest and or presenting couples will also facilitate answers to these questions.
Who is it for? 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.
How do I register? Preregistration is essential to securing a place during the weekend of your choice. You can register online by clicking HERE. If you choose not to utilize our online registration, you may PRINT the registration form and mail it to Engaged Encounter with your payment. Once your registration form is received and confirmed with your payment, you will be notified in the same manner in which you registered.
How much does the engaged encounter weekend cost? The weekend cost $185.00 per couple. This registration fee covers all material, lodging, three meals on Saturday and two meals on Sunday. Your registration payment includes a $85 non-refundable fee.
Where does the encounter take place? EE Weekends are held at St. Leonard’s Youth Retreat Center, 4076 Case Road, Avon, OH 44011, which is a beautiful modern facility in a park like setting.
What are the retreat start and end times? The weekend begins at 8:00 PM Friday evening. We ask that couples arrive between 7:00 and 7:30 in order to be checked-in and ready to start on time. The weekend will conclude between 3:00 and 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Are we required to stay the entire weekend? It is very important that you stay for the entire weekend. If you arrive late or leave early you will miss important parts of the weekend experience, and we will not be able to give you your weekend certificate and letter verifying your attendance.
What are the accomodations like? The sleeping accommodations are dorm style with bunk beds. There are separate dorms for men and women.
 
Are meals provided? The registration fee covers five meals on the weekend. The meals include three on Saturday, and two on Sunday.
Will I receive a completion certificate for my pastor? Yes, a completion certificate is provided to the couple at the end of the weekend.

What do I need to bring?

  • Comfortable, warm, casual clothing (jeans, etc., and a sweater in case it is cool – include outside wear for break on Saturday)
  • Personal items & toiletries (hair dryer, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
  • Linens (twin size) & blankets or a sleeping bag
  • Pillow, face cloth and towels
  • A SNACK TO SHARE (for the snack table; available all weekend)
  • A 2 LITRE BOTTLE OF SOFT DRINK (Please no alcoholic beverages)
  • A mug or cup for you to use throughout the weekend
Are alcoholic beverages allowed at the facility? No alcoholic beverage are permitted anywhere on the grounds of the retreat center.
Is smoking permitted? The retreat center is a smoke-free facility. There are a couple of smoking areas on the grounds.
Is there an emergency contact number that I can leave with my family while attending the weekend retreat? If you need to contact the facility because of an emergency, or if someone needs to get hold of you in an emergency, please use (440) 934-6735. If someone calls and there is no answer have them call again in 15 minutes. Any message we receive for you on the weekend will be relayed to you, immediately.
 

 

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