Our Pre Cana program runs for 7 weeks. Attendance at all sessions is required for completion. The first session begins on a Sunday at 2:00; and concludes with attendance at the 5:00pm Sunday Mass. The next 5 sessions are held at a facilitator couple's home, or in the Joseph Room at St. Mary. The day of the week and time of the meetings are determined by the participating couples and the facilitator couple(s), but we'll be able to give you an idea of the details prior to the beginning session. The concluding session begins with attendance at the 5:00pm Sunday Mass, at which point the couples will receive their "Certificate of Completion," a small gift from the Parish, and a blessing from the Presiding Priest at Mass that evening. The session concludes with a small dinner provided by the parish for the participating couples and facilitator couple(s). The dinner is usually catered in Sacred Heart Hall or the Joseph Room.
What
is the format of the sessions?
We have designed our program to
be conducted in a group discussion format.
Everyone is invited to participate in a free and easy sharing of ideas,
thoughts, and concerns relating to the topic of the week. Typically, the
facilitators will give some background to the topic and suggest some questions
to stimulate conversation. Our discussions are confidential and thought
provoking. It is our sincere hope that by sharing the life experience of
our facilitator couples, private conversation between the engaged couples will
ensue, perhaps even addressing issues not previously anticipated by the couples.
There are opportunities for writing exercises and there are materials
distributed that the couples may take home to encourage continued discussion and
sharing.
How
large are the Pre-Cana groups?
Because
groups meet at the homes of our Pre-Cana Ministers/Facilitators, we try to keep
the size of the groups between 4 – 6 engaged couples.
This allows enough time for everyone to share their thoughts and
feelings.
How do
you register for Pre-Cana?
Our
Pre-Cana Registration Form is located on the back of the purple pamphlet that
provides all the Parish wedding related information.
It is typically given to you when you meet with the Marriage intake
Ministers at the Rectory to book your wedding ceremony.
How
far in advance should we register for Pre-Cana?
As
our program often fills-up quickly, we recommend you register as soon as
possible after you meet with the Marriage Intake Ministers, and at least 9 months before
your wedding date.
Is
there a fee to take Pre-Cana?
The Church of St. Mary suggests a donation of $100 for the Pre-Cana Program. This helps defray the cost of the course materials provided, a subscription to “Foundations” (which is a newsletter for the newly-married), and the closing celebration.