CARA Study Highlights
Some Findings/Results
(The following information is condensed from notes we took at a Focus Group Session on the CARA study
The entire study is 87 pages long and contains a wealth of information.
We strongly encourage all local Engaged Encounter communities to read and discuss the findings, and to forward their thoughts and feelings on to their Unit and District Boards. It is through this type of grassroots processing that changes can be made in a life-giving way.
The study gives lots of affirmation as to the strength of the program.
93% of the engaged said Engaged Encounter is a good opportunity to learn about marriage
90% said it's a good opportunity to learn about each other.
88% believe the Engaged Encounter weekend was an important spiritual experience.
44% of the couples attending the weekend are cohabiting before marriage.
35% are entering interfaith marriages.
The average age of participants is 27.
They have been in their relationship an average of 36 months.
The three talks with the highest positive ratings from participants are "Openness in Communication", "Encounter with Me", and "Encounter with We".
76% are comfortable with the amount of time given for prayer and worship on the weekend.
95% placed a very high value on having a senior couple married for some time on the presenting team.
Most participants on the Engaged Encounter are young, white, highly educated Catholics.
Hispanics make up a substantial minority (15% of the participants) while African Americans the least (2%).
88% of the presenters believe they would benefit from workshops on some challenges facing young couples today, such as cohabitation, interfaith marriage, alcohol or drug abuse, family of origin issues, and second marriages.
The Expert Panel findings mentioned that the "44 straight hours" experience is important because it "increases the intensity of the experience so that couples have a vision of what they could be and do."
The Panel observed possible problems in the future, given the shortage of priests, and recommended EE consider options for when a priest cannot be a part of the team.
Another comment from the panel was "reading the talks from a pre-written script produces an awkwardness....leads to participant criticisms." They mentioned the importance of spontaneity, and stated that "it is in CEE's best interest to recruit people who are comfortable with public spaking or with learning some public speaking techniques."
They also pointed out that changes shouldn't be made just to respond to a preference poll, but in light of developing the strengths of the Encounter.
The panel questioned the discouragement of socializing between couples since it can build camaraderie and helps couples share their experiences with one another.
Other Links pertaining to the CARA Study:
Agree? Disagree? Want to state your opinion? Got a question? Then drop by the Marriage Forum and give us your two cents worth.
