Pre-Cana

Pre-Cana is a course or consultation for couples preparing to be married in a Catholic church. The name is derived from John 2:1–12, the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.

Approaches to Pre-Cana vary among Catholic dioceses and parishes. Often six month sessions are led by a priest or deacon with support from a married Catholic couple.

Online programs have emerged as an alternative to gathered events as parishes and dioceses cope with fewer resources, geographically expanding congregations and deployed military couples.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops considers the following topics as "must have conversations" before couples marry:

  • Spirituality/Faith
  • Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Careers
  • Finances
  • Intimacy/Cohabitation
  • Children
  • Commitment

Other topics that may be covered by Pre-Cana include:

  • Ceremony Planning
  • Family of Origin
  • Communication
  • Marriage as a Sacrament
  • Sexuality
  • Theology of the Body
  • Couple Prayer
  • Unique Challenges of Military Couples
  • Stepfamilies
  • Children of Divorce

For couples in which both parties are marrying for the first time (no prior marriages), we offer parish Pre-Cana conferences or diocesan Pre-Cana conferences; while some conferences are completed in one day, others are offered in sessions over the course of a few days. Participation in any of the Pre-Cana events listed on this page will fulfill the instructional session requirement for marriage preparation in the Diocese of Camden.