Hi girls - I am reading through my packet from my church and am confused about the pre-cana options. It seems like there are two options, marriage preparation or engaged encounter? Does this sound familiar to anyone? What is the difference? It seems like engaged encounter is more of a weekend retreat?
Also I see options to do Foccus online if the course we choose does not offer it in person? I can call my church and ask again but I figured someone on here would know. TIA!
Angie2014
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
We just did our FOCUS in church this Saturday. It took about 45 minutes, and wasn't bad at all. I'm not sure if you can do it online though, our church did not have that option. We just had to answer a questionnaire and that was it. No courses to choose from or anything. We called the rectory, and they gave us a list of available dates, and we chose from those dates.
As for the Pre-Cana, we opted for the weekend retreat. We figured it would be more fun doing it with other engaged couples. They provide breakfast, lunch, etc. and it suited us better than going to the church for a few hours once a week and doing the marriage preparation.
MrsDtoBe
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
We actually completed our FOCUS before we took pre-cana. They let us do it when we initially went in to meet with the priest. We didn't have those options but I'm assuming it would be marriage preparation.
Chaz
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
We did FOCCUS as an online questionnaire before Pre-Cana. After completing the survey online, we met with a couple in their home. About a month later, we got a call to start Pre-Cana. Ours was every Friday night for 2 hours for about 4 weeks, plus various meetings before and after the 4 weeks at the Church.
Lisa and Steven
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
My church is in Queens under the Diocese of Brooklyn and they don't do FOCCUS. We are doing the engaged encounter just to get it out of the way. Ours is on a Friday night from 7:30-9:30 and then Saturday from 9-5.
kim24
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
My mom told me her and my dad did the Engaged Encounter Retreat when they were engaged 33 years ago and she said it was amazing!!
bkal5043
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
We did our FOCCUS at a parish couples house. It took 2 sessions. First we went to answer the 160 question booklet- we each had to fill out our answers separately. Then we went back 2 weeks later to discuss our answers. We are doing Pre Cana in September. I believe is 4 Sundays in a row. I think each session is 2 hours.
LadyReeRee
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Member since
Re: Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Posted by Lisa and Steven
My church is in Queens under the Diocese of Brooklyn and they don't do FOCCUS. We are doing the engaged encounter just to get it out of the way. Ours is on a Friday night from 7:30-9:30 and then Saturday from 9-5.
We did the same thing. It was so worth it...plus we got free sammy's for lunch!
Lisa and Steven
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Re: Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Posted by LadyReeRee
Posted by Lisa and Steven
My church is in Queens under the Diocese of Brooklyn and they don't do FOCCUS. We are doing the engaged encounter just to get it out of the way. Ours is on a Friday night from 7:30-9:30 and then Saturday from 9-5.
We did the same thing. It was so worth it...plus we got free sammy's for lunch!
Nice. The email they sent says they serve a continental breakfast and lunch. I just hope it is interesting and doesn't make me sleepy!
StephanieXO
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Member since
Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Update: I spoke with our priest and he told us FOCCUS is not required, but pre-cana is (obviously lol). He said although FOCCUS is not required, it is something we can do and give the results to the priest marrying us. Interesting that churches in the same diocese do things differently! Thanks for the help ladies.
erin0412
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Does anyone know of any Parish's that do Saturday Pre Cana? St Thomas in W. Hempstead does, I spoke with Mike a few months ago and havent heard anything since...any ideas?
amanda1126
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Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Out Lady of Lourdes in Massapequa does a 1 day Saturday Precana!
MsA2MrsA
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Re: Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
Posted by amanda1126
Out Lady of Lourdes in Massapequa does a 1 day Saturday Precana!
I'll be going there at some point. Probably the fall
aaadance
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Member since
Re: Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
I highly recommend doing the Engaged Encounter!! My fiance and I went last month and it was HANDS DOWN one of the (if not THE) most memorable, special, and amazing experiences we have had as a couple. There are two couples who run the encounter and they were absolutely inspiring and so open about their own marriages and experiences.
We arrived Friday night around 7 pm and did a couple of activities and also enjoyed talking with the other couples there. Saturday, the hosting couples gave an intro to each activity/discussion and then you have time to reflect on your own (there is a workbook) and time to discuss with your fiance. Literally, every topic you can think of is covered, and you go over everything with your fiance as a couple so you can be completely honest and open with each other. The weekend ends Sunday around 1pm. They served excellent home-cooked meals and there were plenty of snacks, coffee, tea, etc during breaks.
My fiance and I came away from the weekend with even more love for each other than when we arrived. We already felt very close before the weekend, and we feel that the encounter bonded us even further. We still talk about it and cannot wait to attend the Marriage Encounter after we are married!!
Seriously, do not even think about it and just attend the Engaged Encounter!! I strongly recommend it to all engaged couples, even if they are not Catholic. Every engaged couple will benefit from the weekend. Bring your friends! It is so SO worth it.
The next one is Oct.18-20 at the seminary in Huntington. You can sign up by emailing the coordinators, Lenny and Pat, directly at: [email protected]
Paulandmel14
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Member since
Pre-Cana/FOCCUS
I just did Engaged Encounter with my fiancé in July. It was the best thing we have ever done for us. We learned so much about each other and got even closer. We shared our deepest feelings and discussed things we never thought about talking about. I think you and your fiancé will get much more out of the weekend than if you do a weekly pre Cana. Lenny and Pat are the couple in charge of everything. Email them for more info [email protected]. Good Luck with everything!!! :))
