Part of marriage preparation in the Archdiocese of Newark means wither attending a Pre-Cana session (or sessions) which is always a good a practical experience. Important topics such as the need for the sacraments, communications, finances, responsible parenthood and prayer, to name a few are included. These sessions most often are lead by lay couples who are experiences in the ways of marriage and also present often is a priest to give a talk or two and perhaps to lead a prayer service or offer Mass.
An anternative in Newark is the Engaged Encounter weekend retreat. This EE retreat, as it have come to be known is a weekend long, prayerful, spiritual occasion for engaged couples to get away from the world to focus on their future spouses and forthcoming lives together. While Pre-Cana is very good, I think that EE is great! Important topics- many of the same as are included in Pre-Cana, but in EE, the talks are a bit more detailed and witnessed to by the leading couples.
The couples who work the team are either senior couples or junior couples, depending on their marriage experience. This past weekend (October 9-11) was truly a grace-filled weekend, clearly blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and Our Lord Jesus! The were many couples on this retreat who were so excited about their upcoming weddings and very much interested in preparing for their lives together. It is exciting to see young couples in love and excited about their futures together, seeing it as an adventure together with God! Quite edifying.
Also, hearing the stories of our senior couple: Judy and Al Kendziora and junior couple Paul and Sandy Gerbino gives one a great appreciation for the value of working through the highs and lows and struggles and blessings of married love. Their stories are awe-inspiring! They always do such a wonderful job as a team.
These couples on team are such great assets to the marriage preparation program for the Archdiocese of Newark. they are helping to produce a new breed of spiritual, prayerful, discerning young couples who are the Engaged Couple!
-Fr. Marc Vicari
Mark, Susan and Baby Jude
(He's a miracle!)
About Me
- Fr. Marc Vicari
- Upper Montclair, New Jersey
- A Roman Catholic priest living in Montclair, NJ and serving the Archdiocese of Newark. I've lived in this area all my life and will probably never leave. Interests include traveling, reading, praying, following sports, especially the Yankees and practicing martial arts. I love to go wine tasting every once in a while, too.