Greetings to all the engaged couples out there, and to those considering the beautiful journey of marriage. At San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter (SFCEE), we are committed to helping you create strong, lasting unions by nurturing the foundations of love, trust, and understanding. We’re thrilled to announce some exciting news for 2024!
If it’s your first time hearing about a marriage preparation retreat, or you’re unsure about whether it’s for you, here’s a quick rundown of what it’s for: The purpose of a marriage preparation retreat is to provide engaged couples with a supportive and structured environment in which they can deepen their connection, enhance their communication skills, and explore important aspects of married life.
These marriage retreats aim to foster self-awareness, promote understanding of each partner’s values and expectations, and help couples build a strong foundation for a loving, lifelong marriage. Through presentations by experienced married couples and opportunities for private reflection and discussion, participants gain insights into the joys and challenges of marriage. This transformative experience is designed to nurture not only the love shared between the couple but also their commitment to each other, preparing them for a meaningful, faith-centered marriage.
Announcing Our 2024 Marriage Prep Retreat Dates
Get your calendars ready because SFCEE is back with a fresh set of retreats for 2024. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationship, explore its depths, or prepare for your church wedding, our marriage preparation retreats offer an invaluable experience. The upcoming dates are:
- January 27-28
- March 16-17
- May 25-26
- October 19-20
These weekends promise meaningful connections and a chance to work on the foundations of your union. We can’t wait to share this transformative journey with you!
Return to Vallombrosa Retreat Center
As part of our exciting news, SFCEE will return to the serene Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, California. This beautiful location, nestled at 250 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, provides an ideal setting for deep self-reflection and relationship building. Surrounded by nature and offering a tranquil environment, Vallombrosa Retreat Center is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your partner.
What to Expect at SFCEE Marriage Prep Retreats
Our retreat weekends are designed with your needs in mind. You can look forward to:
- A Working Retreat: This is a chance to spend quality time with your fiancé, diving into the heart of your relationship.
- Presentations by Experienced Couples: Our married presenters will guide you through the ups and downs of marriage, sharing their real-life experiences.
- Reflective Questions: We provide you with reflective questions that you can discuss privately as a couple, deepening your understanding of one another.
- A Look Inside Marriage: Gain insight into what it means to be married, not just as a wedding celebration, but as a lifelong commitment.
- Open to All Faiths: Our retreats are open to couples of all faith backgrounds. Love knows no bounds, and neither do we.
Weekend Timeline and Arrival Information
For the best experience, we recommend committing to the retreat from 7:00 AM on Saturday until 1:00 PM on Sunday. Saturday’s schedule is from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday’s activities start at 7:30 AM and conclude at 1:00 PM. A good night’s rest before the weekend is essential to get the most out of the experience.
The first presentation kicks off at 8:00 AM on Saturday, so we encourage you to arrive by 7:15 AM. This will allow you time to check in, get to know the facility, and prepare for the enriching weekend ahead.
Weekend Timeline and Arrival Information
- Accommodations: During your stay, you will share a room with someone of the same gender. This is in accordance with Vallombrosa Retreat Center’s guidelines. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom and shower. Linens, blankets, bath towels, and pillows are provided for your comfort. Please note that hairdryers are not available on-site, so be sure to plan accordingly. Remember to keep your toiletries separate from your fiancé’s.
- Clothing: We want you to be as comfortable as possible. We recommend bringing casual clothing and layers in case of weather changes.
- Meals: Breakfast before you arrive on Saturday morning is recommended. There will be two meals on Saturday (lunch and dinner) and a full breakfast on Sunday. Coffee, tea, and water will be available throughout the day. Feel free to bring your preferred snacks and beverages for your personal enjoyment. We do not allow alcoholic beverages.
- Special Dietary Restrictions: Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accommodate special dietary restrictions. However, you’re welcome to bring a few personal food choices if you have concerns in this regard.
We supply workbooks and pens to facilitate your experience during the retreat.
Mass will be an integral part of the weekend, held either on-site or at the nearby Church of the Nativity.
Why Attend a Marriage Prep Retreat Weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area
Are you still wondering why you should join an SFCEE Marriage Prep Retreat? Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Strengthened Communication: Our retreats help you develop effective communication skills, a cornerstone of a successful marriage.
- Deeper Relationship Exploration: Dive into the depths of your relationship, exploring areas you might not have considered before.
- A Strong Foundation: Build a solid foundation for your lifelong commitment.
But don’t just take our word for it; consider the testimonials from couples who have found immense value in our retreats. They have shared their incredible experiences on Yelp, highlighting the transformative nature of the SFCEE retreat weekends.
We’re eager to help you embark on this beautiful journey towards a lasting, loving marriage. Join us at the Vallombrosa Retreat Center in 2024 and create memories that will last a lifetime. Register for one of our upcoming retreat weekends, and begin your marriage preparation on the right foot. Click the button below to get started.
To secure your spot, please make your reservation soon. Get ready for a transformative experience of a San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter marriage retreat weekend in the serene setting of Vallombrosa Retreat Center. Your lifetime of love and commitment begins here.