Catholic Engaged Encounter of Brooklyn and Queens
About
Join us for Catholic marriage preparation in the form of a weekend retreat.
The Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend fulfills the diocesan Pre-Cana requirement in a fulfilling way.
A weekend away provides a special time for couples to deepen their relationship free from pressure and distractions of the outside world. With a “time out” for alone-together time, there is an opportunity for couples to dialogue honestly and intensively about their prospective life together. Preparing for this union, couples learn to communicate more effectively.
The weekend emphasizes the meaning of sacramental marriage: a holy, permanent bond. Couples learn why matrimony is a sacrament, how that affects their lives, and what their commitment means.
Family traditions each person brings to the marriage are explored. Intimacy in marriage is discussed, with an emphasis on the couple’s sharing all parts of their lives to form an intimate bond. Couples explore their preparedness for marriage in the church, learn more about each other, and prepare for a deeper and more meaningful life together.
Our weekends are offered at Thomas Berry Place, the Passionist Retreat House in Queens. It is a 4-minute walk from the E and F subway and easily accessible by car. The program consists of a series of short talks offered by a team of two married couples and a priest. After each talk, you'll sit quietly by yourself to write answers to a series of questions. Then you'll share what you've written with your fiancé(e) and discuss it--just the two of you.
If you need financial assistance to take part, please speak to us. Thanks to donations from couples who have made the weekend, we are able to reduce the cost if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Catholic Engaged Encounter? Because a wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime. On a sleepover retreat, you'll have time to put aside the stress of everyday life and wedding preparations to focus on what matters most: your lives together.
Location
Our retreats are held at the beautiful, newly redesigned Thomas Berry Place, the Passionist Spiritual Center of New York City, located near mass transit in Jamaica Estates, Queens.
Interfaith
Interfaith couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church are welcome– many couples attending Engaged Encounter retreats in the Brooklyn diocese are interfaith.
When to go?
The earlier, the better. Six months before your wedding date is common, but it can be sooner.
How to Register?
Email Brooklyn-Queens@EngagedEncounter.com for a registration form.
Does this fulfill pre-Cana?
Yes. You'll receive a certificate from the Diocese of Brooklyn. All dioceses accept it.
What are the hours?
Arrive at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. We finish Sunday afternoon. See below for dates.
Do we stay the entire weekend?
Yes. That's what makes Catholic Engaged Encounter a special experience.
I'd still like to know if ... Please call or email us if you have further questions! We're at Brooklyn-Queens@EngagedEncounter.com or 718-253-2983, Maureen and Paul Moses.
Dates and Registration
February 20-21, 2027
We won't have any further Brooklyn-Queens dates in 2026.
Registrations are available with our friends at Catholic Engaged Encounter of Long Island or Lower Hudson Valley:
