What is the Engaged Encounter weekend?
Please see the About page for more information about the weekend.
Where is the weekend held?
All weekends are held at the Archdiocesan Retreat & Conference Center, 3330 N. 60 St. in Omaha, Nebraska
What time should we arrive?
Please arrive between 7:45 and 8:15 a.m. Saturday and no later than 8:15 a.m. allowing you time to check in and drop off your luggage in each of your rooms as we must begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Because we are on a tight schedule, we cannot wait to check in couples who arrive late. If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call the emergency number found in your confirmation sheet or call the retreat center number listed at the bottom of this page.
Should we eat before we arrive?
Yes, please eat before your arrive as breakfast will not be served on Saturday.
What time does the weekend end?
The weekend typically ends with a closing Mass between 1:30 and 2:30 pm on Sunday. In special or unusual circumstances, our schedule may change, but the weekend should still run no later no 4:00 pm.
Do we have to stay for the entire weekend?
It is very important that you stay for the entire weekend. If you arrive late or leave early you will miss important parts of the weekend experience, and we will not be able to give you your weekend certificate and letter verifying your attendance.
Are there any ground rules for the weekend?
Yes, we do ask that you observe a few basic rules.
• Please refrain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs
• Please stay in your assigned room
• Please do not leave the weekend, for any reason, unless an emergency arises. If you need to leave, please speak to one of the team members.
What should we wear?
Dress for the entire weekend is casual. Please dress comfortably and in layers to prepare for any varying temperature within the Retreat Center. While you are welcome to do so, there is no need to change for dinner or Mass.
What should we bring to the weekend?
Please be sure to bring the following items with you:
- Comfortable casual clothing that you can layer. Often the Retreat Center’s temperature varies within the building.
- Toiletries, hair dryers, medicines, extra pillows and other personal items
- Alarm clock. Most people use the alarm on the cell phones. Please keep your cell phone turned off during the weekend.
- Snacks (such as chips, candy, cookies, crackers, vegetables, fruit, etc.) to place on the shared snack table which will be available in the conference room for all attendees to share. Coffee and water will be provided to drink throughout the weekend; water and tea with meals.
- You may bring soda or other non-alcoholic drinks for your own personal consumption. We do have a refrigerator.
What supplies does EE provide for the weekend?
The following items will be provided on the weekend. You do NOT need to bring these items:
- Linens (towels, sheets, pillows – although you are free to bring your own, blankets, etc.)
- Soap and shampoo
- Notebook and pen
Can you accommodate my vegetarian or special diet needs?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate special diets. Please feel free to bring any foods that you will need for your special diet.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you will have a roommate of the same sex as yourself. While we recognize that couples may already be living together or are already civilly married, you will not be permitted to share a room with your fiancé or spouse while on the weekend.
What will my room be like?
Your room will be very much like a college dorm room. It will have a bed, dresser and writing table. There are locks on the doors, but no room keys will be issued, so it is important to leave your door unlocked so you and your roommate have access to the room at all times.
What about shower and restroom facilities?
Every two rooms share a common bathroom and shower. You will want to coordinate with your roommate and the guests in the adjoining room how you will take turns in the bathroom in the morning. Remember to lock and unlock both bathroom doors before and after using the bathroom so that your roommate and those in adjoining room can gain entry when you are finished. There are also public restrooms on each floor of the retreat center.
Where can I smoke?
The Sheehan Retreat Center prohibits smoking. You may, however, smoke in the designated area outside of the building.
Will we have much free time this weekend?
No, the weekend is designed to be an intense working retreat so that you can spend as much concentrated time together as possible preparing for your marriage. You may find that we stay up later and get up earlier than you typically would on a weekend.
What if we need but are unable to acquire separate accomodations for myself and my fiance the Friday night before our weekend starts?
There are CEE Community couples happy to host you the Friday night before your two-day weekend begins should you be arriving in town Friday evening. Please contact the registration couple for further information.
Is there an emergency number?
If you need to contact the facility because of an emergency, or if someone needs to get hold of you in an emergency, please use the emergency number found on your confirmation sheet. There is also staff at the retreat center during the day on Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and the retreat center number is (402) 558-1442.
My question isn’t on this page. Where can I get more information?
For more information, contact:
Dick & Judie Jones
402-558-6884
cee.omaha@juno.com