Virtual Weekend Couple Expectations

Below are the expectations for couples attending a Virtual Sacramento Engaged Encounter Weekend. Please review them to prepare for the best possible experience for you and your fiance.


Availability

  • The time and attention commitment for a virtual weekend is the same as a traditional weekend
  • Make arrangements as if you were going away for the length of the weekend
      • Work
      • Pets
      • Childcare
      • Other things that would demand your attention
  • You will be online for the duration of the scheduled weekend times
  • Schedule of the Weekend

Friday evening: 7:00 PM to 10:15 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM**

Sunday: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM**

**Meal breaks for lunch and dinner will be approximately 45 minutes


Technology

  • Reliable internet service is required – high speed internet preferred
  • You will need a device with a webcam (a cell phone is not recommended)
      • You can share this device as a couple, or each use your own
      • Our preference is sharing a device to make our logistics easier
  • Please make sure your device is charged/plugged in
  • We will be using Zoom to run the weekend
  • Prior to the weekend, please download Zoom Client for Meetings: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting
  • We will do a check in on the Wednesday prior to the weekend at 7:00 PM
      • We will send a separate email with a link for this check-in
      • We anticipate the test run will last no longer than 45 minutes
      • All couples must be present for this check in


Presenting yourselves online

  • Please dress as if we were meeting in person
  • Be mindful of your background
  • Arrange a comfortable workspace
      • We recommend sitting in chairs at a table or desk
      • Lying in bed would be inappropriate


Structure of the weekend

  • The weekend will consist of cycles of listening to a presentation, writing to your fiancé, and sharing with your fiancé.
  • Each cycle is 60-90 minutes
  • During presenting times:
      • A married couple and priest will share on a specific topic
      • Both of you will need to be onscreen for the length of the presentation
      • You should have your workbooks with you during each presentation as you will be expected to write in them during many of the presentations
          • Workbooks will be mailed to the bride’s address one week prior to the weekend start date
          • If you do not receive your workbook, contact us at registration@sacee.org
  • During writing times:
      • You will be asked to separate to write – preferably in different rooms
      • One of you will need to remain on camera during the writing time while you write
  • During sharing times:
      • Please be sure your microphone is muted
      • You can turn off your video if you wish
      • Be in view of your computer so you will know when time is up – we will be using a timer