CALHOUN--the Pre-Cana team “took their show on the road” for a Pre-Cana Workshop at St. Clement Parish in Calhoun, Gordon County.

Forty engaged couples attended the archdiocesan Office of Family Concerns program June 17. Although there were more than 80 people present, a warm community soon formed.

Sister Barbara Baker, MHSH, shared the wisdom of the Church on the sacrament of marriage while Jim and Sharon Branca, Holy Family Parish, Marietta, talked of their marriage experiences. Jim Barr, St. Jude Parish,Sandy Springs, spoke of the importance of making spiritual decisions together about finances.

Father Leo Cummings, MS, pastor of St. Clement’s and Brother Bob Belliveau, MS, pastoral associate of Our Lady of LaSalette Parish in Canton, provided input throughout the day.

Questions and comments came from the engaged couples many mentioning advice received from grandparents and parents. Examples of problems some face came in the questions, “My fiance and I discussed the question of dual careers. What do you do when you can’t reach an agreement?” And “He does not want any work calls to be taken at home. I have to take calls at home.”

Such problems challenged the team to help the couples find a deeper level of communication that focuses on the feelings behind the dilemma. Participants responded by taking the new direction.

Other challenges surfaced during the break periods. One man wanted to know: “Why is the group focusing so much on issues abou in-laws? It seems we should also talk about alcohol. That causes more problems in marriages than in-laws, doesn’t it?”

Certificates of attendance were presented the couples by Father Cummings and Brother Belliveau at the conclusion of the day.

Mary Ellen Hughes, head of the Office of Family Concerns, enthusiastic at the success of the program, the hospitality offered and the mountain beauty, said Pre-Cana Workshop would travel to any welcoming parish in the archdiocese.