November 2025 - The Marriage Group

Marriage Ministry Is Good For Your Marriage

Read Time: 3 minutes

Join our well-loved Pre-Cana presenters for a candid conversation about how marriage ministry has changed their lives. Andrew and Terri Lyke have been serving other couples in the Catholic Church for over 40 years. It hasn’t always been easy, but they’ve experienced some wonderful benefits from walking alongside other couples.

In This Episode…

Fun & Interesting Quotes on Marriage Ministry:

“Marriage is a lot of work. And then you agree that you’re gonna put in that work. And then as you do it, you start seeing God work in your life and you start experiencing a lot more joy and you have a lot more hope for the future.”

“God is so much better at convicting of sin than we are. God is so much better at helping people understand where they’re at and be honest with themselves.”

“Mainly we make sure it’s fun. And that’s the key to longevity in marriage ministry, is having fun.”

“Because one of the biggest distinctions between Catholicism and other forms of Christianity is that we view marriage as a sacrament.”

Key Takeaways on Marriage Ministry:

Couples Need to Understand Marriage Is a Sacrament:

The Catholic Church views marriage as a covenant, vocation, and a sacrament. These three things make a difference in how couples experience their marriages, relate to one another, and access the grace of God in their shared life.

Marriage Ministry Has Changed A Lot Over the Years:

One of the main challenges in marriages is the lack of open communication about finances. Jerry advocates for creating a safe space Couples today are getting married later in life so their needs are different. More couples are living together than in the past, and they can be mindfully included in marriage ministries. This could encourage marriage among cohabitating couples who didn’t realize that marriage could bring a new and wonderful dynamic into their relationship.

Marriage Ministry Can Be Evangelistic:

If the Church develops programs that support all couples, there could be wonderful opportunities for evangelization and renewing of couples’ Catholic faith. Couples who connect with other couples are more likely to ask questions about marriage, especially when they are part of a warm, welcoming community that inspires growth and connection.

Benefits of Participating In Marriage Ministry:

Couples Have a Deeper Sense of Purpose:

Being part of a marriage ministry can provide couples with a deeper sense of purpose in their relationship. It helps them understand the significance of their partnership and the affect they can have on others.

Couples Feel Supported:

Couples who are involved in a marriage ministry have a supportive community that shares similar values and ideals. This community can offer encouragement and guidance and provide models that couples can aspire too while giving them hope that they’ll be able to get through hard times together.

Couples Grow Both Spiritually and Personally:

Continuing to learn healthy relationship skills from a faith-filled perspective encourages personal and spiritual growth. Going through these things together strengthens the bond that couples share and enhances their understanding of marriage as a sacrament.

Who Are Andrew & Terri Lyke?

Andrew & Terri Lyke during filming at The Marriage Group.

Andrew and Terri Lyke are retired ministry consultants and pioneers in Catholic marriage ministry.

The mission of their ministry has been to strengthen the institution of marriage in the African-American community, and the focus of that work has been in marriage education, spiritual formation, and ongoing social support through outreach from faith-based communities. They’ve served at both the parish and diocesan level of marriage ministry, and they’ve written a beautiful book for couples titled Marriage on A Lampstand: Exploring a New Paradigm for Modern Christian Marriage.You can learn more about Andrew & Terri at

MarriageOnALampstand.org.

Learn more from the Lykes and other couples in The Marriage Every Day™ community! It’s the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages.

Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities help couples build a marriage they love alongside thousands of couples just like them!

Learn more HERE.

November 24, 2025/by Jessie Wiegand

Living Out Your Marriage During Holiday Stress

Couples Catholic Marriage, Married

Read Time: 3 minutes

The holiday season brings a unique blend of joy and challenge to married life. Between shopping lists, family gatherings, and end-of-year commitments, even the strongest marriages can feel stretched thin. Yet these moments of stress can become opportunities for deeper connection and spiritual growth.

Virtue in the Chaos

Marriage during the holidays tests our patience like few other seasons. Just as my wife and I learned while preparing for her major surgery, disruption to family routines requires intentional grace. With four young children, including two sons with autism, we’ve discovered that virtue isn’t about perfection – it’s about choosing love in small moments.

When schedules shift and tensions rise, practice small acts of virtue. A gentle word when your spouse forgets an item (evaporated milk!) on the shopping list. A moment of patience when holiday preparations don’t go as planned. These seemingly minor choices build a foundation of love that withstands seasonal stress.

Gratitude as Your Anchor

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart,” wrote St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier. When the world moves at lightning pace and pressures mount faster than holiday credit card bills, taking time to appreciate your spouse becomes essential. The catch? As with any gift from God, we must choose to accept it.

St. Josemaria Escriva reminds us to “Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that; because you have been despised; because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.”

In our family, we’ve found beauty in unexpected moments. When our daughters created a homemade bouquet to remember their sibling lost to miscarriage, it brought tears of grateful recognition – even in loss, love grows. These moments remind us that gratitude isn’t about perfect circumstances but about seeing God’s grace in all seasons.

Find Time to Relax Together

Amidst the holiday rush, carving out time for connection becomes both more challenging and more crucial. My wife and I share funny memes and one-liners throughout the day, finding humor in life’s chaos. Whether it’s laughing about our son (our “one-man football team”) running through the living room or sharing children’s innocent observations about faith, these moments of lightness strengthen our bond.

My wife and I love playing board games so we make it a point to put the kids to bed early some Fridays to spend quality time together. Pandemic Legacy, Backgammon, and deck-building games are some of our favorites.

Create small rituals of relaxation that fit your schedule. Even five minutes of shared quiet with a cup of coffee can become sacred space on a busy day.

Praying Together

The foundation of managing holiday stress lies in shared prayer. This year, my wife and I completed both a Eucharistic and Marian Consecration. These spiritual journeys provided an anchor during life’s curveballs – or should I say snowballs during winter?

When my wife was telling me about the anxiety she was facing thinking about work and the surgery, I told her, “Remember tonight we are starting the Eucharistic Consecration. There’s no better cure to worry than thinking about our Lord.” And on the days where I felt angst from all the various things I had to do for work my wife reminded me to trust in Jesus and ask the Blessed Virgin Mary for help.

New Marriages The Holidays and The Extended Family

Prayer doesn’t require elaborate plans. Start small: a shared morning offering, grace before meals, or evening gratitude. Let prayer become your pathway to peace, turning holiday chaos into opportunities for spiritual intimacy.

Remember, your marriage isn’t meant to achieve perfection but to grow in love through all seasons. As you navigate holiday stress together, let faith be your foundation and grace your guide. After all, the greatest gift you can give each other this season is the gift of presence – both to each other and to God.

Author: Matt Chicoine

Marriage Every Day™ is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages. Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities will help you build a marriage you love alongside thousands of couples just like you!

Learn more HERE.

November 18, 2025/by Matthew Chicoine

What are Catholic Marriage Classes?

Couples Marriage Prep

Read Time: 3 minutes

Catholic Marriage Classes Prepare Couples for Sacramental Marriage

The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, matrimony, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick. Sacraments are ways in which God shares his holiness and through which grace, through Jesus, is shared with the participants.

Marriage in the Catholic Church is the Sacrament of Matrimony. Sacraments are not to be entered into lightly. All sacraments require some level of knowledge and consent. Engaged couples who want to participate in the Sacrament of Matrimony are required by the Church to prayerfully and seriously prepare for a lifelong commitment to The Catholic Church teaches that Sacramental Marriage is permanent and indissoluble, that is, it can’t be broken except by death.

Click here for a deeper explanation of sacraments

The Catholic Church teaches that every person has a vocation, or a calling. Some men are called to holy orders, that is, the priesthood. Some men and women are called to holy orders, such as religious life as a monk or nun. Some men and women are called to married life, which is as serious a vocation as holy orders. Priests and religious study for years to be prepared for their vocation. Those entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony are also required to prepare for a successful sacramental marriage.

Catholic Marriage Classes are Called Pre-Cana

“Pre-Cana” refers to the wedding at Cana. The wedding at Cana was a turning point for Jesus’ ministry. Sacramental marriage is a turning point in the life of engaged couples.

Jesus performed his first public miracle at a wedding in the Galilean town of Cana. His mother, Mary, asked him to step in to help when it became clear that the wedding hosts were running out of wine. Jesus turned at least 120 gallons of water into fine wine at the wedding in Cana. The full story can be read in the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Read it here.

Pre-Cana marriage classes are really “pre-wedding” classes. Jesus spent years discerning and preparing for his ministry and the salvation of the world. Cana was where his divine power to perform miracles was revealed. The wedding is where an engaged couple takes vows to live as a sacramentally married couple.

Catholic Marriage Classes Can Be In-Person or Online

An engaged couple will meet with the priest, deacon, or other parish representative well in advance of their intended wedding date. They will be given instructions as to what type of Pre-Cana marriage preparation is required. Sometimes combinations of programs are advised.

Pre-Cana classes contain information presented by clergy, mentor couples, and other experts in relationships, communication, intimacy, and Natural Family Planning (NFP). Couples have the opportunity to explore topics they may have never discussed and to learn things about each other and themselves. They will acquire communication tools to help them navigate the inevitable conflicts and disagreements that arise in marriages.

Sometimes Catholic Marriage Classes are offered at weekend retreats that are arranged by parishes or dioceses. They have set times when the programs are offered throughout the year.

The Marriage Group Couple Online Pre-Cana Catholic Marriage Formation

Other options are a series of classes offered by parishes or dioceses. There are also options for Catholic Marriage Classes, Pre-Cana, that are facilitated by mentor couples.

Pre-Cana classes can be taken online. The Marriage Group offers fully online Pre-Cana and NFP courses that are included in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ list of programs recommended for use in dioceses and parishes in the United States.

The classes are ideal for couples who want to prepare for marriage at their own pace. Couples who are separated by distance, have incompatible schedules, or want more privacy often choose online Pre-Cana courses.

Couples should get any online Pre-Cana courses approved by their priest, deacon, or other parish representative. Online courses like the ones offered by The Marriage Group can often be taken in tandem with other in-person Pre-Cana requirements.

The online Pre-Cana program offered by The Marriage Group takes about 8 hours to complete. Couples will watch videos, answer discussion questions, and have the opportunity to use His and Hers discussion guides to reflect on their preparation. Topics include the Theology and Spirituality of Marriage; Balancing Values, Careers, and Practical Issues; Finances; the Beauty of Sexuality and Intimacy in Marriage; Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution; Becoming Effective Communicators; Family of Origin; and Natural Family Planning (NFP Life).

Topics are presented by theologians, medical professionals, and married couples who have a wealth of knowledge to share. The current list of instructors can be found here.

Author: Jennie McClelland

Learn more about The Marriage Group’s Pre-Cana and NFP courses

Pre-Cana (https://themarriagegroup.com/courses/pre-cana/)

NFP (https://themarriagegroup.com/courses/natural-family-planning/)

November 18, 2025/by Jennie McClelland

Financial Therapy Helps Couples Understand How Money Affects Relationship Dynamics

Interviews

Read Time: 3 minutes

As a Certified Financial Therapist, Jerry Inglet is well versed in how attitudes about money and spending behaviors can affect a marriage. Jerry recently joined Jessie for The Marriage Group Podcast to discuss how couples can benefit from financial therapy and when they need it.

In This Episode…

Fun & Interesting Quotes on Finances:

From the host: “I remember when my husband started listening to Dave Ramsey. Now, Dave Ramsey hopefully never hears this, but I thought to myself, if I have to hear the name Dave Ramsey one more time, I’m going to scream.”

Couples say: “I see you every day. It takes this guy to have this meeting, to have you tell me this. So there’s always surprises, and sometimes they’re not always good surprises.”

On giving: “And it used to be charities and 501C3s, but I find more and more it’s GoFundMe. Right.”

Key Takeaways on Financial Therapy:

Couples Need to Gain Understanding of Financial Behaviors:

Jerry emphasized that financial decisions are not made in a vacuum. They are often rooted in learned behaviors from childhood and societal influences. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards healthier financial habits.

Communication is Crucial for Successful Money Management:

One of the main challenges in marriages is the lack of open communication about finances. Jerry advocates for creating a safe space where couples can discuss money matters without judgment. This involves understanding each other’s financial stressors and goals. Working with a certified financial therapist is a great first step.

Structured Financial Therapy Guides Couples to Better Outcomes:

Jerry outlined a typical process for financial therapy, which begins with assessing the couple’s financial acumen and willingness to be transparent. Fun and engaging assessments, such as the “tightwad-spendthrift” test, are used to help couples understand their financial personalities.

The Goal is Incremental Progress, Not Perfection:

Progress in financial therapy is often incremental. Small victories, such as improved communication and understanding of financial goals, can lead to significant breakthroughs over time. Jerry encourages couples to celebrate incremental shifts toward growth and helps them set reasonable, achievable goals.

Benefits of Financial Therapy for Married Couples:

Building Financial Literacy:

Many couples enter marriage with varying levels of financial knowledge. Financial therapy provides the education needed to make informed decisions.

Aligning Financial Goals:

By understanding each other’s financial values and goals, couples can work together towards common objectives, reducing conflicts and fostering a stronger partnership.

Preventing Future Conflicts:

Addressing financial issues early in the marriage can prevent them from becoming major sources of conflict later on. This proactive approach can help couples avoid reaching a crisis point in their relationship.

Who Is Jerry Inglet?

Photo of Jerry Inglet, Certified Finacial Therapist and educator at Trocaire College

Photo of Jerry Inglet, Certified Financial Therapist and educator at Trocaire College

Jerry Inglet is the Program Director for Workforce Development, Financial Health, and Education at Trocaire College. He has over 25 years of experience in finance and over 10 years of experience in higher education. He’s a Certified Financial Therapist and Accredited Financial Counselor with a doctorate in educational leadership from D’Youville University, two master’s degrees (school counseling and urban policy) from the University at Buffalo, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Xavier University.

Currently, Jerry’s Financial Therapy Sessions are available online through Trocaire College’s Financial Health and Education department. These Financial Therapy Sessions help couples address financial stress, communication gaps, and money behaviors while providing support through fun exercises and financial education.

Marriage Every Day™ is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong marriages. Community chats, free mini-courses, and engaging activities will help you build a marriage you love alongside thousands of couples just like you!

Learn more HERE.

November 4, 2025/by Jessie Wiegand