Pre-Cana Prepares Catholic Couples for Marriage

Throughout his 20-year career with Centaurus Financial, Bryon Martinsen has managed more than $100 million in assets and consistently qualified to attend the Top Producers Conference. Also an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bryon Martinsen belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a certified pre-Cana instructor.

Pre-Cana refers to courses that prepare Catholic couples for the sacrament of marriage. While programs vary among churches and diocese, most typically explore topics that create the foundation for a healthy marriage, including finances, children, careers, and commitment. By engaging in difficult conversations before marriage, pre-Cana programs equip couples with the tools they need to succeed. Programs can last from a day to several months, and are typically led by a priest or trained instructor. They might also involve an engaged encounter weekend retreat with other couples.

Sometimes simply called marriage prep, pre-Cana takes its name from the Biblical story of the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine.

The Four Principles of the St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus

An experienced financial advisor based in Kings Park, New York, Bryon Martinsen serves as a branch manager at Centaurus Financial, Inc., and has qualified for the Top Producer's Conference in each of the past 20 years. Bryon Martinsen maintains a high level of involvement in his community through membership with the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus.

Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus was created in 1882 to provide financial support to Catholic men and their families and has since become a leader in the defense of religious and civil rights. The organization operates under the following four principles:

1. Charity - Aligned with Catholicism's belief in the credo “love thy neighbor as thyself,” Knights of Columbus members help those in need by hosting food drives and donating to local food banks and soup kitchens. They also support the Special Olympics and various youth programs.

2. Unity - Knights of Columbus members also support each other to make their respective parishes and communities a better place.

3. Fraternity - Furthering efforts to support one another, Knights also work diligently to provide assistance to fellow Knights who are ill or disabled. Together, they gave more than 10 million hours to this endeavor in 2019.

4. Patriotism - Regardless of the country in which they live, Knights are patriotic citizens who are proud to show support for their country and devotion to God.