WHAT IS PRE-CANA?
The Church tries to provide help to couples preparing for marriage. Various forms of programs are offered, of different lengths and in different places. These programs are known as Pre-Cana. Married couples and a priest share with the engaged couples insights into marriage as a sacred institution that requires sacrifices.
Saint Joseph's University's Office of Campus Ministry is now conducting Pre-Cana programs that will fulfill the requirements of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for couples preparing for marriage.
As you know, all Catholic couples, as well as interfaith couples who wish to have their marriage recognized by the Catholic Church, must participate in some kind of Pre-Cana Program.
Upcoming Pre-Cana Weekend
November 7 and 8, 2009
weekend is filled.
Couples must attend all sessions during the course of the weekend; punctuality is necessary and therefore expected.
Haub Conference Center
McShain --5th floor
Please note that, ideally, there should be at least four months between participation in a Pre-Cana program and a wedding day. When necessary, however, and only with the approval of the priest who is preparing a couple for marriage, we will register a couple for a program so long as there is no less that a two-month interval between the completion of a program and the wedding.
Program Schedule
At Saint Joseph's University, the Pre-Cana program begins Saturday morning at 8:30AM with a continental breakfast. After a brief welcoming and some introductory remarks, engaged couples will identify and discuss their attitudes and concerns regarding marriage. There will be a presentation and discussion of the Myers-Briggs personality type indicators followed by a presentation on the meaning of Christian marriage as a covenant and vocation.
After a box-lunch participants will use an attitudinal survey for discovering more about themselves and their partners. This instrument is known as FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study). Completion of this inventory is a requirement of the Archdiocese. Please inform your pastors that the FOCCUS results will be sent directly to them, or to whatever priest or minister you designate.
The afternoon program will include ideas on topics such as communication and conflict-resolution, which include time for couple dialogue.
Saturday will close with a wrap up at 5:15PM
Sunday morning, a continental breakfast will be available at 8:30 A.M, with a discussion following at 9:00. The morning session will include a presentation on family planning and household management, as well as financial planning. After lunch there will be a presentation on intimacy and sexuality. There will be time for couple dialogue, a Q & A and evaluations.
The program concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist in the University Chapel. The homily focuses on the sacramental character of Christian marriage. During the liturgy, there is a blessing of the Engaged Couples, and they receive their Pre-Cana Certificates.
Parking is available in the lot near Wolfington Hall, which is reached by entering the campus off City Ave. near the bridge that spans the street.
The cost of the program is $125.00 per couple.
Because space is limited, only thirty (30) couples can be accommodated on each weekend. For this reason, early reservations are advised. To make a reservation, please send your check, (reservations are not secure until payment is received), made out to St. Joseph's University (Pre-Cana Program) to:
Helen Stewart
Wolfington Hall
5600 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Pre-registration is possible online by clicking on the bell.
