Pre Cana

Pre Cana is a one-day marriage preparation class offered by the Diocesan
Center for Family Life. It follows a structured schedule and is presented to
groups of engaged couples. It is designed to supplement, not to replace, the less structured, personal meetings that each couple should also have with the priest or deacon who is assisting them to prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony.

The program provides both an overview of God's design for joy in marriage and practical skills for bringing it about. Opportunities are provided for each couple to reflect and discuss privately the topics raised during the day.

Some priests administer FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) to the couple prior to attending Pre Cana. Couples who have not had this opportunity, however, may take the FOCCUS immediately prior to the start of the Pre Cana day. The results are sent to the priest assisting the couple.

Presentations cover such topics as:

• Sacrament of Marriage

• Communication

• Long Term Commitment

• Christian Family Values

• Christian Stewardship

• Catholic Perspective on Sexuality

• Natural Family Planning

The class is always on a Saturday and it runs from 9:20 AM - 5:30 PM. Couples who choose to participate in FOCCUS at Pre Cana need to be there promptly at 8:20 AM.

The cost of the class is $69 ($79 if FOCCUS is taken as part of the day). This fee includes materials and lunch.

2012 Dates

Jacksonville Deanery
The following dates are at St. Vincent's Hospital, in Jacksonville

April 21
June 30
October 27
December 8

Gainesville Deanery
The following date is at St. Patrick, Gainesville

March 31

St. Augustine Deanery
The following date is at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Palm Coast

September 22