February 9, 2007

Marriage Supplement

Archdiocese offers Pre Cana program

By Mary Ann Wyand

The phrase “today is the first day of the rest of your life” is especially true for engaged couples on their wedding day.

The Catholic Church helps couples prepare for a sacramental life together by offering the Pre Cana Conference, a one-day marriage preparation program, at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., in Indianapolis.

“Weddings are the ‘stuff of dreams,’ ” explained Marilyn Hess, associate director of healing family ministries of the archdiocesan Office of Family Ministries. “Making plans for the day consumes a lot of time and energy, not to mention expense prior to the event.

“It is important for engaged couples to remember that the wedding day lasts for 24 hours while marriage lasts for a lifetime and requires a great deal of skill,” Hess said. “Attending marriage preparation programs like Pre Cana can help the engaged couple focus on relevant marriage issues, such as sacramentality and sexuality, and enhance necessary skills like communication.”

Hess said the Pre Cana program is intended to be the initial introduction to marriage preparation and not the only experience.

“Couples are encouraged to continue their preparation through sponsor couple programs at their parish,” she said, “and by participating in weekend retreat programs like Tobit.”

This year, Pre Cana Conferences are scheduled on March 4, March 25, April 15, April 29, May 20, June 3, July 22, Aug. 5 and Oct. 21.

(For more information, call the Office of Family Ministries at 317-236-1596 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1596.) †

Local site Links: