Click here for a list of Pre-Cana programs in the area. 

Marriage is not simply a union between a husband and wife. Christ’s love for and service to His bride, the Church, is reflected in the love and devotion the couple holds for each other and for Christ. It is a beautiful way of life, full of many moments of grace and accomplishments as well as unanticipated challenges and sometimes heartache. For these reasons, the Archdiocese requires each engaged couple preparing for marriage to participate in Pre-Cana classes which will help them to anticipate and understand the possible complexities of their life together. This requirement can be waived for those who have been widowed and are contemplating re-marriage. 

The effects of the Sacrament are: first to sanctify the love of husband and wife; second, to give them grace to bear with each other's weaknesses; third, to enable them to bring up their children in the fear and love of God. 

In our parish, couples must schedule an appointment with the administrator or his delegate as soon as possible after engagement but at least six months in advance of the proposed wedding date. At that time required paperwork will be initiated, a date and time for the wedding can be set and the location of Pre-Cana Classes determined as well as the celebrant. The celebrant does not administer the Sacrament. The couple administer it to each other. The celebrant is the official Church witness to the marriage.