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What is the Engaged Encounter weekend?

Please see the About page for more information about the weekend.

 
Where is the weekend held?​​​

St. Benedict Retreat Center (Schuyler, NE)

What time should we arrive?

Please arrive between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. Saturday morning to allow you time to check in and drop off your luggage in your rooms.  Do not arrive any later than 8:15 a.m. We must begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. because we are on a tight schedule.  If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call the emergency number found on your confirmation sheet or call 402-558-6884 or 402-352-2177.

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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 3:00 and 4:00 pm on Sunday. In special or
unusual circumstances, our schedule may change, but the weekend should still run no later than 4:00
pm.

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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.

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What should we bring to the weekend?

  • 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.

  • A snack (such as chips, candy, cookies, crackers, vegetables, fruit, etc.) to share with the others on the weekend.

  • Coffee and water will be provided to drink throughout the weekend.

  • You may bring soda or other non-alcoholic drinks for your own personal consumption. There is a refrigerator available for you to use.

 
What supplies does Engaged Encounter 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 )

  • Notebook and pen.

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Can you accommodate my vegetarian or special diet needs?

We are not able 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 like a hotel room. It will have 2 beds and a private bath.​

 

Where can I smoke?

The 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. There may be some free time Saturday afternoon and later in the evening.

 

Is there an emergency number?

If you need to contact the facility because of an emergency, or if someone needs to get a 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.  

The retreat center number is 402-352-2177.

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What if we have to cancel?

POLICY UPDATE:  As of January 1, 2023, no refunds will be given if a cancellation occurs within 14 days of weekend start date. 

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How can I get involved?

 

Our community is comprised of volunteers that serve in the following capacities:

 

  • Presenters:  Help other couples prepare for marriage, while strengthening your own relationship

  • Prayer Partners:  This is our most flexible ministry option. You will be assigned an engaged couple, priest, or presenting couple to pray for throughout an Engaged Encounter weekend.

  • Set-Up:  Prepare the retreat center for the weekend by setting up the main presentation room.

  • Greeters:  Greet engaged couples as they arrive, show them to their rooms, and give them a brief tour.  

  • Weekend Check-In:  Check in couples arriving for the weekend.

  • Clean-Up:  Pack away supplies at the end of the weekend.

 

If you would like to volunteer within our Engaged Encounter Community, please use the Contact Us page or call 402-558-6884.

 

My question isn’t on this page.  Where can I get more information?

For more information: 

A wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime.

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