San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter

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San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter

A wedding is a day, a marriage is a lifetime! We are open to couples of ANY religious background. The response was overwhelming and immediate.

The National Organization:

Catholic Engaged Encounter strives to be a truly national family and has an established structure which sustains existing local communities and reaches out to new areas around the country and the world. The United States National Family consists of an Executive Team (a couple and a priest) who direct the activities of the United States National Board. The Board consists

of teams which represent the five US districts. These five districts correspond to the five geographical areas: the Northeast, the South, the North Central States, the Midwest, and the West. For more information about Catholic Engaged Encounter in other areas, check out our links. In 1974, in response to the growing incidence of separation and divorce, the newly formed Marriage Encounter Resource Community turned their attention to marriage preparation. Adapting the Marriage Encounter Weekend to the needs of engaged couples, they presented their first weekends in 1975. By the end of that year more than 100 couples and 50 priests were trained to give weekends throughout the United States. Today, Catholic Engaged Encounter has grown to be an international organization that serves thousands of couples each year.

05/05/2026

“Words of Affirmation.” 💬❤️

Some people feel most loved not through grand gestures…
but through simple, sincere words.

“I appreciate you.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“I’m grateful for you.”

These may seem small—but to your spouse, they can mean everything.

In marriage, the way we express love matters just as much as the love itself.
When we learn how our partner receives love, we begin to love them more intentionally, more deeply, and more effectively.

✨ Preparing for marriage isn’t just about the wedding day—it’s about learning how to love each other well for a lifetime.
Join an Engaged Encounter weekend and start building that foundation together:
https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

04/21/2026

“Have you hugged your spouse today?” 💛

It’s a simple question… but an important one.

In the middle of busy days, responsibilities, and everything life throws at us,
it’s often the smallest gestures that keep a relationship strong.

A hug.
A moment of connection.
A pause to say, “I’m here with you.”

Love doesn’t always need grand gestures—
sometimes, it just needs consistency.

✨ If you’re preparing for marriage, learning how to stay connected in the everyday moments makes all the difference.
Join an upcoming Engaged Encounter weekend and start building that foundation now:
https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

04/14/2026

“Discovering your primary love language.” 💛

It sounds simple—but it can be a game changer.

So many couples love each other deeply…
but still feel misunderstood.
Not because the love isn’t there—
but because it’s not being received the way it’s intended.

When you understand how your partner experiences love,
you stop guessing… and start connecting.

And that’s where communication gets clearer,
conflict gets healthier,
and your relationship grows stronger.

✨ If you’re preparing for marriage, this is exactly the kind of conversation you don’t want to skip.
Join an upcoming Engaged Encounter weekend and start building that foundation now:
https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

04/07/2026

“A wedding is a day… a marriage is a lifetime.” 💛

It’s something we hear often—but it hits differently when you really pause and think about it.

So much time, energy, and attention goes into planning the wedding day…
but what about the life that comes after?

The conversations you have now—about communication, expectations, finances, family, and faith—
those are what shape your marriage long after the celebration ends.

Because a strong marriage doesn’t just happen.
It’s built with intention, one conversation at a time.

✨ If you’re preparing for marriage, don’t just plan the wedding—prepare for the lifetime.
Save your spot at an upcoming Engaged Encounter weekend:
https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

03/31/2026

Love isn’t always about trying harder—
sometimes, it’s about understanding better. 💛

The way you give love may not be the way your partner receives it.
And that simple disconnect can lead to so many misunderstandings… even when the love is there.

Learning each other’s love language can change everything—
how you communicate, how you show up, how you feel seen by each other.

Because love isn’t just something you feel.
It’s something you learn.

✨ If you’re engaged (or even just seriously dating), this is exactly the kind of foundation worth building early.
Join us for an upcoming Engaged Encounter weekend—register here: https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

03/24/2026

What a strong start to the year. 💛

It’s been over a week, and we’re still thinking about our March 14–15 weekend at Vallombrosa Retreat Center, where we had the privilege of hosting 22 couples.

In the middle of wedding planning, they chose to slow down and truly invest in their relationship—and that’s where the real foundation is built.

Huge thank you to Carol and Luis Aguilar, our new SFCEE Local Coordinators, for leading with so much heart. And to Brian and Danielle Wheatley from San Jose CEE for jumping in and enriching the weekend—we’re so grateful.

To our couples: we’re still cheering you on. 💍

✨ Missed this one? Our next (and only remaining) 2026 weekend is August 22–23.
Spots are limited and will fill quickly—don’t wait, register now: https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations/

02/13/2026

With deep sorrow and gratitude, we share that Lorraine Hayes peacefully entered eternal rest this past Super Bowl Sunday.

Lorraine lived and breathed San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter. Alongside Dave, she helped build the foundation upon which SFCEE stands today. Her faith, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to strengthening marriages touched countless lives. We are profoundly grateful for her witness and her legacy.

Funeral Mass will be held at:

Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church

📍 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA
🗓 Saturday, March 21
⏰ 1:00 PM

The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael and Father Xavier, long-time friends of Lorraine and Dave. The services will be live-streamed:
https://www.viewlogies.net/sso/vACXh-5VG?pin=581688

Lorraine’s obituary:
https://cypresslawn.com/obituaries/name/lorraine-lanam-hayes-obituary/CS-20260209-211132

Per Dave Hayes, the family welcomes donations to SFCEE in lieu of (or in addition to) flowers. SFCEE Donation Link: https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/donate/

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dave and their entire family. Please keep them in your prayers.

May she rest in the peace of Christ.

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year 2026! 🥂

As we step into a brand-new year, let’s embrace the opportunities, challenges, and joys that lie ahead. Wishing you a year filled with happiness, prosperity, and success.

✨ Here’s to making 2026 your best year yet!

12/25/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎅

May your holiday season be filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones. As we celebrate this festive time, let us also look forward to a New Year full of happiness and success.

✨ Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright.

12/10/2025

💬 Featured Review from Love R. 💬
"My fiancé's Jewish and I'm Catholic... Attending this premarital couples retreat was one of the best decisions we’ve made in preparing for our future together." 💍💖

Whether you're an interfaith couple or come from different backgrounds, San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter welcomes you. Our retreats are designed to strengthen communication, deepen connection, and equip couples with tools for a marriage that lasts a lifetime — not just a wedding day.

💡 Real couples. Real stories. Real impact.
🙌 Join the countless couples who walked away from our retreat more in sync, more confident, and more committed.

📅 Slots are filling up -- don’t miss your chance to join us in 2026!
📲 Reserve your spot today: sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/reservations

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12/02/2025

💖 This Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference! 💖

Love is a gift that grows stronger with the right foundation. Your generosity helps more couples experience the transformative power of our marriage preparation retreats, building strong, healthy relationships that last a lifetime.

Together, we can invest in the future of love, commitment, and family.

🌟 Donate today via the QR code or online:
https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/donate

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San Francisco, CA

Website

https://sanfrancisco.engagedencounter.com/

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