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
Pre-Cana
Date: 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: October 17, 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.
Pre-Cana
Date: Jan 23, 2027
Location: Immaculate Conception Church, 411 Palmer Rd. Columbia, IL 62236
Contacts: Sarah and Eric Piel (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Cost: $60 per couple, includes materials, light snacks, and lunch
Register at: https://forms.gle/nomjfuup9FwPYsZu8
Pre-Cana
Date: February 28, 2027
Location: Mater Dei Catholic High School, Breese, IL
Contact: Deacon John Hempen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pre-Cana
Date: March 2027
Location: Holy Childhood Church, Mascoutah, IL
Contact: Lisa Woodrome at 618-803-5472 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spanish Pre-Cana
Date: March 2027
Location: St. Stephen Parish, Caseyville, IL
Contacts: Yolanda and Felipe Sanchez: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pre-Cana
Date: September 11, 2027
Location: St. Mary’s Church, Mt. Vernon, IL
Contacts: Deacon Mark and Lori Kabat (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Spanish Pre-Cana
October 2027
St. Stephen Parish, Caseyville, IL
Contacts: Yolanda and Felipe Sanchez: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.