Pre-Cana
The Catholic marriage preparation programme.
Pre-Cana is the Catholic marriage preparation programme, named for the wedding at Cana in John 2 where Christ performed his first sign. The format varies by US diocese: some run group Pre-Cana sessions over one or two weekends; some use an at-home reading and reflection programme with the priest; some host weekend retreats at diocesan retreat centers. Most US Pre-Cana programmes include a structured premarital inventory (often FOCCUS, Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study), whose results form the basis of conversations on communication, finances, family of origin, sexuality, faith, and the Catholic understanding of marriage. Pre-Cana is normally required by the diocese before a Catholic wedding can be celebrated.