As we welcome the new year with open hearts and renewed purpose, the San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter (SFCEE) community is thrilled to reflect on our incredibly successful first retreat weekend of 2025. Held at the serene Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, our January retreat was a powerful kick-off for a year dedicated to preparing engaged couples for the lifelong journey of marriage. In this blog, we share the highlights, introduce our dedicated volunteer presenters, and provide insights into what makes an SFCEE retreat so uniquely transformative.
A Perfect Weekend Retreat Venue for Engaged Couples
Nestled in the natural beauty of Menlo Park, the Vallombrosa Retreat Center provided the perfect setting for our January retreat. With its tranquil surroundings, lush gardens, and reflective spaces, the venue allowed engaged couples to step away from the hustle of daily life and wedding planning to focus on what truly matters—building a strong foundation for their marriage.
Throughout the day and a half-long retreat, engaged couples experienced a blend of structured presentations, interactive workshop activities, and quiet moments of reflection. This immersive environment helped create a space where honest dialogue and deep connection were at the forefront. The timeless reminder that “a wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime” resonated through every session, urging participants to invest not just in the celebration of their union, but in the everyday work of nurturing a lifelong commitment.
The Heart and Soul of SFCEE: Our Volunteers
At the core of SFCEE is a passionate team of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and wisdom to support engaged couples on their journey. As a purely volunteer-led, non-profit program, SFCEE thrives because of the commitment and love of individuals who believe in equipping couples with the skills needed to create love-filled marriages and homes. This year’s retreat was no exception, highlighted by the inspiring presence of two long-standing volunteer presenter couples: Dave and Lorraine, and Chuck and Libby.
Dave and Lorraine: Our Local Coordinator Couple
Married since April 1981, Dave and Lorraine have been an integral part of SFCEE for over 30 years. Their deep roots in the community and unwavering commitment to the ministry make them the heart of our organization. As our local coordinator couple, they play a pivotal role in ensuring that every aspect of the retreat runs smoothly and that the spirit of SFCEE remains vibrant and welcoming.
During the January retreat, Dave and Lorraine shared personal stories and practical insights drawn from decades of married life. Their presentations underscored the importance of realistic expectations, mutual support, and the resilience required to nurture a lifelong relationship. Their warmth and authenticity remind us that while the journey of marriage is challenging at times, it is ultimately enriched by genuine communication and shared commitment.
Chuck and Libby: Our Finance Couple
Since May 2001, Chuck and Libby have been married and have dedicated countless hours to SFCEE as our trusted finance couple. They are the unsung heroes who “keep the lights on” by managing our funds, overseeing budgets, and ensuring that our retreats are sustainable. Beyond their essential administrative role, Chuck and Libby also offer invaluable wisdom on how financial stewardship plays a crucial part in building a successful marriage.
Their practical, no-nonsense approach to money matters, blended with heartfelt storytelling, helped couples understand that financial harmony is a key ingredient in a healthy partnership. By addressing the sometimes-overlooked topic of money management, they empower couples to tackle one of the most common sources of marital stress, turning it into an opportunity for growth and connection.
Not Just for Catholics, Welcoming All Couples
While SFCEE is rooted in the Catholic faith, our retreats are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to couples of all faiths and backgrounds. Our focus is not on religious doctrine but on fostering open communication, strengthening emotional bonds, and nurturing a healthy partnership. Love knows no bounds, and neither do our retreats. Nobody is going to force anybody to convert, we promise!
Our program encourages each couple to discuss honestly—face-to-face—their strengths, weaknesses, desires, and ambitions.
A Comprehensive Curriculum for Lifelong Love
San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter (SFCEE) retreats cover an extensive range of topics designed to help couples build a solid foundation for their marriage.
Below is a detailed look at the 15 key topics that formed the core of our curriculum:
- Understanding Myself
The journey to a strong partnership begins with self-awareness. Couples were encouraged to reflect on their personal values, strengths, and areas for growth. This session laid the groundwork for understanding how individual identities contribute to a thriving relationship. - Is Romance Enough?
While romance is a beautiful part of any relationship, our discussions challenged couples to consider whether passion alone can sustain a marriage. We explored the importance of deep friendship, trust, and mutual respect. - Are We Really Communicating?
Open, honest, and effective communication is essential for any lasting relationship. In this session, couples examined their communication patterns, learned active listening techniques, and discovered ways to express their thoughts and feelings clearly. - Conflict Resolution
Every relationship faces disagreements. This topic focused on healthy conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing that challenges can become opportunities for growth when approached with empathy and mutual understanding. - Two Become One: Unity
The concept of unity in marriage was explored through discussions on shared goals, values, and dreams. Couples learned how to move from “me” and “you” to “we,” forging a unified path forward. - Creating a Life Giving Marriage
This session emphasized the ongoing work required to create a marriage that not only endures but also enriches both partners’ lives. Participants examined how to cultivate an environment that nourishes love and personal growth. - Awareness of Your Partner
True intimacy starts with truly knowing your partner. This session fostered genuine curiosity for each other and uncover areas where you may not see eye to eye. - Finances
Financial management is a cornerstone of a healthy marriage. Our presenters offered practical advice on budgeting, financial planning, and the importance of being aligned in money matters, highlighting that financial unity can lead to greater marital harmony. - Decisions
Every day brings decisions, big and small. Couples learned about decision-making processes, the significance of compromise, and how to navigate choices together as a team. - Sacrament
At the heart of our retreat was the understanding that marriage is a sacred sacrament. This session delved into the spiritual dimensions of marriage, encouraging couples to view their union as a reflection of divine love. - Intimacy
Beyond romance, true intimacy encompasses emotional, physical, and spiritual connection. Couples explored ways to deepen intimacy and maintain closeness throughout the ups and downs of life. - Family
Marriage is not just about two individuals—it’s about the families that are woven together. - Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in sustaining love. This topic helped couples understand the importance of forgiving each other’s shortcomings and the healing that comes with letting go of grudges. - Betrothal
Betrothal signifies the formal and serious commitment couples make before entering into the sacrament of marriage. We discussed the significance of this promise and how it sets the tone for the marital journey ahead. - Stewardship
Finally, stewardship was explored as both a personal and shared responsibility. Couples learned about the importance of caring for their resources, time, and the relationships around them as a reflection of their commitment to each other and to God.
Transformative Impact on Engaged Couples
Each of these topics provided couples with practical tools, self-reflection exercises, and real-life insights. Through engaging presentations and intimate dialogue sessions, participants left the retreat better equipped to handle the complexities of marriage. They discovered that while a wedding is a momentary celebration, marriage requires ongoing dedication, communication, and growth.
Throughout the retreat, couples are given ample time to reflect, write, and dialogue in the privacy of their partnership, without the pressure to share with the larger group. This respectful, intimate setting allows for genuine conversation and growth, providing couples with practical tools and insights that will serve them long after the weekend has ended.
High Demand for Marriage Prep Retreats in 2025
The overwhelming response to our retreats is a testament to the value that engaged couples place on thorough marriage preparation. For 2025, the demand has been nothing short of phenomenal:
- January 11-12, 2025: Sold out as early as December 2024.
- March 15-16, 2025: Sold out as early as December 2024.
- May 3-4, 2025: Sold out as early as January 2025.
- August 23-24, 2025: Only 4 slots left as of today, February 23, 2025.
These numbers speak volumes about the critical role SFCEE plays in helping couples lay the groundwork for successful, fulfilling marriages. Whether you’re from San Francisco Peninsula, the East Bay, or anywhere else in the Bay Area, you are welcome to join us.
A Wedding is a Day, but a Marriage is a Lifetime
At the heart of everything we do at SFCEE is a simple yet profound truth: A wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime. This phrase is more than just a slogan—it’s a guiding principle that underscores the importance of focusing on the long-term journey of marriage, rather than getting lost in the fleeting details of a single day.
Our retreats are designed to help couples transition from the excitement of wedding planning to the reality of building a life together. By addressing essential topics like communication, financial stewardship, and mutual expectations, we equip couples with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ups and downs of married life. It’s a practical, heart-centered approach that reminds us all that while the wedding day is a celebration, the true work—and the real magic—happens in the everyday moments that follow.
Looking Forward: Your Invitation to Join Us
With such high demand for our retreats in 2025, now is the perfect time to secure your spot for the remaining available dates. For engaged couples eager to build a love-filled marriage, SFCEE offers an invaluable opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for the journey ahead.
While our January, March, and May retreats have already sold out, there are still a few slots left for our August 23-24, 2025 retreat. If you’re an engaged couple from the Bay Area, even from the Tri-Valley, or Central Valley, we invite you to register now to ensure you don’t miss out on this transformative experience.
Our volunteer-led, non-profit program is fueled by the passion of couples who believe in the power of love and the importance of preparing for a lifelong commitment. Every session, every story, and every activity is designed with one purpose in mind: to equip you with the tools needed to create a marriage that truly lasts a lifetime.
A Final Word of Gratitude
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers and the trust of the couples who join us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dave and Lorraine, whose 30+ years of service and love continue to light the way for new generations of engaged couples. We are equally grateful to Chuck and Libby, whose diligent financial stewardship ensures that SFCEE remains accessible to all who need it.
To every couple who attended the January retreat and to those who are yet to join us, thank you for being part of our community. Your willingness to invest in your future and to take the time to build a solid foundation for your marriage is what makes SFCEE a living, breathing ministry. We are honored to walk this journey with you.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you’re ready to take the next step in preparing for a lifelong marriage, we invite you to learn more about SFCEE and register for one of our upcoming retreats. Remember: while a wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime—and every day counts in building the love and partnership you deserve.
Visit https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/ to secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you into the SFCEE family and supporting you on your journey toward a love-filled future.