Catholic Engaged Encounter of Joliet

Frequently Asked Questions about the CEE in-person Weekend

What should we bring to the weekend?

Please be sure to bring the following items with you:

• Comfortable casual clothing

• Toiletries, medicines and other personal items

• One snack per couple to place on the shared snack table which will be available in the dining room. Snacks should be non-perishable and able to sit out on a table all day.

What supplies does CEE provide for the weekend?

The following items will be provided on the weekend. You do NOT need to bring these items:

• Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.), towels and washcloths.

• Notebook and pen

What time should we arrive?

On Saturday morning arrive between 7:15 am and 7:45 am if at all possible. The weekend will begin at 8:00 a.m. Because we are on a tight schedule, we cannot wait for couples who arrive late. If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call our registration couple Mike and Maria Hench @ 815-277-1112.

What time does the weekend end?

The 2-day weekends typically ends, between 4:00 and 4:30 pm on Sunday. In special or unusual circumstances, our schedule may change, but the weekend should still run no later than 5:00 pm for the 2-day weekends.

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 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.

Please see our Terms and Conditions Page for more details.

Can you accommodate my special diet needs?

Our cooks will do their best to accommodate your needs. Please contact our reservation couple at least two weeks prior to your weekend to inform them of your dietary needs at 815-277-1112 or ceejoliet@gmail.com. This will give us enough time to contact the cook before your weekend. Also, at lunch on Saturday, please speak to the cook about your personal needs.

Will I have a roommate?

Yes, you will have a roommate if you choose DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. Your roommate will be the same gender as you (engaged couples MAY NOT share a room).

If you DO NOT want a roommate, please choose SINGLE OCCUPANCY as your room choice.

Men and women are housed on separate floors. While we realize couples may already be living together, you will not be permitted to share a room with your fiancé while on the weekend.

What will my room be like?

Your room will be very much like a college dorm room. It will have two beds, closet, and a writing table.

What about shower facilities?

Common shower facilities are located in the center of each floor. The shower facilities are also much like those found in a college dormitory. For this reason, we suggest that you pack toiletries in a carrying case. You may also want to bring shower flip flops.

What should we wear?

Dress for the entire weekend is casual. Please dress comfortably. While you are welcome to do so, there is no need to change for Mass.

Where can I smoke?

Our facility is a non-smoking facility. 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 intense 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. Time permitting; we will have some reflection time on Saturday afternoon.