anon: I was not looking forward to it at first, but I am so glad we came. I really feel like I have learned new skills to make our marriage work. The questions and answers brought out a lot that had not been discussed before. I am so glad that it is all out. Fr. Tracey was awesome. He's so smart and I could feel the love he felt for everyone in the room. I think this is a wonderful mission. I am sure it has helped 1000's of couples.
anon: We really didn't learn much that we didn't already know or talked about. We did get a chance to open up to each other more than usual and spend time together...Father Tracey was very easy to listen to and talk to. Bob and Sheri taught us that no matter how hard life deals a blow, you can get through it with love and perseverence.
G & M: We were both excited to come, even though we got lost coming here. We learned a lot of things about marriage. At first I came because the church asked us to. I was hoping it would help us in our marriage. Now we have finished the weekend, I know it will help us and I'm glad the church gave us this option. It helped listening to the couple talk and knowing that things can be worked out when and where they happen and how to go about it....It was great. The atmosphere was great. The new couples we met were friendly and so were the leaders. I would later like to come back in a few years to do this again. Thank you so much.
D: I was very curious to see what religious views might come out this weekend. My fiance and I are already quite open and honest, but the Lutheran vs. Catholic will take time to resolve. And it will be, peacefully. This weekend has been a terrific, undistracted opportunity to grow together. What most helped was the quality time together without distraction in beautiful, God's country reminding me of the original reason we moved out here. We, as a couple united, will raise our children as Christians. I see the lines between Catholicism and Lutheranism growing thinner. We were very pleased. I am confident that we will be active in the Encounter after the wedding.
anon: Initially, I was reluctant about attending EE. The only reason I came was because the priest told us we had to. However, as I listened to the speakers and other couples, I realized EE will play an essential part in building my relationship with my best friend. I found a few things important: disillusionment discussion, the steps of argument, but most significantly, I learned despite how busy our lives are, there is always time to tell each other how much we mean to each other.
anon:At first I was reluctant to attend. We both have been together for a good long time. And we feel we know each other very well. Now, after this weekend, our spirituality is so much stronger. I also believe good communication can always be learned to any couple, even if their communication skills are strong. Learning is growing. What helped the most was the sex and sexuality presentation. I want tons of romance and having a chance to express it without offending him helped. It's also nice to know that even in good marriages, disillusionment can occur. I believe a strong faith gives a healthy individual. Spirituality gives a sense of well being and oneness with yourself and your soon to be spouse. I enjoyed both couples this weekend. They had wonderful stories and suggestions. It's so nice to see people in love. I'd like to thank Father Tracey and Aaron and Donna, Sheri and Bob for their time and effort for this weekend.
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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.
