Pre-Cana Seminars in Dumaguete: Schedules, Locations, and What to Expect. 

Article Title: Pre-Cana Seminars in Dumaguete: Schedules, Locations, and What to Expect Category: Bureaucracy & Requirements (High Utility/Trust)

You have the venue booked. You have the gown fitting scheduled. Now you have one more date to mark on your calendar. The Pre-Cana Seminar.

At Tickle Tree Studios, we often see couples confusing this with the government-mandated family planning seminar. They are different. If you are getting married in the Catholic Church, you need both.

The Pre-Cana is your spiritual and practical bootcamp for marriage. It is not just a requirement. It is a chance to pause the wedding planning chaos and actually talk about the marriage.

Here is everything you need to know about attending your Pre-Cana in Dumaguete City.

Pre-Cana vs. Civil Counseling: Know the Difference

First, let's clear up the confusion.

• Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC): This is required by the government for your marriage license. It is usually held at the City Health Office or POPCOM and focuses on family planning and reproductive health.

• Pre-Cana Seminar: This is required by the Church. It focuses on the sacrament of matrimony, theology, and shared life values. You cannot get married in a Catholic church without this certificate.

Where and When: The Schedules

Schedules can shift due to holidays or parish events, so always call to confirm. However, here are the standard schedules for the major parishes in Dumaguete.

1. St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral (Dumaguete Cathedral)

• Schedule: Typically held on the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month.

• Time: It is usually a whole-day affair. Expect it to run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Location: The seminar is often conducted at the Diocesan Pastoral Center or a designated function hall within the Cathedral compound.

• Fee: Approximately PHP 200.00 (prices subject to change, so bring extra cash).

• Contact: (035) 225-4649 or 422-7765.

2. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish (Redemptorist)

• Schedule: Schedules here can vary. They often align with their batch of wedding applicants. It is best to inquire directly at the parish office during office hours.

• Office Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).

• Contact: (035) 225-4763 or 422-9160.

3. Other Parishes If you are getting married in a smaller parish (like St. Anthony of Padua in Sibulan or San Agustin in Bacong), they may hold seminars less frequently. Sometimes only once a month or by appointment.

• Pro Tip: If your parish’s schedule doesn’t fit yours, you can often attend a Pre-Cana at another parish (like the Cathedral). You just present the certificate of attendance to your officiating priest. Ask permission from your parish office first!.

What to Expect: The Topics

This is not just a lecture. It is a series of talks given by a priest, a deacon, or an experienced married couple. They will cover "must-have conversations" that you might have skipped while arguing over table centerpieces.

• Theology of Marriage: Understanding marriage as a covenant and sacrament.

• Communication: How to fight fair and listen to each other.

• Finances: Budgeting, debt, and financial transparency.

• Sexuality & Family Planning: The Church’s teachings on intimacy and Natural Family Planning (NFP).

• Parenting: How you plan to raise your future children.

What to Bring

Don't show up empty-handed.

• Notebook and Pen: You will want to take notes.

• Snacks/Water: While some seminars provide lunch, it is safer to bring your own provisions. This is especially true for a whole-day session.

• Jacket: Function halls in Dumaguete can get surprisingly cold with the AC blasting.

• Valid ID: To verify your attendance for the certificate.

The Tickle Tree Advice

Treat this day as a date. We know it is a requirement. But after filming hundreds of weddings, we see a difference in couples who are emotionally prepared. Use the lunch break to talk about what you learned. If you are bored or cynical, it will feel like a long day. If you go in with an open mind, it might just be the most important part of your wedding prep.

Done with Pre-Cana? You are one step closer to the altar. [Message Tickle Tree Studios]

Let's make sure your wedding video captures the joy of a couple that is truly ready.