Pre-Cana is the name given to the marriage preparation retreat required for all couples intending to marry within the Archdiocese of Colombo. The retreat is designed to help couples reflect deeply on the sacramental nature of marriage, grow in mutual understanding, and prepare spiritually, emotionally, and practically for their lifelong vocation. This two-day weekend program includes sessions led by clergy and experienced Catholic couples, and also involves parental participation, making it a family-centered journey of faith and commitment.
Pre-Cana Retreat Application Form
Begin by informing your Parish Priest or Assistant Priest about your intention to get married. He will provide you with a signed and sealed application form. You will need details form both partners’ to complete the form.
Choose a Date, Venue & Language
Refer to the Archdiocesan schedule and select your preferred retreat center and medium (Sinhala, Tamil, or English) based on your convenience and understanding.
Centers where Pre-Cana Retreats are held
Date: Sunday & Sunday - Time 8:30am to 5:30pm
| Weekend | Centre | Medium | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST | Negombo | Sinhala | St Peter's Church - Grossenhain Hall |
| Pannipitiya | Sinhala | Christ the King Collage - Pannipitiya | |
| Kandana | Sinhala | De Mazenod College - Kandana | |
| Colombo | Tamil | Paul 6th Center, Malwatta Rd, Colombo | |
| Colombo | English | St Peters College - Bambalapitiya (Col-04) | |
| SECOND | Negombo | Sinhala | St Peter's Church - Grossenhain Hall |
| Morotuwa | Sinhala | St Sebastians Collage - Morotuwa | |
| THIRD | Negombo | Sinhala | St Peter's Church - Grossenhain Hall |
| Gampaha | Sinhala | St Peter's Collage - Udugampola | |
| Colombo | Tamil | Paul 6th Center, Malwatta Rd, Colombo | |
| FOURTH | Negombo | Sinhala | St Peter's Church - Grossenhain Hall |
| Colombo | Sinhala | Fr Ignatious Perera Memorial Hall - Kotahena | |
| Kalutara | Sinhala | Holy Cross Collage - Kalutara |
Programme for Parents will be held at all the above centers on every Sunday from 2:30 pm to 5:30pm
Call to Register and Reserve Seats
Contact the Catholic Family Apostolate Office during operational hours to register and reserve seats at least two months in advance.
Phone Numbers
+94 11 222 5333
+94 11 223 5457
+94 76 626 1177
+94 76 506 1699
Office Hours
Monday to Saturday (No registrations on Tuesdays)
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Prepare Required Materials
Bring the following to the retreat:
- Holy Bible
- Notebook & Pen
- Holy Rosary
- Certified Green Form
- NIC / Passport
- Lunch & Drinking Water
Attend the Full Retreat
Both partners must attend the entire two-day program:
Saturday & Sunday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Arrive by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday for registration.
Parents’ Participation (Sunday Only)
Both sets of parents must attend the Sunday session from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If unable to attend, a letter of explanation from the parish priest is required.
Receive Certification & Materials
At the end of the retreat:
- You will receive your Pre-Cana Certificate
You will also receive:
- Booklet on Retreat Talks
- Catholic Marriage Handbook
- Pre-Cana Rosary Crusade Prayer Card
A copy of the certificate must be given to your parish priest.
Make the Required Contribution
A contribution is requested to cover retreat expenses. This should be handed to the coordinating couple on Day 1, with a receipt. If you cannot contribute, submit a letter of excuse from your parish priest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Speak to your Parish Priest or Assistant Priest and complete the Pre-Cana Retreat Application Form. Once the form is signed and sealed, choose your preferred date, location, and language, then contact the Catholic Family Apostolate Office to reserve your seat. Registration must be done in advance.
It is best to attend the retreat at least six months before the wedding. However, it is mandatory to complete the retreat at least two months before the wedding date.
Yes. Parents are required to attend the Sunday session from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If they are unable to attend due to serious reasons (e.g., overseas, illness, separation), a letter from the parish priest explaining their absence must be submitted.
Participants must bring the following: Holy Bible, Notebook & Pen, Holy Rosary, Certified Green Form, NIC or Passport, Lunch, and Drinking Water.
The retreat takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Participants must arrive at the venue by 8:00 a.m. for registration and verification.
No. Due to limited space, prior registration is mandatory. You must reserve your seat at least two months in advance by contacting the Catholic Family Apostolate Office.
At the end of the retreat, you will receive your Pre-Cana Certificate and the following mementos: Booklet on Retreat Talks, Catholic Marriage Handbook, and Pre-Cana Rosary Crusade Prayer Card. A copy of the certificate must be submitted to your parish priest.
Yes. A contribution is requested to cover costs such as venue, equipment, materials, and mementos. This is payable on Day 1 to the coordinating couple. If you are unable to pay, please bring an excuse letter from your Parish Priest.
If the 1st day of the month falls on a Sunday, the following weekend will be regarded as the first Saturday and Sunday of the month for Pre-Cana purposes.