Pre Cana / Engagement Encounter

What is Pre Cana/Engagement Encounter Ministry?

Pre Cana/Engagement Encounter Ministry is a ministry found at St. Gregory’s and throughout the archdiocese that helps couples preparing for marriage reflect more about the step and commitment they are about to make. The name Pre Cana refers to the Gospel of John Chapter 2; the wedding feast of Cana. Marriage brings with it great joy and blessings and in the Roman Catholic Church, the Sacrament of Marriage is one of the Church’s seven sacraments.

This means that marriage holds a very special and privileged place within the Church. The theology of the Sacrament of Marriage is that marriage is a life long commitment of fidelity between the husband and wife; that marriage reflects the life long unconditional love God has for us and his everlasting covenant never to leave or abandon us.

Why are couples preparing for Marriage required to do this program?

Marriage is one of the biggest steps any person can take in their lives. It is very easy for couples to get caught up in the details of planning their wedding from arranging the date to booking the hotel. In the midst of this business, it is very easy to forget the reason for all of this – a couple are planning to publicly declare their love for each other and promise before God and his people, they will stay together for the rest of their lives.

In order to assist and help people reflect more about their decision and give them a better understanding of what they are undertaking and provide support and information to the couple about marriage and its responsibilities, Pre Cana or Engagement Encounter is a requirement of couples wishing to marry in a Roman Catholic Church.

When and where does the program take place?

The program Pre Cana/Engagement Encounter takes place all over the Archdiocese of Miami throughout the year. Please note couples wishing to get married may complete the Pre Cana/Engagement Encounter at any parish.

At St. Gregory’s the program is usually scheduled in the spring and autumn for an entire day and consists of a series of presentations on topics relevant and helpful to any couple preparing for marriage. Topics such as communication, spirituality, finances, parenting and the theology of marriage are covered. Please contact the rectory office for dates for upcoming Pre Cana/Engagement Encounter programs at 945-473-6261 Ext 110.

Upon completion of the program either at St. Gregory’s or elsewhere, the couple is presented with a certificate. The couple will need to provide a copy of this certificate when requested to do so.