The Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE) marriage preparation program recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The CEE program is designed to aid and support dioceses and parish priests in preparing engaged couples for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. CEE is facilitated by a community of faithful Catholic couples and clergy who accompany engaged couples in their vocational development, helping them recognize the beauty of lifelong, sacramental marriage and the importance of strong family values. Based on Catholic teachings and values, the Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend experience encourages the engaged to grow in self-understanding, develop deeper qualities of love, patience, and openness in communication, and live in service to others, especially to one another.
CEE is currently offered in approximately 32 countries worldwide, including across the United States.
In October 2024, the CEE National Board, representing five regions in the United States, met in Atlanta, Georgia, to discern and select new leadership. At the conclusion of the October meeting, Denise and Jerry Ramsden, members of St. Therese Parish in northeast Portland, and Father Martin L. King, pastor of St. Thomas More in southwest Portland, were appointed as the new National Executive Team (NET). Their three-year term of leadership began on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2027.
Prior to this leadership selection, Jerry and Denise were involved with CEE for 30 years, serving as weekend presenters, district leaders, and later as regional leaders. Fr. King began his participation with CEE in 2017, also as a weekend presenter, and then joined Jerry and Denise in their leadership roles as district and regional leaders.