Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

FHs church has PreCana lasting for 3 months. There is just no way we can do that. So we call the Diocese of RVC this morning - and they tell me we can do a weekend class through them, and that it's $250. Is that normal? Do you really have to pay for PreCana?? Can we go to another Church on Long Island without to do it?

Sorry, non-catholic here and am just wondering.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes, you have to pay for Pre-Cana and depending the type you chose to do the price varies. I think that you can do Pre-Cana anywhere because you get a certificate to show your church that you completed it.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Hi there. If you're marrying in a catholic church, you have to go to pre-cana. The program your church offers is likely a weekly meeting in a parish home. I am doing the weekend engaged encounter - it is a little bit more money, but from what i've gathered TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Check out this site and you will get the schedules for all different types of programs available; you don't have to do just what is offered through your parish:
http://www.drvc-faith.org/marriagePrep.html#marriagePrep

Good luck and if you have more questions, FM me!

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes, you have to pay for pre-cana, but I've never heard of $250! Is is a weekend retreat? If so, that would be more reasonable.

I just registered for our one-day pre cana at our church in Nassau County and it costs $60. The cost is the same whether you do the one or two day program at my church.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes, you have to do it..... NO catholic church will marry you without proof of completion.

You can do it through Diocese (much more expensive... i.e. the $250.00) You can also do it through the church you are getting married at, or your parish church... this is usually a much chepaer option. My parish charged $50.00

the cost covers refreshments, and the supplies and materials you are given. the weekends are more expensive because you usually stay somewhere like a retreat hosue so that cost is factored in as well as meals, etc. etc.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

We did it at a different church than where we got married. We used my church for precana but got married in my husband's church. Ours was 4 sessions 1 night a week for 4 weeks straight.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

My church charges 100. I think every church has to charge.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes it is mandatory and it does usually cost you something. Our pre-cana was 3 months also but it was only 4 meetings.
THe weekend ones are about $200+ depending. You can complete in within any diocese as long as you get the paperwork stating it has been completed.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

interesting. I didnt know that we can do pre-cana directly with the church? My chruch referred me to the Diocese for the schedules and all that stuff.......I think its 200.00 for the pre-cana

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

I was just about to register through Rockville Center and it was 250 for 2 days (sat and sunday) and you have to go back for focus sessions.)

I looked in Queens - and its 175 and a Friday night and sat day - no other days!!

Pre Cana in Queens/Brooklyn

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

---

Posted by MrsMagoo

FHs church has PreCana lasting for 3 months. There is just no way we can do that. So we call the Diocese of RVC this morning - and they tell me we can do a weekend class through them, and that it's $250. Is that normal? Do you really have to pay for PreCana?? Can we go to another Church on Long Island without to do it?

Sorry, non-catholic here and am just wondering.

---

I am doing it through the Diocese of RVC & paying $250. My classes are actually this friday from 7 - 9pm & then on saturday from 9 - 3 or 4pm(can't remember)

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes, it's normal. The weekend Pre-Cana, Engaged Encounter sometimes is more expensive since you are paying for hotel rooms and food, etc. It is a long weekend but we had a terrific experience overall.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

our precana is two sunday nights in march 630-930pm and its $60.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

We did the engaged encounter weekend. We paid for it, but it was so so worth it, we actually learned a lot and were so glad we went!

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

ours was about six weeks but lsat almost two months due to cancellations and such.

I don't think you can 'get out' of it unless there are certain circumstances prohibiting your attendance.

$250 is normal for w/e retreat.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

We did ours in Brooklyn and paid $175 for a Fri night (got out really early) and Saturday all day (got out VERY early)...it was worth it.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

We are doing our Pre Cana in westchester where we live. We just have to show our priest the completion certificate. We are doing one Sat and one Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It costs $190. Hope that helps

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

I never even thought to ask my priest about the price but then again from what I have heard from my friends (and they never go to church) that pre cana is so worth it. It mentions topics that erally make you think.

Anyway my priest also told FH and I about a pre cana class that you can do in one day which was 8 hours.

Ask your contact person at the church if they offer anything like the 8 hr one or call Rockville Center

Good Luck!

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Our Pre-Cana was for one weekend. Our church does it for I think $75-$80 if you're not getting married there.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

YES, You have to pay for pre-cana, but you could contact local catholic parishes and see if they are holding a shorter pre-cana.

DH and I took precana at our church, but there were 3 couples who didn't belong who attended the sessions. Ours was 3-4 weeks long - Sunday night for 4-5 hours.