ST. PAUL'SENGLISH-SPEAKING PARISH · WARSAW

Marriage preparation

Pre-Cana

Congratulations on
your engagement!

We’re so happy for you both. Join us for a Christ-centered weekend as you begin preparing for married life together.

Preparing for life together

A weekend for your marriage

Pre-Cana takes its name from the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus performed his first sign and blessed marriage with his presence.

Over one weekend, you’ll prepare together for marriage as a lifelong covenant, talking honestly about faith, communication, intimacy, family life and the responsibilities you’ll share.

What you will explore

  • Biblical theology of marriage
  • Communication and managing finances
  • Marriage as a sacrament and visible sign of grace
  • Sexuality in marriage
  • Natural Family Planning
  • Legal requirements and documents for marriage in Poland

At a glance

The weekend

  • Come together

    Both of you attend the whole weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday. Interfaith and intercultural couples are warmly welcome.

  • Led by Fr. Wiesław and married couples

    Catholic teaching and practical guidance, alongside the personal witness of experienced married couples.

  • Held in English

    All talks and discussions are in English, so you’ll both need to be comfortable following and taking part.

  • In Łomianki

    Ul. Baczyńskiego 1, Łomianki. Get directions

  • Lunch is provided

    Lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with coffee, tea and refreshments throughout. Please have breakfast before you arrive and make your own dinner plans.

  • Not an overnight retreat

    A limited number of guest rooms may be available at the Augustinian House for an additional fee. Ask the coordinator.

  • Receive your certificate

    Couples who complete the full weekend receive a Pre-Cana certificate, one of the documents needed for a church wedding.

The programme

An example weekend

An example from a past weekend; yours may differ. Registered couples receive the full agenda by email a few weeks before.

Friday

17:30–20:00
  1. Registration and house rules
  2. Opening session with Fr. Wiesław

Saturday

09:00–18:00
  1. Marriage as a Sacrament
  2. Communication and Finance
  3. Couple talk
  4. Rite of Marriage (Part 1)
  5. Rite of Marriage (Part 2) / Responsible Parenthood

Sunday

09:30–18:00
  1. Legality in Marriage
  2. Interracial Marriage
  3. Sexual Dysfunctions in Marriage
  4. Adoration, Confession and the Divine Mercy Chaplet
  5. Sharing
  6. Holy Mass and certificates

Questions, dates or registration

Our Pre-Cana Engagement Coordinator is happy to help with upcoming dates, the agenda, lodging or anything else. You can also register by email.

Email the coordinator warsaw.precana@gmail.com

A Prayer for Engaged Couples

May this season of preparation draw you closer to Christ and to one another.

Heavenly Father,
we thank You for the gift of our love
and for calling us to prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Lord Jesus, as You were present at the Wedding Feast at Cana,
remain at the center of our relationship.
Teach us to listen patiently, communicate honestly,
forgive generously, and serve one another with joyful hearts.

Holy Spirit, deepen our faith and guide our discernment.
Prepare us to make our marriage vows freely and faithfully
and to live them with love throughout our lives.

Bless our families, our parish community,
and all those accompanying us during our engagement.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph,
lead us closer to You and closer to one another.

Saint Monica, pray for us.
Saint Augustine, pray for us.

Amen.