Pre-Cana course content

The following episodes are crucial for completing the course.

Episode 1 Preparing for your Wedding

David Kavanagh, a systemic psychotherapist, discusses a range of topics from ‘The history of Marriage’ to ‘The reasons people get married today’, ‘Equality in Marriage’, ‘What makes a Marriage work’ and ‘When marriages break down and the consequences of Divorce’.

Episode 2 Communication and Conflict in the marriage

Niamh Geaney and David Kavanagh touch on the topics involved in Communication & Conflict in a relationship. These topics range from ‘understanding communication’ and ‘communication between the sexes’ to ‘reflection time’ and ‘the main topics of arguments’.

Episode 3 The Four Key Challenges of Marriage

David Kavanagh and Niamh Geaney are joined by a group of experts. The discussions with these experts, including Dr. Philip Boyle (a fertility expert), Colette O’Leary (a wedding planner) and Trish Murphy (a psychotherapist) touch on a variety of different challenges that face modern day couples.

The Sacrament Of Marriage – An Interview with Fr. Peter McVerry

Father Peter McVerry discusses how the commitment we make to each other when marrying reflects the commitment that God has for us.

Fr. John Hassett Interview

Father John Hassett, discusses the importance of ‘faith’. He explains the importance of trust in a marriage and how it is the most fundamental element to a lasting relationship.

Bonus Videos

Enjoy these bonus videos at your own leisure!

The Wedding Mass

David demonstrates what you can expect at the mass on your wedding day.

Fitness Trainer

David is joined by Celebrity personal trainer, Siobhan Byrne to show you what you can do to get into shape on your big day.

Wedding Planner

David chats with experienced wedding planner, Colette O’Leary about budgeting, and the benefits of hiring a planner to take the stress out of your big day, and getting married abroad.

Fertility Doctor – Couples and Fertility

Joined by David, Dr. Philip Boyle, a qualified and experienced fertility expert, discusses some of the issues that can arise when a couple are trying to start a family.

Solicitor

Lauren Martin, an experienced solicitor, explains to David what some legal implications are for Irish marital law are. She also discusses the expense of Divorce in Ireland and ways to avoid the huge fees involved.

Financial consultant

Noel Morgan, a qualified financial consultant, talks to David about managing money, permanent health insurance, protecting your income, investment and getting the right life insurance for your family.

Family psychotherapist

Rachel Henderson, hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, talks creative conflict benefits and ways to grow from it.
Anne Sexton, writer and feminist, displays conflict areas for couples, power issues within relationships and effects of presence or lack of money in the marriage.

Nutrition

Paula Mee, Nutritional expert, explains to us the importance of being mindful about what we are eating, eating regularly and the overall importance of nutrition.

Claire and John Beacon Hotel the secrets of a successful marriage

A man and a woman both in successful marriages disclose some of their success tips.

Actors scenes

 2 actors portray a number of common arguments between couples. 

Parenting

Trish murphy discusses the basics of parenting using useful examples. 

Relationship consultant

Philip Wall, an experienced relationship consultant, discusses the importance of speaking with a consultant before marrying whether you have been together for 2 or 12 years. 

How to avoid disaster

Sean Munsanje, an Avalon host speaks with Tara Fey, a Celebrity wedding planner, about how to avoid wedding disasters.

How to ‘Be the best man’

 David Kavanagh discusses some key factors to consider when you are appointed ‘Best Man’.

How to ‘Dressing the Bride’

Anne Gregory, a talented dress designer, discusses how to choose the right outfit for your shape.

How to ‘Choosing a make-up artist’

Rhona Cullnane, celebrity make-up artist, chats to Sean Munsanje about choosing the right make-up artist for you.

How to ‘Choosing a diamond’

Seamús Fahy, a local diamond expert, gives us his tips to finding the perfect diamond that will give you the most bang for your buck.

How to ‘Dressing the Groom’

Anne Gregory, local dress designer, discusses the best way to shop for the groom and groomsmen.

How to ‘Pre Marriage course’

David Kavanagh, a qualified systemic family therapist, explains just how invaluable a pre marriage course can be to your marriage.

How to ‘Managing money’

Sean Munsanje is joined again by celebrity wedding planner, Tara Fey, to discuss monetary budgets for the wedding.

Interview with Sharon

Sharon discusses with David her expectations of marriage versus the reality.

FAQ - Catholic Marriage Classes Online

A Pre-Cana course online is a digital version of the Catholic marriage preparation course required by many dioceses for couples planning to marry in the Catholic Church. It covers important topics like communication in marriage, finances, spirituality, and family planning. Couples who cannot attend in person due to distance or schedule often choose the pre-cana online course for its flexibility and approval by dioceses.

Catholic marriage preparation questions focus on key areas that directly impact long-term commitment, such as expectations around children, conflict resolution, shared faith and values, financial planning, and marital roles. These questions are designed to help catholic couples reflect deeply and align on essential aspects of their future together before entering into a Catholic marriage.

Yes, the Pre-Cana course includes a certificate upon completion. This pre cana certificate serves as official proof that the couple has fulfilled the required Catholic marriage preparation and is typically requested by the parish or diocese prior to the wedding. It demonstrates that the couple has thoughtfully prepared for the sacrament by exploring essential topics like faith, communication, and long-term commitment.

The length of a Pre-Cana catholic course depends on the pace at which the couple chooses to complete it. Some may go through the content in just a few days, while others take more time to reflect on each section. Online formats offer the flexibility to move at your own rhythm, making it easier to adapt the course to your schedule and personal preparation process.

Yes, Pre-Cana is mandatory for most couples who wish to get married in the Catholic Church. It is a required part of the marriage preparation process established by dioceses to ensure that couples understand the spiritual, emotional, and practical responsibilities of Catholic marriage. The course helps couples enter the sacrament fully prepared and in alignment with the Church’s teachings.