An Engaged Encounter Weekend offers couples planning marriage a chance to focus on each other, away from daily distractions and the tensions of daily life. It’s a time for meaningful conversations about their future together, covering topics like self-identity, role expectations, finances, sex, children and family, as well as their future life together. The weekend also emphasizes improving communication skills.

Engaged Encounter (CEE) is an immersive, personal marriage preparation experience rooted in Catholic faith and values. Couples engage in deep, honest discussions about their relationship, goals, and roles in the church and society, with support from team couples. This retreat, held from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon, is open to any engaged couple preparing for a Catholic marriage. Meals and a semi-private room are provided, with Mass on Saturday afternoon. The overnight stay is required to keep the atmosphere of the weekend free from distractions.

Who is Engaged Encounter for?

• Couples of any age
• Couples who are committed to marry in the Catholic Church
• Couples mature enough to believe that their relationship can become even better

Is the Engaged Encounter weekend required?

The Catholic Engaged Encounter is one of two requirements by the Diocese of Amarillo for couples marrying in the Catholic Church; individual parishes may have additional requirements. CEE weekends are typically scheduled in February, May, July, and November. Couples should attend the weekend 3 to 6 months prior to their wedding date.

• March 28-29
• June 6-7
• July 11-12
• November 21-22

*Registration closes 2 weeks before retreat date

• February 27-28
• June 12-13
• November 20-21

The cost is $250 per couple, which includes double-occupancy rooms, meals, and materials. Men and women are housed separately.  Couples will be partnered with another engaged couple, and the two men will share a room, and the two women will share a room.  

Single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional $60 per couple.  Each person will have a room alone.  

Registration cuts off 2 weeks before weekend.  

To receive a full refund, cancel no later than 14 days before your weekend.

If changing to a different weekend, your fees transfer to your new date with no penalty.

Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center

Alternatively, couples can attend the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend (Friday through Sunday) in Lubbock.  Some retreats offered in Spanish.