Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Yes thats normal, but did your church tell you often you have to go with in the 3 months? My whole Precana process took about 2 months, but we only had to meet for the actual classes 4 times.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

WOW that is A LOT for Pre-Cana. Mine cost $55 and I did it one day on a Saturday at my Church. If you can go to any Church then check with St. Thomas in West Hempstead. I know they offer it on Saturday's and it cost almost $200 less.

Edited to say that it might cost you a little more if you are not in the parish.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

That price does seem high. But no matter where you go , you will have to pay.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

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Posted by marinebride

That price does seem high. But no matter where you go , you will have to pay.

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the $250 is how much the diocese of Rockville Center charges for their weekend precana - its ridiculous!

my parish charges $75 - its 4 classes and a mass - it probably will last two months - but we only meet four times. it wasnt worth it to me to spend an extra $175.

but there are some parishes that offer their own weekend retreats that are cheaper (someone mentioned a church in Bay Shore.)

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

Our parish is $50 or $60, and its 2 hours 1 weeknight a week for 5 weeks....10 hours total...FH and I are having a problem scheduling though, because I work nights, we both take night classes, etc.

We may have to pay more to do the weekend elsewhere.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

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Posted by donegal419

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.

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This is key - There might be some exceptions, but generally, you have to do it at your own parish, the parish you're getting married at, or through the diocese. You just cannot go anywhere for pre-cana because you like their schedule better.

Many people have sent me FM about pre-cana b/c I said I'm doing a one-day program. I'm sorry I cannot respond to everyone individually, but my church only allows parishioners and those getting married there to attend their pre cana.

ETA - Maybe some churches do it differently, but I know mine doesn't allow just anyone to sign up. (I have a friend who tried!) Sorry! Wish I could be more helpful.

Really, though, pre cana isn't the end of the world. Two days isn't that bad! You'd only go a few hours each time.

Re: Is it normal? (Pre-Cana)

ours is 6 weeks or you can do a weekend retreat - we cant do the 6 week one because it is on weeknights but i thinkk they are in the $100 - $150 price range. I guess every church is different.