What is Catholic Engaged Encounter?

We are married couples and priests who volunteer our time and talents for the benefit of engaged couples. The Greater Boston community belongs to a national organization of volunteers incorporated in 1977 as an outgrowth of Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

What is an Engaged Encounter Weekend?

The weekend is designed to give couples planning marriage an opportunity for an intensive and honest look at their commitment to one another. The atmosphere of the weekend allows a couple to discuss with each other their desires, ambitions, goals, and attitudes about time, sex, children, family and their roles in the church and society.

Who is the weekend for?

It is for engaged couples who desire to deepen, develop and enrich their lives together. Although the Encounter is Catholic in origin and orientation, it is open to all couples who are searching for enrichment in the quality of their coming married life. This weekend will fulfill diocesan requirements for marriage preparation.

What happens on the weekend?

Presentations are given by two married couples and a priest who share personally from their own experiences. The engaged couple is stimulated to discuss privately with each other all aspects of married life.

It is not a sensitivity session, nor are there any group dynamics. Rather it is a private experience in a quiet and informal setting. Personal reflection and couple dialogue are the main thrust of the weekend.

How do we get on a weekend?

Weekends are held throughout the year in the Greater Boston area. To get on a weekend, please fill out the application and mail it with your non-refundable deposit. Call one of the persons listed if you have any question. Directions and particulars are sent approximately one week before the weekend. We recommend you attend your weekend six months prior to your wedding date.

What is the schedule of the weekend?

The weekend begins at 8:00 pm on Friday and ends at approximately 4:00 pm on Sunday. Full attendance for the entire weekend is required.

How much does a weekend cost?

The cost of the weekend is $275 per couple. This price covers separate overnight accommodations for men and women, meals, and all materials. Financial assistance is available for couples in need. Please call 508-865-9087 for more information.

Note: Reservations must be accompanied by a non-refundable $125, although you can also pay the full $275 when making the reservation. Rescheduling is possible up to 2 weeks prior to the reserved weekend upon submittal of a new application with a $10 processing fee. If you postpone or reschedule your weekend within 2 weeks of your original reserved weekend date, you must submit an additional non-refundable $125 deposit along with your new application.

Can I give a weekend as a gift?

Yes, the weekend makes a perfect wedding or shower gift from caring relatives or friends. Write to the address listed on the application form to arrange a gift of the weekend. An appropriate gift certificate will be provided.

Here's what engaged couples tell us about their experience:

"By sharing your experiences with us we were able to gain valuable insight into our relationship."

"It was good to get away from everything and focus on just the two of us."

"There could be no price put upon what we have experienced here."

"We've changed our outlook from planning our wedding day to planning our lifetime together."

"Engaged Encounter provided us with a deeper understanding of our relationship to each other and to God."

"After six years together, we didn't think there was much we didn't know about each other, but the experience helped us to grow as a couple."

"I'm glad the structure focused on us as a couple instead of a lot of group discussions."