Marriage is a sacred covenant. It is a sacramental event that gives a visible sign of God's presence and graceful intervention in our lives. To prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage, we currently offer the following opportunities for couples to participate in the marriage preparation process. These options meet the requirements as established in the Pastoral Guidelines for Marriage Preparation in the Diocese of Belleville.

In-person Pre-Cana Days - see schedule below

Online Marriage Preparation Program – 
Living Our Faith in Love - Online Pre-Cana - The Marriage Group
https://catholicmarriageprep.com 

These instructional programs presents the essential Christian and human aspects of marriage so that the couple becomes aware of the full dimensions of marriage as a committed relationship and as a sacrament. 

Catholic Engaged Encounter - engagedencounter.com

As a third option for Marriage Preparation, many Catholic Engaged Encounter communities are scheduling online weekends with a continued emphasis on your relationship as an engaged couple and your impending sacramental commitment with God at its center. Many other communities have reached a phase where they meet face-to-face in a limited capacity with several precautions. Click Catholic Engaged Encounter for more information.

Virtual Pre-Cana – Archdiocese of Chicago

The Office of Lifelong Formation in the Archdiocese of Chicago offers Pre-Cana virtually using Zoom in English, Spanish and Polish. Pre-Cana sessions are held live and led by trained married couples. Engaged couples enjoy the benefit of live interaction with other couples as well as the comfort of having private conversations. Pre-Cana sessions are available at multiple dates and times. See schedule below for class information. Cost is $150 per couple. ************************************************************

2025 Pre-Cana Schedule 

IN-PERSON PRE-CANA - Diocese of Belleville

Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: Immaculate Conception Parish, 411 Palmer Rd, Columbia, IL 62236
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm (includes Mass 5-6pm) 
Cost: $60 per couple, includes materials, light snacks, and lunch
Register at https://forms.gle/zscBdtADCe9NqBaMA  
Contacts: Sarah and Eric Piel (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 

Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Location: Holy Childhood Church, 419 E Church St, Mascoutah, IL 62258
To register contact Lisa Woodrome at 618-803-5472 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Location: Mater Dei Catholic High School, 900 Mater Dei Dr, Breese, IL 62230
To register contact Deacon John Hempen at 618-304-3375 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Parish,1500 N Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
To register contact Deacon Mark Kabat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Spanish Pre-Cana
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Location: St. Stephen Church, 901 S Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232
To register contact Felipe and Yolanda Sanchez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.