Marriage Prep & Enrichment

What is Catholic Engaged Encounter?

An Engaged Encounter Weekend offers couples planning marriage a chance to focus on each other, away from daily distractions and the tensions of daily life. It’s a time for meaningful conversations about their future together, covering topics like self-identity, role expectations, finances, sex, children and family, as well as their future life together. The weekend also emphasizes improving communication skills.

Engaged Encounter (CEE) is an immersive, personal marriage preparation experience rooted in Catholic faith and values. Couples engage in deep, honest discussions about their relationship, goals, and roles in the church and society, with support from team couples. This retreat, held from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon, is open to any engaged couple preparing for a Catholic marriage. Meals and a semi-private room are provided, with Mass on Saturday afternoon. The overnight stay is required to keep the atmosphere of the weekend free from distractions.

Who is Engaged Encounter for?

• Couples of any age
• Couples who are committed to marry  in the Catholic Church
• Couples mature enough to believe that their relationship can become even better

Is the Engaged Encounter weekend required?

The Catholic Engaged Encounter is one of two requirements by the Diocese of Amarillo for couples marrying in the Catholic Church; individual parishes may have additional requirements. CEE weekends are typically scheduled in February, May, July, and November. Couples should attend the weekend 3 to 6 months prior to their wedding date.

For more information or to register, contact the diocesan Family Life Office at 806-414-1059. Married couples interested in joining the EE Team can also inquire.

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) refers to methods that help couples achieve or avoid pregnancy by understanding and tracking a woman’s natural fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle patterns. NFP is in harmony with the body’s natural rhythms and does not involve hormonal treatments or contraceptives. It promotes marital communication, respect for the dignity of life, and the health of both partners. NFP has been shown to have high effectiveness rates (97-99%) when practiced correctly.

Is Natural Family Planning required?

Couples preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Amarillo are required to complete Natural Family Planning (NFP) courses as part of their marriage preparation. NFP helps couples achieve or postpone pregnancy in harmony with God’s plan, enhancing marriages, strengthening faith, and promoting the dignity of the human person. It is endorsed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, aligning with the Standards for Diocesan Natural Family Planning Ministry.

How Can We Register for a NFP Course

The Diocese of Amarillo offers NFP courses in both English and Spanish, featuring various methods such as the Sympto-Thermal, Marquette, and Ovulation Methods. The course fee is $60 per couple. Registration should be done at least six months before the wedding date, and all classes require advance registration one week prior to the class to ensure materials are prepared. Couples are encouraged to communicate with instructors or the Family Life Office for more information or to arrange additional scheduling or class requests.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter is an international program designed to help couples strengthen their relationship by improving communication, deepening their emotional connection, and enhancing their spiritual bond. Through a series of weekend retreats, couples learn tools to deepen their love and commitment, fostering a more vibrant and fulfilling marriage. The program focuses on open, honest communication, reflection, and renewal, with the goal of enriching marriages and helping couples grow together in love and faith.

http://www.nfpandmore.com/