Marriage Preparation Programs

Arrange by calling 312-751-8201 or visit the website at www.familyministries.org.

Marriage Preparation is required in order to receive the Sacrament of Marriage. Marriage preparation In addition to meeting with a priest to complete the necessary paperwork, attendance at Pre-Cana Program is required. The programs range anywhere from one day to one weekend during which you both agree to look beyond your wedding day to your future relationship as a married couple. Attending one of the programs offered by the Catholic Church gives you the opportunity to listen to what you each have to say about sustaining the “happily ever after” – especially amid the inevitable challenges of married life.

By taking time to listen to yourselves and others, you may hear an old question phrased in a new way, leading you to discover something new about your relationship. Or you may pick up yet another hint about how to celebrate the best of times or support each other through the difficult. Whichever program you choose, you will certainly benefit from taking time out to focus on how your love translates into everyday loving. For this reason, we ask you to commit to spending this quality time with the person to whom you are committing to spend your lifetime.

During your first meeting with your Priest at Old St. Patrick’s, he will describe the programs in detail and will give you information about where and when they are scheduled. There are several different marriage preparation programs offered by the Archdiocese of Chicago, including:

Pre-Cana ~ Archdiocesan Requirement

is a program for engaged couples; it can be completed in 6-1/2 hours over one or two days. Through discussions, exercises and presentations, engaged couples are encouraged to concentrate more intensely on the many facets of married life. Some of the topics presented are the changing nature of marriage, personal growth, mutual decision-making, effective communication, conflict management, intimacy and sexual expression, financial planning, sacramentality, goal setting, the extended family and interfaith marriage. Participants are asked to contribute . (312.751.8201) The fee for PreCana is $180 per couple.

There are also special Pre-Cana programs for couples over thirty; marrying with stepchildren; and couples whose native language is Spanish or Polish.

Discovery Weekend

is a 1 or 2 night weekend program designed specifically for engaged couples. It is neither a retreat nor a withdrawal from life, but an opportunity for couples to set aside time to discuss their life together. Through a series of ideas presented by a team, engaged couples are encouraged to discuss privately with each other the many aspects of married life. The goal of the weekend is to encourage personal reflection and honest and open communication. Meals, Mass and liturgies offer group participation.

The cost for this weekend is $295 per couple and includes meals, lodging, facility rental and materials. A $100 deposit is requested with the registration at least 3 months in advance. (312.751.8351)

Please consult the Cana Conference brochure for a complete listing of all program dates and locations. For further information on all marriage preparation programs, please call the Cana Conference at 312.751.8201.

Engaged Encounter Similar

in format to Marriage Encounter, Engaged Encounter is a working weekend for couples planning a lifetime together. This program is offered six times a year at various retreat centers. The cost, $199 per couple, includes lodging, meals and all supplies. Your priest can provide additional information or a current brochure, or you can call 708.877.7099.

Foccus premarital inventory

 

Special Arrangements must be made. The cost is $100 for the entire process. Please contact the Family Ministries Office at www.familyministries.org for more information.

Online registration and more information on each of these programs are available at http://www.familyministries.org/. Just follow the link to "Marriage Preparation"