The Church rejoices with you as you approach the Sacrament of Marriage and we all wish to support you in living your married life to the fullest. In many ways, today’s culture can work against your commitment to a healthy, lifelong Christian marriage, but the greater Church can offer some lasting support through our marriage preparation program options.
Pre-Cana (or Marriage Preparation) is a course or consultation for couples preparing to marry in the Catholic Church. A chance to discuss important topics like family, finances, and conflict resolution and a wonderful way to learn about the religious, spiritual, and practical aspects of marriage. This is a way for an engaged couple to discover and deepen their faith and receive needed direction as they also prepare for their wedding.
Now, throughout the year, Saint Miriam offers couples an ongoing virtual building blocks program with which to form a solid foundation for your marriage. We also provide the spiritual resources, practical tools, and counseling opportunities couples need for a strong and healthy marriage.
We Offer Two Options at Saint Miriam for PreCana
1. A Comprehensive Full Program of PreCana:
We recently partnered with The Marriage Group to offer a virtual extended, comprehensive unit of PreCana followed by Prepare/Enrich which is included in our Pre-Cana at no extra cost! This program can be completed at your leisure over an extended period of time, or all at once (taking an average of 8 hours to complete all modules).
An additional option is to be ‘guided’ by a mentor from the parish in conjunction with a learner’s guide!
Following the conclusion of the program you will receive a Completion Certificate and a Couple’s Report. Additionally, your clergy will receive a Facilitator Report that overviews all areas of the program and you can then schedule a personal meeting to discuss, if desired.
Note: These courses are promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and accepted by dioceses and parishes worldwide. The Marriage Group also is a member of the Catholic Family Life Association.
2. An Abbreviated Program of PreCana:
An abbreviated version of our Pre-Cana Program also takes place via an online portal followed by the submission of a Pre-Marriage Questionnaire. In return you receive feedback via a Marriage Action Plan (MAP) and a meeting with a priest to go over the results, if desired. Following the conclusion of this program you also receive a Completion Certificate.
Both Pre-Cana programs cover in varied lengths the following topics:
- Relationship Dynamics
- Strength and Growth Areas
- Spirituality, Faith
- Family Dynamics
- Children and Family Planning
- Finances
- Human Sexuality, Sex, Intimacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication
A Quick Overview of PreCana
- Couple Registers for their wedding date and chooses the Pre-Cana/Marriage PREP option that suits them (two versions)
- Couple then registers for Pre-Cana (Marriage PREP)
- Please Note: The Marriage Group is $225 paid directly to them when you register; the Abbreviated Course is included in the Pre-Cana Fee to parish included in chosen package. Guided Mentor option is optional and fee added.
- Couple completes initial session for Marriage PREP chosen – both are VIRTUAL/ON-LINE)
- Couple completes Pre-Marriage Questionnaire after attending (Online) for Abbreviated Program OR Prepare/Enrich segment for the Comprehensive Program
- Couple has subsequent session, privately with priest, as needed (Private) to review results
A Pre-Cana session can be added to any package above that does not already include it for $200.
Wedding Booking Cancellation Policy
Since most of our Priests earn their living by dedicating themselves to the service of wedding couples, and the closer to the wedding date they are usually unable to replace the date that has been booked, it is incumbent that we have a basic understanding of what happens if the couple should cancel their arrangement with their chosen officiant. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- If the wedding is canceled, or the chosen priest is no longer needed, for any reason, the following is understood by all parties:
- Prior to 90 days from wedding date: No cancellation fee applies. Deposit is forfeited.
- From 89 to 60 days from wedding date: A $100 cancellation fee applies. Deposit is forfeited.
- From 59 to 30 days from wedding date: A $200 cancellation fee applies. Deposit is forfeited.
- Less than 30 days or less from wedding date: A $300 cancelation fee applies, or the balance of the originally booked wedding package, whichever is less. Deposit is forfeited.
Saint Miriam uses MX Guarddog to prevent spam.