Pre-cana- Archdiocese of Newark

I can't speak to your particular Diocese, but it usually alternates between talks and facilitated discussions. Topics can include finances, children, communication, the importance of praying together, NFP, etc.

ETA: Maybe ask some people local to you, but some people find the Engaged Encounter retreat to be more helpful.

It depends on each church. When we were deciding where to get married the requirements were different. For my church we had to do the following:

1. Meet with the deacon and go over basic info

2. Take an online "inventory" which is basically a bunch of questions asking you agree or don't agree. It was things like we have discussed have kids, having pets, etc.

3. We have a 1-2 hour meeting with the Deacon to go over the inventory

4. We have a 1 day Saturday meeting with other engaged couples

5. Final meeting with Deacon to go over things and have witnesses sign that neither of us have been married before.

They seriously asked us like 12 times if we had been married before. Its crazy.

I have had other friends go through it who had to go to 6 weeks of 2 hour classes. I had another friend who had to go to a whole weekend.

So basically it really does decide on each church. Luckily ours wasn't too bad!

We did it back in the fall. Every church does it a little different but it was not that bad. It was all day with 5 other couples. The day was broken down into 4 different topic and they had a married couple talk on each topic. We had a HR break for lunch n mass at the end it was not that bad

We went in November for the full day class. It took about 6 hours and there were 10 couples. It started with introductions and some information about the volunteers. Then we had to fill out a questionaire with our spouses. Lots of work book activities to help find any issues that may need to be discussed. There were group discussions about finances, problem solving and other common issues. There was a portion dedicated to natural family planning and about 45 minutes for lunch. We are not deeply religious but found it really enjoyable and some of the topics helpful.

We took it back in May in Brooklyn. For us, it was a Friday night "service of love" and 8 hours on Saturday. On Saturday, we were with about 10-15 other couples. It was also lead by a couple who told us about their experiences. We completed several pages in a workbook either as a vcouple or individually. It was mostly to learn different things about each other. We only shared our responses with each other.

I'm Jewish and FH is Catholic. As a non Catholic, it really wasn't that bad. At times I was a little bored, but FH and I did learn some things about each other and ways to make our relationship stronger.

We have our first session this weekend (if we don't get snowed in)! Our church does a 4 class program, each one is 9:30-1:00.

Have you taken the FOCCUS questionnaire yet?

We just had our first meeting with the priest last week and he talked to us about everything we need to do.

I'm definitely following because I'm also interested in this!

Following this! My church offers a choice of a weekend retreat or four 2 hour sessions with a married couple at our Parish. My priest said both require the FOCCUS questionnaire and you go over money, raising children, sex, communication, just about everything! We are leaning towards the sessions with a married couple because it's more private and we feel it may be more beneficial.

Not from NJ, but we took the all-day class. We found it very helpful. It covered some topics we hadn't really discussed yet. A married couple hosted our pre-Cana, and there were probably 20-25 couples - a lot! With nearly each topic, we had private, one on one time to discuss with each other. It was held at a Catholic school, and each couple was assigned a classroom for privacy. At times, I wish we had more than 10-15 minutes for each topic, but it makes a for a very, very long day - 12-13 hours.

Iin addition to covering all that material and learning more about each other, met a lot of great couples. Overall very good experience!

Thanks everyone! Yes it's it nj, we're doing the full day one in April. I'm actually pretty excited for it, we did the FOCCUS questionnaire and I was like wow that was insightful!

Doing mine on April 23rd in Newark. We already did family planning and it was very insightful. Definitely did not take the full day. For pre cans I heard there are several couples who talk to you about finances children etc. I still need to take the foccus test. That reminds me I need to call my church tomorrow! My priest said baptism and confirmation cirtificates need to be reviewed Jan/feb. btw I'm getting married same day as you. Oct 21!

Ah wait I have to do family planning too?! I don't think I remember hearing about that... And yay! Where are you getting married!? I'm at Addison park!

Naninas in the park I've been in Addison park to meet with my photographer. Very nice congrats! And yes! Nfp is a requirement for the arch of Newark. I don't think it is everywhere but in our case we have to take it . I really loved the couple that led/lead it. They were very sweet.

Yay congrats!! Oct 21 will be an amazing day

Hey fellow jerseyan!! I just completed the " gods plan for a joy filled marriage" course at the archdiocesan center in Newark, across the street from the Cathedral which was required to take as well as pre Cana which we are doing in April. Best of luck with everything!