One of the prerequisites for couples who wish to marry in the Catholic Church is their participation in the pre-matrimonial instruction course, popularly known in the English Speaking circles as Pre-Cana.  The name takes its roots in Jesus’ attendance at a Wedding Feast in Cana, Galilee (John 2:1-12). It  was not only about a well known miracle of transforming water into wine but about a visible sign that marriage was intended by God as an essential part of God’s plan for humanity.

Marriage is about the integrity of a human person where spirituality intermingles with the sexual and material dimensions of life. Pope Francis teaches that young couples: “should be helped to perceive the attraction of a complete union that elevates and perfects the social dimension of existence, gives sexuality its deepest meaning, and benefits children by offering them the best context for their growth and development” ( Amoris Laetitia, 205 ). We, in St. Paul’s, are dedicated to this mission.

Our program consists of six basic blocks:

First:  The biblical theology of marriage. 

Second:  Communication and managing finances in marriage. 

Third:  Marriage as a Sacrament, that is, the visible sign of God’s grace where the spouses are the ministers of this Sacrament. 

Fourth:  Sexuality in marriage. 

Fifth:   Natural Family Planning. 

Sixth:  Legal aspects in marriage and what documents should be presented to be married in the Catholic Church in Poland. 

We also touch on some issues concerning problems of conceiving new life and instruments that are available and respect the Catholic teaching as well as issues regarding intercultural marriages. During the course there is a possibility to attend Sacrament of Reconciliation and spend some time in silence and meditation. 

Our Teachers Team consists of experienced couples, trained in NFP, who are of good reputation and are in a good standing with the Church. The Course is supervised by the Parish Priest. 

The Course is a weekend program therefore is very challenging. It begins on Friday night and concludes on Sunday afternoon with the Holy Mass. The presence of both bride and groom is required even if they are of mixed religion. The lessons take place in person and are offered in English, so fluency in the language is a condition. There is snacks and two lunches offered for the participants. Also there is a limited offer of lodging in the premises at an additional fee. 

You can enroll by email: warsaw.precana@gmail.com. Please do not contact the Pastor on it but directly the Pre-Cana staff. 

You are most welcome in our Program and we pray it will be of a great benefit for both of you!