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
A snack and drink (e.g., soft drink, juice, water) to place on the shared snack table which will be available in the conference room
Any snack or drink items for your own personal consumption
What supplies does EE provide for the weekend?
The following items will be provided on the weekend. You do NOT need to bring these items:
Linens (towels, sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.)
Notebook and pen
What time should we arrive?
Please arrive between 6:45pm to 7:00pm because we will begin the weekend at 7:30pm. 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 your scheduling couple.
What time does the weekend end?
The weekend typically ends, with a closing Mass, between 3 and 4 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 the weekend, for any reason, unless an emergency arises. If you need to leave, please speak to one of the team members.
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, two meals (breakfast and lunch) 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 a team member know. Also, when you arrive, or at breakfast on Saturday, please speak to the cook about your personal needs.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you will have a roommate of the same sex as yourself. This does not apply in Maui because they have an in parish retreat. While we recognize that couples may already be living together, you will not be permitted to share a room with your fiancι while on the weekend.
What will my room be like?
Your room will be very much like a college dorm room. It will have a bed, dresser, writing table, and perhaps a sink.
What about shower facilities?
Common shower facilities are located in the hall. 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. However, you mgiht 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 in the designated area outside of the building at a designated area.
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. Stephen's Diocesan Center and at other locations on the neighbor islands. Each couple receives notification once the registration is proccessed.