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ECHO Retreats are dynamic and immersive Catholic retreat experiences of St. John Paul II's landmark teaching called the Theology of the Body. Geared toward different audiences (young adults, teens, engaged couples, and married couples), ECHO is not just an intellectual exercise, but a journey into the heart where we discover the "distant echo" of God's plan for life and love from the very beginning.
Focused on identity, prayer, vocation, relationships, and the Catholic Church's teachings on human sexuality, participants are invited into a new level of freedom to be the gift that God has called them to be. |
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ECHO - ENGAGED
*Approved as an official marriage prep option by the Archdiocese of New Orleans*
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2026 Dates:
February 6-8, 2026 Location: Maryhill Renewal Center | Pineville, LA Audience: Engaged Couples (to be married sacramentally in the Catholic Church) Cost: $450 per couple |
REGISTRATION IS OPEN. CLICK BELOW!
ECHO ENGAGED - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
does this retreat qualify as a marriage prep option?
For those within the Archdiocese of New Orleans, this retreat fulfills your marriage preparation requirements to be married Sacramentally in the Catholic Church. Other dioceses may have different requirements. Check with your priest or pastor to see if this retreat would fulfill your local diocesan requirements.
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE REGISTRATION COST?
Registration is all-inclusive...it covers food, lodging, retreat materials, supplies, etc. All you need to do is simply to get yourself there!
INFO IF YOU PLAN TO FLY:
If you plan to fly, we can provide shuttles free of charge to and from AEX (Alexandria International Airport). Note: We cannot provide transportation from other airports.
If you plan to fly, please book your flight to arrive to AEX no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, February 6th. Please book your flight to depart AEX no later than 4:30 PM on Sunday, February 8th.
If you plan to fly, please book your flight to arrive to AEX no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, February 6th. Please book your flight to depart AEX no later than 4:30 PM on Sunday, February 8th.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TIME:
Please arrive to Maryhill Renewal Center on Friday, Feb. 6th between 5:30pm - 6:30pm. The retreat will begin with dinner at 6:30 PM. The retreat will end by 2:30pm on Sunday, Feb. 8th. Please plan accordingly.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Expect great things! This retreat will provide daily Mass, Adoration, couple dialogue, small group conversation, quiet prayer, outdoor activities, free time and so much more! Topics that will be covered include God's plan for marriage, love, and sexuality, Natural Family Planning and the Catholic Church's teaching on openness to life, healthy dialogue within marriage, faith and finances, discernment and spousal prayer, and more. There will also be opportunities for mentoring and counseling for those who would like to take advantage of these resources.
WHAT ARE THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
Maryhill Renewal Center offers both single occupancy rooms and double occupancy rooms with private bathrooms. During registration, you can request a single or double occupancy room. If you choose double occupancy, you may select a person of the same sex to room with during registration. While we cannot guarantee we can fulfill your housing preference, we will do our best to honor them on a first come, first served basis.
DO YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY NEEDS/RESTRICTIONS?
We are able to accommodate most medically-diagnosed dietary restrictions. However, we cannot accommodate all dietary requests. Please share your dietary restrictions during the registration process, and we will be in touch if there are any issues.
will we receive a certificate of completion at the end of the retreat?
Yes! You will receive an official certificate of completion at the end of the retreat to present to your pastor and/or parish.