LANCASTER, PA CATHOLIC WEDDING

I'm not in PA but we went through pre-cana in VA. We met with our priest 3 times over the course of 6 months and did our class in a long Saturday (8am-8pm). I'm also in a doctorate program and our preist was more than willing to accommodate (we met at 6pm on either a Monday or Wednesday). So my advice is to talk with your preist. It's not as bad as it seems.

Not in PA but NE Ohio... We didn't have to do a pre Cana. Check with your church and see if you can't attend a one day one. A lot of times they aren't picky.

I would check on the Diocese of Harrisburg website. I am getting married at St. Leo, in Lancaster. We live outside of Philly and did our Pre-Cana in Media, Arch Diocese of Philadelphia. It was a Friday evening 6-9, and Saturday 9-4. I am not super religious, but it really wasn't that bad. The speakers were great. Only downside was listening to a guy with 7 kids talk about family planning! But overall a good experience. Good luck!

No advice other than what Stephanie has suggested...but yay for local brides!

We are doing precana in Pittsburgh and had the option of doing various things to complete the requirement. We opted to do the foccus questionnaire and discuss the results with the priest rather than the one day course or lectures. We have demanding schedules and it worked out better for us because we could meet with him at our convenience.

I'm from CA, so I am not aware if it is different. We only had to go on a weekend retreat for 3 days, and meet with the priest once after. Ask your priest at the church you plan on getting married at to determine your options.

Would it be possible to have the meetings with your priest take place via videoconference? You would still be meeting, but would not have to travel.

ETA never mind, I somehow thought you were going to be traveling to Lancaster to meet and that was why it wouldn't work with your schedule. Don't know why I thought that, sorry!

Im from NoVA and we had 3 planning sessions with the priest and one saturday that we went to a conference with other engaged couples. While its a pain FH and I enjoyed it. We had fun getting to know our preist and the conference we ened up joking and messing around with the other couples. All in all I think we spent a total of 10 hours in pre cana. Its not that bad.

I am in Missouri but have to say Ive been jumping through so many hoops I'm almost to the point of saying "forget it!" and just getting married outside of the church. Granted, I am marrying a non baptised person in a different diocese than where I am registered so that makes a huge difference. The PreCANA stuff hasn't been bad and we enjoy it, it's all the paperwork that the church is moving slow on that is a pain.

Wow thanks so much guys. This is really good info.

I know Lancaster, PA can be a little old school when it comes to church stuff so just ask around!

Also- way off your topic but if in need of a photographer, check out Tessa Marie Images. She's originally from that area and is located in Philly. Can't recommend her enough !

We did our pre-Cana online then met with the priest 3 times after that to discus our FOCCUS survey.

@stephanie how was planning your wedding with st. leo? how is the priest? St. leos is one of the churches i am strongly considering since that is where I went growing up (now live in northern VA)

Every church has its own requirements but sounds like you have the basics. It does take a bit of time but ours included online classes so you can do those on your own time. They require a minimum of 6 months to prep and I would advise taking at least that and getting your requirements list immediately.