Pre-Cana refers to all Marriage and Wedding Preparation and  includes:

• Meetings with the priest, and all other associated meetings (Cathedral Wedding Coordinator, Music Director/Organist, florist, photographer, videographer, etc.)
• Taking and discussing the results of FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding & Study) which is a pre-marital inventory that aids in evaluating a couple’s readiness for marriage.
• Engaged Couples Weekend is required of all engaged couples and should be attended at least 3 months before the wedding. This weekend is an opportunity to help you better understand yourself and your future spouse as well as to help you to prepare to meet the challenges and wonders of your future marriage. The topics presented during the weekend include: differences in personalities, communication, roles, problem solving, finances, spirituality, intimacy and Christian parenting. There will be an opportunity for sharing, discussion and some fun, too!  For more information, contact Mary Kay Townley at 318-221-5296 ext. 108 or email, mktownley@sjbcathedral.org.
• After the Engaged Couples weekend, meet with the priest again to discuss the weekend.
• When the results of the FOCCUS are back, meet with the priest to discuss the results and to receive the “Together For Life” booklet regarding the wedding readings and prayers.
• Review the Wedding Music Guidelines.  When you have made your music selections, submit the Wedding Music Planning Sheet to the Cathedral Wedding Coordinator.
• Catholics: Call the Church where you were baptized and ask to have your baptismal certificate ‘reissued.’ The priest needs to received the certificate promptly.
• All other Christians: Please provide a copy of your baptismal certificate or a letter from your church with the date of baptism.
• When the above has been completed, there is a final meeting with your priest to discuss the wedding.
• In order to secure the Date and Time requested, Pre-Cana must be completed (or approval from priest received) AND associated costs must be received:
  • Two candelabras $75 (Optional)
  • Four candelabras $150(Optional)
  • Six High Mass candles $60(Optional)
  • Music Director $250 (base fee) Note: if you want more musicians, additional fees will apply
  • Wedding Coordinator $175
  • Each Altar Server $10-20 (suggested offering)
  • Priest / Deacon $0 (no fee)
  • Cathedral $500 parishioners
  • $1000 non-parishioners
  • Chapel $200 parishioners
  • $400 non-parishioners
  • Engaged Couples Weekend $175

Additional Information

• Nuptial Masses (or any wedding within the context of Mass) take place when both parties are Catholic. Normally at 10 am, 1 pm, or 7 pm Saturdays – or most anytime Monday – Friday.
• The beautiful ‘Wedding Rite outside the context of Mass’ takes place when the bride or groom is not Catholic.
• No Unity Candles or other non-Catholic rituals.
• No Weddings during the Season of Lent