Frequently Asked Questions about the EE Weekend

What should we bring to the weekend? Please be sure to bring the following items with you: 
     • Comfortable casual clothing
     • Modest clothing for Mass
     • Toiletries, medicines and other personal items/towels, face and washcloth for bathing
     • A snack and drink (e.g., soft drink, juice, water, chips, crackers, etc.) for snack table 
     • Any snack or drink items for your own personal consumption

What supplies does EE provide for the weekend? (Apply's to Oahu only)* The following items will be provided on the weekend. You do NOT need to bring these items:
     • Linens (Sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.)
     • Notebook and pen

What time should we arrive? Please arrive between 6:30 - 7:00pm because we will begin the weekend at 7:30pm. on Oahu (Kauai, Maui & Big Island weekends start at 7:00pm). Because we are on a tight schedule, we will begin on time. If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call your scheduling couple.

What time does the weekend end? The weekend typically ends, with a closing Mass, between 2 and 3 pm on Sunday. In special or unusual circumstances, our schedule may change, but the weekend should still run no later no 4 pm.

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 unless an emergency arises. Please speak to a presenting team 

Will dinner be served on Friday evening? No, dinner will not be served on Friday. On Saturday, three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served. On Sunday, one meal (brunch) will be served.

Can you accommodate my special diet needs? Our cooks will do their best to accommodate your needs. If you are a vegetarian, please let us know at the time of your registration. 

Will I have a roommate? Yes, you will have a roommate of the same sex. This does not apply to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island as they are commuter weekends. While we recognize that couples may already be living together, you will not be permitted to share a room with your fiance while on the weekend.     

What will my room be like? It will have a bed, dresser, writing table, air conditioner and bathroom/shower in each dorm. 

What should we wear? Dress for the entire weekend is casual. Please dress comfortably. However, you might want to bring modest clothing when we attend Mass on the weekend.

Where can I smoke? All of our facilities prohibit smoking. You may, however, smoke outside 20 feet from any building entrance according to the laws of the State of Hawaii.

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 a break on Saturday afternoon.

Where is the weekend held? Weekends on O'ahu are held at St. Anthony's Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley and at other locations on the neighbor islands. Each couple receives notification typically one to two weeks before the start of a weekend.

Is parking available? There is ample parking at the various facilities where the retreat weekends are held. It is free of charge with no additional cost to the weekend.