anon: I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking we were going to be preached at and made to sleep in cold dark lean-tos so that we would learn something. But it was really a great, meaningful experience. Having specific questions to think about, answer and discuss was really helpful. Hearing the talks helped to make the ideas concrete and show us that this stuff wasn't just invented - it's real. I felt the spiritual dimension really added to the experience. Fr. Treacy is a wonderful speaker and obviously cares deeply. He really made me feel welcome here at the camp he founded (Camp Brotherhood). Great relaxing atmosphere and a wonderful way to help us get focus, get away from the distractions, and have some challenging discussions.
PF: I honestly arrived wondering how a priest, who has probably never been or will ever be, married, was going to tell me how to live life married. I was pleasantly surprised to find Sheri and Bob and Aaron and Donna sharing their experiences as they did was uplifting and enlightening. I'm a pusher for communicating and it has taken my fiance a long time to open up. While he's been doing much better, I think this weekend helped to remove some final barriers and brought us closer as a couple. It helped to reaffirm for me the importance of being married in a church and of having God as a mainstay of our relationship. I was impressed and very glad to have expreinced this. I would recommend this to anyone as it helped bring us even closer. I would even recommend my parents attend the marriage encounter.
R & L: When deciding to write this letter, we found that all of you have enriched our lives more in one weekend than anyone else around us....We have learned by your example skills necessary for communication and also keys to a successful marriage....The word unity has developed new meaning for both of us. It has become part of our daily vocabulary.
RC & LK: It was WAY better than I had hoped! The emphasis on opnness, the peaceful surrounding, helped be be open. Having to write my thoughts and feelings down helped me focus and share. My desire to improve my religious education has become a large priority. The religous aspect maintained a comfortable tone. I think anyone intending to get married should be required to attend a weekend. The host couples were fantastic examples of what marriage could be. I hope someday, we will be in a position to serve our community as well as Donna, Aaron, Sheri and Bob have served us!
anon: I'd had some concerns that I would be asked to share personal accounts with the group. I was relieved to see our discussions were private. Bob and Sheri are great presenters. It is good to know of their many struggles and still see them so happy together. It is not important that religion be a part of the education, but I didn't feel it was too much. I'm so glad we came. Thanks for the great experience. Only suggestion would be more down time to talk with other couples.
anon: I learned better communicating skills towards my fiance....It's been a good learning experience about what marriage really is - also it's expectations. Very nice facility, very peaceful, good food, interesting people.
DM: I liked the letter writing, to read each others thoughts. I really liked the prayer that we got to write together. It will be used in our wedding.
anon: Very positive and favorable. It was well worth every minute.
anon: We found the weekend to be very informative, comforting and nuturing. We received many useful ideas and are glad we attended. We found the tips for arguing and communication to be most useful. We also enjoyed the personal stories shared by the presenters. The weekend was spiritually refreshing. We found it enjoyable to be in the presence of so many loving people.
anon: About the spiritual/religious dimension: For me, I was dreading this. I am not an overly religious person. I was very surprised and happy with this aspect. It was not forced on me but gave me comfort and is encouraging to see this attitude.
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Note from Sheri and Bob: The Engaged Encounter weekend is a gift to us as a presenting couple. It is always beneficial for us as a couple to be around 30 or so couples who are so in love with one another. As engaged couples, your love for one another challenges the two of us to be romantic again!
We strongly urge married couples all over the world to contact their local parishes and churches to see if you can be involved in this wonderful endeavor or even start it in your own area or faith. Engaged Encounter is constantly expanding, growing and reaching out.
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