Pastoral Outreach to Christian Marriage
Formation, Preparation, Celebration, and Continuing Education
Appendix D: Marriage Preparation Programs
PreCana is usually a one-day program presented by a trained team. The team is comprised of a married couple and, when available, a pastoral minister. PreCana employs the techniques of individual reflection, couple dialogue, and group discussion.
Special PreCana
Special PreCana is for the more experienced couple. It utilizes all the dynamics of a regular PreCana, but more emphasis is placed on those areas of married life to which these couples can relate. This program is recommended for couples who are at least 30 years of age, couples who are cohabiting, and/or for couples in which one or both partners have been previously married, but have no children.
Marrying with Stepchildren PreCana
Marrying with Stepchildren PreCana is for couples in which one or both partners have been previously married and have children (either custodial or non-custodial) or in which one or both partners has a child(ren) from a previous relationship. This program is designed to focus on and help foster growth within this, the newest of all relationships, while placing special emphasis on parenting in step-families. Marrying with Stepchildren PreCana utilizes similar dynamics as those found in a regular PreCana.
A team, which includes married couples and sometimes a priest, presents PreCana Hispana. It is offered to Spanish-speaking couples and utilizes the dynamics of the English PreCana, with cultural adaptations.
Hispanic PreCana in English addresses the blending of Hispanic and American cultures within marriage. It utilizes all the dynamics of a regular PreCana.
PreCana Hispana Especial is designed for Spanish-speaking couples married civilly and seeking convalidation. The program is presented by a team, which includes married couples and sometimes a priest, and utilizes the dynamics of a regular PreCana. However, more emphasis is placed on those areas of married life that are culturally-specific.
Polish PreCana
Polish PreCana is presented in Polish and addresses the blending of Polish and American cultures within marriage.
Parish Marriage Preparation Program
The Parish Marriage Preparation Program is parish-based and conducted by one or two married couples. It is designed for the engaged of that parish community. The Archdiocese trains married couples to conduct the discussion-oriented program over a period of at least three weeks.
Discovery Weekend takes place over the course of an entire weekend and is held at a retreat house within the Archdiocese. The program focuses a couple’s personal reflection and couple dialogue on vital topics. Teams of married couples present their own life experiences to stimulate a couple’s communication.
If a couple is unable to attend one of these marriage preparation programs, it is expected they will meet for three additional sessions with the parish minister to discuss those elements that are normally incorporated within the preparation programs.
Programs for Couples Seeking Convalidation
Special sensitivity should be extended to couples seeking convalidation. The final decision as to what would best meet the needs of these couples is left to the parish minister, depending on the circumstances.
· Couples who have been married civilly for less than six months and are seeking convalidation may attend Discovery Weekend.
· Couples married civilly for more than six months should attend a Marriage Encounter weekend or other marriage enrichment program.
The Archdiocese, through the Family Ministries Office, will provide leadership training for couples to serve as marriage preparation ministers for the engaged and mentors for the newly married.
The Archdiocese, through the Family Ministries Office, will provide ongoing education and formation opportunities for parish and diocesan marriage ministers.
The Archdiocese will provide facilitator training in a proven effective Premarital Inventory for those who minister to the engaged in the diocesan and parish-based programs.
The Archdiocese, through the Family Ministries Office, with the necessary collaboration of other diocesan agencies, will make marriage preparation materials available in appropriate languages.
