We survived Pre-Cana
Pre-Cana is a course or consultation Catholic couples must undergo before they can be married in a Catholic church. The name is derived from John 2:1-12, the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. During our marriage prep seminar, we conducted personality tests and attended family planning, managing conflict and family finance seminars. Not surprisingly, they all tend to go hand in hand! We even ran into a few co-workers and old college friends so that was exciting to talk to others going through the same process.
Overall, it was a worth while experience. Some of the sessions did help us understand a little better why the other partner may see things from a different perspective (due to personality types, birth order, family backgrounds, expectations, etc.). We just did the one day seminar out at Raymond Walter’s college (Blue Ash area) versus the weekend retreat. If you went to the weekend retreat, I’d like to learn more about your experiences and how they may have differed.
Filed under church | Comment (1)Red accent ideas
Our wedding colors are mostly black and white (bridesmaid dresses are black) but I’m trying to incorporate some fun accents of red. Here are some ideas that I really like. If you see something else that I might like, feel free to send it my way!
Marriage Vows
During our discussion with Father on Wednesday, we discussed the basics of Christian marriage and most importantly, the meaning of the marriage vows. To me this was a very worth while discussion and I actually learned a few things that I believe we will cherish and hold dear throughout our marriage. We conducted an exercise where we defined each line of our vows, so we truly understand the commitment we are making to each other on our wedding day. Those four simple lines of text now have a much deeper meaning.
Our next step is to attend Pre-Cana and regroup with Father Bolte in July.
Filed under church | Comment (0)Something old, something new…
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
I did some research and found out each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. “Something old” symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and past. “Something new”means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead. “Something borrowed” is usually and item from a happily married family member or friend, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride she can depend on her friends and family. “Something blue” is a tradition that has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. “A silver sixpence” in the brides left shoe represents wealth and financial security. Since a silver sixpence are rare to find these days, typically a dime or penny is substituted.
If anyone has any creative ideas for these customs that I can use on my wedding day, please send them my way. Thanks!
Filed under church, engagement hype, family stuff | Comment (1)We are compatible!
Yes, we passed the church FOCUS test with flying colors! We scored extremely high in all categories (especially Communication, Personality Match, Religion, Family Values and Life Style Expectations).
My favorite opened ended question on the test was: “What might be a reason someone would give for us to wait before we marry?” and both of us basically responded with a similar answer…that after dating 9 years, we couldn’t honestly think of any reason for us to wait any longer.
Too funny.
First meeting with the priest
Last night we had our first official general meeting with our priest at St. Teresa, Father Bolte. Our first meeting was harmless and we learned all about what to expect in the coming months during our marriage preparation classes. We have about seven more church/couple related meetings to attend, including a FOCUS survey/questionnaire. In addition to these meetings, we have to attend either the Engaged Encounter (weekend retreat) or Pre-Cana (one day seminar). I’m actually quite open to the weekend retreat if it is truly in the best interest of our marriage and growing together as a Catholic couple. Next week Tuesday we go back for the FOCUS questionnaire to see how much we really think alike…and discover how many differences we may have when it comes to the roles of husband and wife. I’m fairly certain that giving daily foot rubs to my fiance does not fall into this discussion as a mandatory role as a wife. :o) Sorry Alex.
Filed under church | Comment (0)
