Marriage Preparation: Pre-Cana 
"A wedding is a day, a
marriage is a lifetime."
Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation is offered at the Pastoral Center (map) south of downtown Sacramento through a one-day conference by the name of "Pre-Cana."
Why Is the Conference Called Pre-Cana?
In John 2:1-12, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee with the two prominent guests present: Jesus and his mother: Mary. As Jesus participated at this wedding in Cana, so he is present in our weddings today, blessing marriages through his priests & deacons, and sanctifying couples through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
What Is a Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Conference?
The conference is for engaged couples planning to be married in the Catholic Church for the first time and referred by the priest/deacon or marriage coordinator. A full day is created which will enable you to have an opportunity to discuss honestly with each other your strengths and areas of growth, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, family life, communication, finances, sexuality, and your role in the Church and society.
When Is the Conference Held?
Pre-Cana is held on Sundays at the Pastoral Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. sharp and the program concludes by 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass is celebrated for all couples at 3:30 p.m. You must stay for the entire day to receive your certificate. Continental breakfast, snacks, and lunch are provided. Dress is casual and comfortable. You may want to bring a seat cushion.
How Much Does It Cost?
The conference cost is $100 per couple (non-refundable) if you live within the Sacramento Diocese or $150 (non-refundable) if you live outside of the Sacramento Diocese. There is a $40 charge for returned checks and a $15 charge if you change the original date of your reservation.
How to Register
Download, print, read, fill-out, and mail-in the registration form (CLICK HERE). If you have any questions, you may call an administrative assistant at (916) 733-0123.
Dates and Times
In order to assure the date of your choice, 6 months in advance is recommended. Attendance is limited to 50 couples on a first-come, first-serve basis.
English Pre-Cana Dates in 2008
| January 6 | |
| January 27 | |
| February 24 | |
| March 9 | |
| March 30 | |
| May 4 | |
| May 18 | |
| June 8 | |
| June 29 | |
| July 13 | |
| July 27 | |
| August 10 | |
| September 14 | |
| October 19 | |
| November 9 |
Spanish-Speaking Conferences are also available during the year. Please call (916) 733-0177 for more information.
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