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“It was great to escape all the hectic wedding plans and spend a whole weekend with my fiancé.”



“We took away many tools we believe we can use to improve our relationship and ensure our success as a couple.”

What Happens On The Weekend?
A presenting team, usually two couples and a priest, leads the discussions through a series of carefully prepared talks. After each presentation, you will be given some questions to complete individually. During this writing time, you will compose your response in the form of a love letter to your fiancé. You will then have time to exchange your love letter with your fiancé, read what the other has written, and share your thoughts and answers with one another. While much of the weekend will involve private dialogue and sharing with your fiancé, there are opportunities for getting to know other couples on the weekend. Communal meals, a Saturday evening group discussion and the Sunday liturgy provide for fellowship and group prayer.

What are the times of the weekend? Can I be late or arrive early?
The CEE retreat weekend begins on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and ends on Sunday by 4:00 p.m. On Friday, you should arrive by 7:30 p.m. in order to check in and bring in your belongings. You should plan to stay on site once you arrive. Our schedule does allow for some exercise and conversation time. There is a Sunday liturgy.

Some couples have asked us if they can come late or leave early due to travel plans or other conflicts. Unfortunately you must commit to the entrire weekend. Independent of the church we feel strongly about our entire program. All of the topics have been internationally determined to be essential to marriage preparation. Regarding the Catholic church, they are willing to accept our completetion certificate as the "formation team" component of marriage preparation. They have approved our outline and expect that the certificate was earned by full participation in every session.

I need directions
Most of the weekends are held at the Mary Mother of the Church Abbey in Richmond, Virginia. The address for the Abbey is 12829 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238. The address is typed into Google Maps if you CLICK HERE. Click on "To here" to put in your address. 

For January, 2008 the weekend will be at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  You do not contact them for a room.  We have reserved them for couples.  The address is 3900 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451. The address is typed into Google Maps if you CLICK HERE. Click on "To here" to put in your address.

What should I bring?
You should pack as if you are going to a hotel that serves meals. Pillows, bedsheets, towels, and bar soap are provided. You should bring your own personal items (e.g., shampoo, toothbrush/paste, a favorite pillow). Dress is casual. Please bring appropriate clothing for the Sunday liturgy.