Pre Cana on Saturday---what to expect?

Most of the time, they will ask each of you a few questions about certain aspects of life, and then you will answer individually and then the answers will be discussed to determine compatibility. They just want to make sure you are aware of all aspects of marriage and each other before you make a big commitment! Most couples, especially if you live together already, don't have any issues with this. It's basically just to make sure you guys are on the same page about life and marriage and everything!

We just went through ours last weekend. We went through a workbook, but really only discussed the main topics (communication, finances, etc). Some of the time was spent discussing in small groups with couples at our table, but the majority was between the two of us. Overall it was relatively painless - I think a lot has to do with what couple you get to lead you through it. Ours was very non preachy and recognized that most of us already lived together. This is random, but wear jeans. Don't feel the need to dress up at all.

My friend texted me that she had pre Cana and I figured it was some type of nursing test since she just took that this week...

Our pre-cana "all day" session covered a number of things (with different speakers and activities) including...

- the church's teachings on marriage

- love languages

- family of origin

- finances

- NFP overview

Thanks B! I was wondering about the dress too...and, go figure, FH is worried about food (since we will be there from 8am to 5pm), he's hoping they provide lunch, I'm hoping they don't and we have time to hit up our favorite Mexican place right down the street and have a margarita!!! ;-)

Songbird and B sound like your sessions covered completely different topics (for the most part)

When they say get rest, do it. We made the mistake of not and we were so exhausted it was dangerous.

The leading couples will talk about the different subjects, men and women will separate to write out thoughts and answer the questions in the book, then come back together. You'll take FHs book and he'll take yours and you'll read the responses and then discuss everything. You'll also get the adult version of sex Ed and learn how to watch your cycle to see when you're ovulating. This part is awful.

So, communicating, finances, faith, raising kids, natural family planning, time/talent/treasure etc. if y'all already communicate well and talk through everything, it will be mostly repetitive but the main point is right.

If you haven't already read "the five love languages" they'll suggest it and may have it available to buy. I read it a few years ago before FH and I were together and I suggest it to anyone. It's not only helped me to learn about myself and whoever I'm in a relationship with, but it's even helped me learn how to see how my family shows love. It isn't written incredibly well, but it is worth the read.

Maybe. I think mine was more general. We very briefly discussed NFP. I think because our Pre Cana was in Chicago with at least 60 other couples, we simply didn't have time to do activities or have multiple speakers. Plus I felt that our session was tailored for a more liberal group.

For ours, they asked each couple to bring a snack and then they provided lunch. We had pizza and subs which didn't taste all that great.

And b is correct about the dress, be comfy.

We did ours back in October. We sat at a table with 5 other couples. One couple was married and we discussed different aspects of marriage (financial, religion, children, etc.).

There was about 9 other tables with couples with the same set up. Each married couple got up to speak to everyone about their marriage and different obstacles they've dealt with in their marriages. I remember one couple in particular had been married for 5 years and she had experienced 3 miscarriages and how they dealt with it as a couple. It was very moving.

We just finished ours on Sunday. We did four 1.5 hour sessions. It was surprisingly painless. I'm not very religious and it wasn't nearly as preachy as I thought it'd be. They brought in different couples to talk to us about communication, finances, problem-solving, mixed-faith marriages, etc. I can't really remember what else.

You'll each fill out some quiz-type things and probably have to answer for your partner sometimes. Like "I feel X way, I think my partner feels Y way."

I found the communication class the most helpful.

It wasn't as bad as we were expecting. We found it helpful in getting us to communicate better. The friar asked if any of the couples had already bought a house together. We figured that would be the start of the preaching about living together/sleeping together before marriage. Instead, he was like "Great! You got that out of the way. Buying a house can be stressful and cause a lot of arguments over money." We were shocked they were so laid back.

Thanks all! this have definitely helped! I probably would have gone a bit dressier for clothes too, but I'm going to stick to jeans now!

I am such an idiot! First thing that came to mind was Punta Cana - Then I said "I thought she was going on a cruise" - Learn something new everyday :-)

LMFAO!!! I could sooooo be up for going to Punta Cana on Saturday AND the cruise! I am completely over this bullshit Michigan weather!

We finished ours last weekend too. Saturday seemed like SUCH a long day but I really enjoyed the sessions Sunday. The NFP session was interesting and lasted a good 45 min and that part was done by a nurse....my FH's eyes started glazing over at all the mention of mucus. LOL. I want to say Engaged Encounter is the national organization and we did the weekend hosted by our local branch. One of my BM is doing hers this weekend and hers includes a happy hour on Friday.....totally missed out.

I'm looking forward to hearing about it. Can you update this after? We will have to do the same exact thing in a couple of months.