Pre-Cana Retreat
Preparing for the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church is more than a requirement. It is a meaningful step in the marriage preparation process that invites engaged couples to slow down, reflect, and begin their life together with clarity and intention.
Heritage offers parishes and dioceses a distinctive setting for Pre-Cana retreats, where Catholic faith, natural beauty, and sacred history come together. Set on peaceful grounds rooted in Georgia’s early Catholic story, Heritage provides couples with a meaningful place to prepare for the sacrament of marriage, step away from daily distractions, and grow closer to God and one another before their wedding day.
Our men's retreat accommodations are designed to give every attendee the space to rest, reflect, and step away from the demands of daily life — whether you're here for a few days of brotherhood or a deeper journey of personal renewal. Choose from our curated one-bedroom collections:
- 12 Double Queen or Twin Rooms – Sleeps one to four guests, with either two queen beds or two XL twin beds
- 6 Studios – Sleeps up to two guests with one queen bed
- 10 Suites – Sleeps up to two guests, with two XL twin beds or one king bed
- 2 Signatures – Sleeps up to two guests with one queen bed
All rooms include a private bathroom and are equipped with a mini refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig machine, complete with regular and decaf pods and a selection of teas. Fresh linens and bath amenities are provided, so every man in your group can rest and recharge between sessions, conversations, and time in prayer.
Men's retreat groups who book an overnight stay may reserve gathering spaces suited to their group size and agenda — whether for large general sessions, small group breakouts, or time set apart for prayer and reflection. Options include:
- Boardroom — 360 sq ft; accommodates up to 12 attendees
- Classroom — 580 sq ft; flexible setup for up to 36 attendees in theater-style or 24 in classroom-style
- Great Room — 2,790 sq ft; flexible setup; accommodates up to 120 attendees at round tables or 150 in theater-style
Groups can also enjoy a range of common spaces designed to foster brotherhood, conversation, and time in nature:
- Library, Chapel for Mass/Adoration, Screened Porch with soft seating and built-in fireplace (accommodates 20–30 guests), and an open Courtyard with café-style seating and benches
- Pond House, Fishing Pond and Fire Pits — includes a fireplace, comfortable seating, three ready-to-use fire pits, and catch-and-release fishing with gear available
- Prayer Gardens and Walking Trails with outdoor seating areas for quiet reflection, group walks, or simply taking in the peace of the surrounding grounds
We take care of every detail so your group can stay focused on what brought you here: growing together in faith, brotherhood, and purpose. Our men's retreat packages include accommodations, meals, and gathering spaces. Giving every attendee the freedom to be fully present throughout the experience.
Overnight retreat rates include:
- Full-service meeting space setup and breakdown
- All meals from arrival through departure
- Staff hospitality support before, during, and after your stay
- Continental-style breakfast delivered to your cottage prior to arrival or in our dining room
- Buffet-style lunch and dinner served daily in Pine Lodge
- Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are available during sessions as an optional add-on
A Dedicated Space for Meaningful Marriage Preparation
Pre-Cana is a central part of the marriage preparation program required by the Catholic Church, but the setting in which it takes place can shape the experience. While many Pre-Cana courses are offered through a local parish or online, a retreat environment allows couples to engage more fully and intentionally.
At Heritage, couples are welcomed into a space designed for reflection, conversation, and connection. Instead of moving quickly through a marriage preparation course, the retreat format encourages couples to slow down, talk openly, and explore the topics that matter most.
A Retreat Experience Rooted in Faith and Reflection
A Pre-Cana retreat offers a more immersive marriage preparation process by creating space away from daily routines. This setting allows couples to focus on their relationship and their future together without distractions.
Over the course of the stay, engaged couples can participate in guided discussions, private conversations, and moments of reflection. Time is set aside for prayer, as well as opportunities to connect with other couples who are on the same journey.
Topics often include communication, family life, natural family planning, shared responsibility, and living out marriage within the Catholic faith. These conversations help couples build a strong foundation as they prepare for life as a married couple.
Historic Setting, Comfortable Accommodations, and Group Hospitality
In addition to its historic character, Heritage provides comfortable on-site accommodations, meeting spaces, and chef-prepared meals. This allows couples and group leaders to focus fully on the retreat without worrying about logistics.
Parishes and diocesan groups can bring their own facilitators, including a parish priest, priest or deacon, or sponsor couple, while Heritage provides the setting and hospitality. Shared meals and informal moments throughout the stay create natural opportunities for connection, conversation, and community among retreat participants.
Parishes, clergy, or diocesan leaders can coordinate details such as group size, preferred dates, and program structure. Heritage provides the space, accommodations, and hospitality, allowing leaders to focus on guiding couples through the preparation process.
Sample Group Itinerary
Day 1
- 3:00 pm Check-in
- 5:00 pm Group Welcome or Opening Session
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:00 pm Fellowship
- 9:00 pm Quiet Hours
Day 2
- 9:00 am Session or Mass
- 10:00 am Session
- 11:30 am Lunch
- 1:00 pm Session
- Afternoon Free Time or Prayer
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:00 pm Fellowship
- 9:00 pm Quiet Hours
Day 3
- 9:00 am Session
- 11:00 am Check-out
Gallery
Plan your Pre-Cana Retreat
