What is Pre-cana?  Pre-cana involves pastoral counseling intended to prepare the couple to receive the Sacrament of Marriage.  The Diocese of Charlotte requires a minimum of six months for marital preparation.  While formats may vary from parish to parish, or diocese to diocese, all instruction includes Catholic teaching on marriage.  Couples are encouraged to discuss key marital issues such as religious differences, child-rearing, decision making, finances, etc. 

In addition to these sessions, various forms and documentation must be gathered such as baptismal certificates, dispensations, affidavits attesting to the couple's freedom to enter into marriage, etc.  All this preparation takes time, especially when so many personal and work schedules must be considered.

REGISTERED PARISHIONERS of the Basilica should contact the parish office to check the availability of dates and set up a pre-cana appointment with one of our priests.

NON-PARISHIONERS are required to contact their local parish to set up an appointment with their priest to discuss the pre-cana process. If you are not yet registered in your local parish, you should do so as soon as possible.

Will a priest from the Basilica preside at our wedding? The readiness of a couple to receive the Sacrament of Marriage is established by the priest that guides them through pre-cana - uniquely qualifying him to perform the ceremony.  Our policy requires that non-parishioner couples seek to have the priest who prepares them preside at the wedding. Likewise, priests who are well known to the couple (such as friends or family) may also be considered. Foregoing these possibilities, we may be able to offer an alternative.

Pre-Cana Documentation Checklist & Review

All Pre-Cana documentation must go through a review process for completeness and accuracy.  Please print the following downloadable file to obtain a checklist of required documentation by the Diocese of Charlotte and give it to the priest responsible for your pre-cana.  Instructions indicating where the person in charge of your Pre-Cana should send your completed Pre-Cana documentation for review is also included in this file.

NOTE:  INCOMPLETE DOCUMENTATION SUBJECTS THE WEDDING TO CANCELLATION!  Without proper and complete documentation, the Basilica Rector/Pastor can not issue a letter of delegation permitting your celebrant to officiate at your Wedding.  It is the couple's responsibility to follow the paper-trail ensuring that the Pre-Cana documentation is sent to the appropriate location for review and that it reaches our office in a timely manner.