The Synod on the Family highlighted the need for support for married couples. We hear about a week long programme offered by Cana Ireland.
Cana Ireland
http://www.canaireland.org/about/
Cana Ireland runs a six day programme (Cana Week), where couples have the opportunity to experience the importance of their marriage, spend time together exploring essential matters such as dialogue, intimacy and commitment, while at the same time being open to God showing them the wonderful gift of each other.
Cana is a worldwide ministry of the Chemin Neuf international Community which developed out of a small prayer group in Lyon in France in 1973. The prayer group was led by a Jesuit priest Fr. Laurent Fabre who still leads the community. Cana is present in over 40 countries offering couples a new and enriched vision of their marriage.
The Cana Week
The Cana week, a six day programme, provides couples with a break from the normal routine of daily life, giving them an opportunity to spend time together to strengthen their marriages.
What happens on the week?
A warm and welcoming environment.
A place to rediscover the romance and intimacy of your relationship.
An opportunity to share with each other the richness and challenges of married life.
A safe space to talk about the things that really matter such as communication, forgiveness, intimacy, commitment and prayer.
An opportunity to meet other couples who care about the role of family in today’s society.
An opportunity for God to change the water of our daily lives into the new wine of a wedding feast.
What about the Children?
At Cana children are invited to their own programme and are looked after by a team of volunteers. Recreational games and activities are adapted to the child’s own age and spiritual development . Child protection policies are in place.
Who is Cana for?
The Cana Week is for any couple who love each other and are open to the work of God in their relationship. Couples of all ages are welcome to attend the Cana Week. It is also suitable for engaged couples.
The programme is based on a Christian understanding of marriage and is open to all Christian denominations but also has much to offer those who are searching.
The week is not for couples whose marriage is going through major difficulties. Couples who are currently undergoing counselling are recommended to complete their course before attending the Cana Week.
Costs
The Cana Week is a non-profit undertaking and is made possible through the efforts of many volunteers. Cana Ireland receives no financial support from outside bodies including the Church.
The suggested contribution is €600 – €700 per couple and €700 – €800 per family for the week. Accommodation and all meals are provided as well as materials for children’s activities and the couple’s programme. The organisers would like to make this opportunity available to as many people as possible, regardless of financial means. Costs will be kept as low as possible.
How to apply
If you would like to secure a place on our next Cana Week, (see dates), please complete the 2015-cana-registration-form and return it to us with a deposit of €100.