Cana Family Institute

05/19/2026

It was an amazing night with over 200 people gathered in support of strong Catholic marriages and families at our 2026 Cana Banquet on May 7th in Golden Valley, MN! Thank you to all who supported the Banquet. Because of you, "Hope Takes Root", building the future of our Church!

The evening featured powerful testimonies, our longstanding live auction with exciting destinations and experiences ranging from a pilgrimage to Italy to a day on Lake Minnetonka, plus two new additions this year: a dessert auction of delectable treats and a silent auction filled with fun and unique items.

A few standout quotes from our speakers:

"There is something profoundly beautiful about building our life alongside families who are striving for the same goal: a marriage and family rooted in Christ." - Claire, 2024 graduate of The Cana Experience

"For a parish like mine where we don't have a huge staff...if I had to focus on one thing, it wouldn't be youth ministry or senior citizen ministry, it would be marriage ministry, it would be young couples ministry. Because if we strengthen families and young couples, they're going to raise their kids right...And that's what I think Cana does really well." - Fr. Kyle Kowalcyk, pastor at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Delano, MN

"Because of you, Cana walks alongside parents through a deeply formative experience that equips them with the spiritual, practical, and relational support they need to confidently raise a holy family. We believe that when Christ is present in marriage and family life, transformation happens. And that’s what we are growing together—families rooted in faith, bearing fruit that lasts for generations." - Charlie Nickoloff, Executive Director, Cana Family Institute

05/07/2026

Live Auction #5: Pontoon Day on Lake Minnetonka

Gather your crew and cruise into an effortless, memory-making day on Lake Minnetonka! Your day includes:

-A guided, half-day pontoon rental for up to 11 guests on a 2025 Premier pontoon
-Full cooler stocked with your favorite drinks and snacks for the group
-$150 gift card to Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge for classic lakefront dining
Flexible dates available through September 2026. Date and time to be scheduled with Jim Lang, Cana Family Institute board member.

05/07/2026

Live Auction Item #4: Condo at Chippewa Retreat Resort on Lake Manitowish

Enjoy a week-long summer getaway in the Upper and Lower Duck Blind Condo at Chippewa Retreat Resort, directly on the water of Lake Manitowish in the beautiful northwoods of Wisconsin. Nestled on a beautiful 10 lake chain, summer activities include swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birding, and biking, all on top of the resort and condo amenities that include a heated outdoor pool, private marina, the White Oak Grill, wood-burning fireplaces, 2 full kitchens, high speed internet access, gas grills, and endless views from porches and sun decks. The upper condo is 4BR/4 bath (1 queen, 1 double and 7 twin beds) while the lower has 2BR/2 bathrooms (King and 2 twins). Plenty of room for a large family or multi-family vacation! Restrictions: Availability limited to a week during the following 2026 dates: Memorial day to 6/26, 7/13-21, 8/2-8/12 and 8/18 to Labor Day. No pets.

05/05/2026

Live Auction Item #3: Pilgrimage to Italy for Two

Journey on a life-changing pilgrimage to Italy with Mater Dei Tours!

-Visit Assisi during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis and the week of his Feast Day
-Pray in San Giovanni Rotondo, housing the incorrupt remains of St. Padre Pio
-Visit the Eucharistic miracle site of Lanciano
-Make prayerful stops in Manoppello to venerate the Holy Face and explore the Abruzzo region
-Visit the Holy House of Nazareth in Loreto
-Experience Rome and Vatican City

Departing from MSP on September 28 and returning on October 8, this package includes air travel, private group coach transportation, hotel accommodations, expert guided touring, entrance fees, taxes, and most meals. This will be a spiritually enriching journey filled with sacred beauty, Eucharistic miracles, incorruptibles and the unforgettable landscapes, culture, and food of Italy!

05/04/2026

Live Auction Item #2: Villa Sunset House on Sanibel Island

Welcome to your dream Sanibel retreat! This week-long getaway features a three-bedroom, two-bath home overlooking the peaceful Sanibel River, complete with a private pool nestled among lush greenery—creating a secluded oasis for you and your guests. Enjoy breathtaking views from your doorstep, take a leisurely walk along the river, or spend a day at the beach just a half-mile away. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept living space, a fully equipped kitchen, and thoughtfully furnished bedrooms designed for rest and relaxation after a day of exploring the beauty of Sanibel. Available mid-May through July 2026.

Check out the full list of items here: https://events.readysetauction.com/canafamilyinstitute/2026banquet/catalog/items/4

05/01/2026

The Cana Banquet is less than a week away! Leading up to the event on May 7th, we’ll be highlighting our live auction items here on Facebook. Take a look at what’s up for grabs and come ready to bid on your favorites the night of the Banquet, it's sure to be a fun night!

Live Auction Item #1: Theater Nights & Twin Cities Bites

Enjoy the best of Twin Cities culture and cuisine, pairing unforgettable live theatre performances with exceptional, award-winning dining. This curated package includes:

-Tickets to four Twin Cities theatre productions at Open Window Theatre, Missed the Boat Theatre, the History Theatre and Theatre in the Round
-$100 Spoon and Stable gift card (with signed cookbook from chef and owner Gavin Kaysen)
-$100 Bûcheron gift card
-$100 Hyacinth gift card
-$100 Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar gift card

Check out the full list of items here: https://events.readysetauction.com/canafamilyinstitute/2026banquet/catalog/items/4

04/08/2026

We were honored to sponsor this meaningful event! It's inspiring to see so many young people actively seeking to live out their Catholic faith and pursue a life well-lived. Witnessing their commitment encourages us to continue our important work of building strong Catholic marriages and families!

04/07/2026

Are you in the Twin Cities area? We need your help on Thursday, May 7th! 🙌

We are seeking volunteers to help before, during, and after our Banquet in Golden Valley. From setup to welcoming guests to cleanup, there’s a role for everyone—and many hands truly make light work!

If you’re available and willing to lend a hand, we’d love to have you be part of this special event.

Check out the opportunities and sign up here:

2026 Cana Banquet - May 7, The Club at Golden Valley You're invited to participate as a volunteer in our biggest event of the year! We'd love for you to play a role raising the necessary funds for our shared mission to build strong Catholic families and marriages. Volunteers are the lifeblood of all...

03/31/2026

✨ You're invited! ✨

Check out this special Banquet invitation from our new Executive Director, Charlie Nickoloff!

Join us for the Cana Banquet, our biggest fundraiser of the year, on Thursday, May 7 at The Club at Golden Valley in Golden Valley, MN.

Visit our website to get your tickets, learn more, or find ways to support the Banquet—even if you're unable to attend!

https://canafamilyinstitute.com/banquet

03/17/2026

Are you a single, dating, engaged or newly married Catholic between the ages of 25-35 in the Twin Cities?

This event is for you!

The Holy Relationships Conference, taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, is being hosted by the Roccasecca Project in partnership with Cana Family Institute, University of St. Thomas Campus Ministry and Catholic Studies and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

In a world marked by confusion, isolation, and broken relationships, this conference offers something profoundly hopeful. Together, we will explore the theological foundations and practical wisdom of Christian marriage and family life as a compelling response to the relational challenges of our time.

Participants will experience a full day that includes morning Mass, inspiring keynote talks, practical workshops, shared meals, and time for fellowship and connections. They will leave with relevant formation, renewed clarity, and tangible resources to help them walk faithfully toward vibrant, Christ-centered relationships.

An exceptional group of local and national speakers will be in attendance!

👉 Learn more and register here: https://www.roccaseccaproject.org/holyrelationships-conference