As 2024 draws to a close, we at San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter (SFCEE) are filled with gratitude for the couples we’ve had the privilege to serve this year. Our 2024 retreats were nothing short of extraordinary, with every weekend filled to capacity and brimming with heartfelt moments, meaningful conversations, and transformative experiences.
Highlights from 2024
This year, couples gathered from all over the San Francisco Bay Area to participate in our Marriage Prep Retreats at the serene Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park. Across the retreats, engaged couples took the time to step away from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning to focus on what truly matters: preparing for a marriage rooted in faith, love, and commitment.
Our dedicated team of SFCEE volunteers guided couples through enriching sessions on communication, conflict resolution, intimacy, and the sanctity of marriage as a sacrament. Each retreat provided a supportive and welcoming environment for couples to explore their relationship, grow in understanding, and strengthen their bond as they prepare for a lifetime together.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this year was witnessing the transformation in couples over the course of the weekend—starting as participants and leaving as partners even more deeply united in purpose and faith.
A Special Thank You
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the SFCEE volunteers who helped make 2024 such a success. From logistics to presentations and everything in between, your dedication to fostering strong, faith-filled marriages is the heart of this ministry. We couldn’t do this without you!
To the couples who attended: thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Your openness, vulnerability, and willingness to invest in your marriage are truly inspiring.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we celebrate the success of 2024, we’re also thrilled to announce our 2025 retreat schedule! Our January 11–12 and March 15–16 weekends are already SOLD OUT, but there’s still time to join us for one of the remaining retreats:
- May 3–4, 2025
- August 23–24, 2025
Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible. These retreats provide a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for your marriage while stepping back from the demands of wedding planning.
Visit sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com to learn more and secure your spot today!
Why Choose SFCEE?
At SFCEE, we believe in the power of preparation. Our retreats are designed to give couples the tools and insights they need to navigate married life with faith, communication, and love at the center. As we like to remind everyone: A wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime.
If you’re curious about what happens during the retreat, visit our FAQs page: sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/weekend-details/
Here’s to an Amazing 2025
We’re so excited to welcome even more couples in the year ahead. Whether you’re newly engaged or deep in wedding planning, SFCEE is here to support you in preparing for a marriage that truly lasts a lifetime.
To all of our 2024 retreat couples: congratulations on taking this vital step in your journey! And to those joining us in 2025: we can’t wait to see you there.