Pre-Cana Program for Marriage Preparation

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Why Pre-Cana?
By now you're probably very involved in planning your wedding day, making sure you leave nothing to chance. You know that preparation is the key to making sure your wedding is everything you want it to be. The Catholic Church knows that preparation is also very important when it comes to getting your marriage off to a good start. That's why the Church requires you to attend the Pre-Cana marriage preparation program.

The Church is concerned about you personally, and as a couple. She offers you, in a very practical way, her full support and assistance both now, as you prepare for marriage, as well as throughout your married life. The Church wants to help you develop and deepen those qualities which promote the lifelong, loving relationship necessary to a Christian and sacramental marriage. Considering the pressures and demands on married couples in our current fast-paced times, the preparation offered by the Pre-Cana program is more important than ever.

About the St. Brendan Program
The St. Brendan Pre-Cana program was established over 15 years ago in accordance with the guidelines and direction of the Diocese of Columbus. Initially the program was offered three times a year, with about eight couples attending each session. Now the program is conducted four times a year, and it's not unusual for as many as 20 or more couples to take part in each session. The program owes much of its success to the involvement of lay people from the St. Brendan Parish. Some 35 couples are actively involved, handling everything from presentations to various supporting functions. The St. Brendan program is respected throughout the Diocese, and many other parishes have used it as a model for their own Pre-Cana programs.

What to Expect
Wondering what goes on during the Pre-Cana program and how it can help you prepare for marriage? The approach is simple. The environment is casual. The mood is relaxed and friendly. The program begins on Friday evening and continues through the next day, wrapping up mid-afternoon on Saturday. Snacks and beverages, as well as a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, are provided.

The program consists of a number of presentations by married coupled who will address topics and issues that you and your partner are likely to confront over the course of your marriage. They will share their personal experiences with you, as well as offer the Church's view on these subjects. After each presentation, you will have the opportunity to reflect individually and as a couple on the subject that has been discussed. Group discussions are also conducted.

The presentation topics include:

• Family of Origin,
• Communications,
• Values, Goals and Priorities,
• Spirituality,
• Intimacy, and
• Longevity

When and How to Enroll
It's a good idea to attend a Pre-Cana session as soon as possible once you've decided to get married. This will ensure you have sufficient time to focus on the importance of your marriage preparation and sacramental vocation. Many couples agree that the discussions begun during their Pre-Cana experience helped lay a strong foundation for their later married life. Although the St. Brendan Pre-Cana Program is intended primarily to serve member or future members of the parish, other couples are accepted if room is available. That's another good reason to register early.

2008 Pre-Cana Program Dates
The St. Brendan Pre-Cana Program will be offered on the following dates:

• May 17 & 17 - 2008

To register you need only to call Deacon Pat or Marilyn Wiggins at 614-876-1272 ext. 237.

A Note to Interfaith Couples
Many of the couples who attend the St. Brendan Pre-Cana Program are inter-faith couples. While the presentations rely on the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, the program also deals with many broader issues of married life. It is also designed to support the non-catholic partner in his or her faith, and great care is taken to make sure no one is made to feel uncomfortable. In keeping with the spirit of the Church, the St. Brendan program encourages the Catholic partner to spend time learning about the unique aspects of his or her fiance's faith and their understand of marriage.

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