Interviews Archives - The Marriage Group

Sacred Adventures for Couples

Read Time: 3 minutes

Cultivating a deep friendship in marriage can include more than just having fun. Christian and Darcie Nielsen discovered that small pilgrimages to sacred Catholic sites helped them grow spiritually as individuals and as a couple. What does that look like? The founders of CatholicGo, a website and app for discovering historic and sacred Catholic places, share how learning to pray, explore, and be quiet strengthens their marriage, and how others can join in the adventure.

In This Episode…

Fun & Interesting Quotes on Sacred Adventures:

“I like to joke that if you’re gonna drag your kids to a shrine at least you can find ice cream nearby.”

“I started with the Hail Holy Queen. And she said, ‘No, the whole rosary.'”

“It’s a great way to date because you’re gonna see how they drive… you get a pretty good sense of someone when you’re driving more than an hour somewhere.”

“I’ve always been really shy about that because it’s kind of dorky when you say that to people who aren’t Catholic or who are Catholic and just maybe haven’t experienced that.”

Key Takeaways on Sacred Adventures:

Catholic Go Facilitates the Discovery and Exploration of Catholic Sacred Spaces:

The app and website serve as a directory of shrines, retreat centers, basilicas, and other interesting places, making it easier for individuals, couples, and families to connect with their faith with little pilgrimages.

Visiting Sacred Places Can Deepen Shared Faith:

The act of pilgrimage, whether as a couple or a family, provides an opportunity for unplugging, reconnecting with God, and gaining clarity on life’s priorities. It fosters shared experiences and can lead to spiritual growth.

Recreating Together Can Be a Spiritual Experience:

Many of these places have outdoor walks that can include Stations of the Cross, beautiful gardens, and quiet spaces for prayer. It feels natural to pray and reflect in these places which is a great start to sharing your faith with your spouse.

How Married Couples Can Deepen Intimacy by Visiting Sacred Places:

Engage in Shared Exploration and Learning:

Discovering new or lesser-known sacred sites together can be an adventure, offering opportunities to learn about faith and history as a couple.

Create Meaningful Date Experiences:

Instead of traditional dates, visiting a shrine or basilica can become a spiritual and enriching outing, fostering connection through shared prayer and reflection.

Unplug and Reconnect:

Stepping away from daily distractions and being immersed in a sacred environment allows couples to focus on each other and their shared faith, strengthening their bond.

Find Common Ground in Faith and Activity

These visits provide a natural way to bond over shared values and beliefs, integrating faith into relationships in a tangible way.

Who Are Christian & Darcie Nielsen?

Photo of a happy couple, Christian and Darcie Neilsen, smiling for the camera.

Christian and Darcie Nielsen, Co-Founders of CatholicGo

Christian and Darcie Nielsen are the co-founders of Catholic GO, bringing a combined 34 years of ministry experience to the platform. Their passion for discovering hidden Catholic sites began as young adults near Boston, where they repeatedly stumbled upon remarkable, little-known sacred places—including the world’s first St. Thérèse of Lisieux shrine in Rhode Island—which ultimately inspired the creation of Catholic GO. Built by pilgrims for pilgrims, Christian and Darcie hope make the rich Catholic heritage more accessible to all through local pilgrimage.

Instagram handle: @gocatholicgo
www.catholicgo.com

The Marriage Every Day™ community is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong, sacramental marriages.

This online members-only community is there 24-7 with the most flexible way to fit marriage enrichment into your busy life.

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.

January 29, 2026/by Jessie Wiegand

Are You Quiet Quitting Your Marriage?

Interviews

Read Time: 3 minutes

Quiet quitting is a hot topic in the work-world, but how do the same behaviors translate to our other relationships? Jessie sits down with Pat & Kenna Millea, co-founders of the Martin Center for Integration, and discusses the ways we check out, detach, and otherwise quit our marriages while also showing up everyday like everything is okay.

In This Episode…

Fun & Interesting Quotes on Quiet Quitting in Relationships:

“I thought marriage was going to solve all my problems. That once we’re married, I won’t have these attachments, desires, temptations, addictions anymore because it’s a sacrament and, and God is good and he’s gonna rescue me from all these human frailties.”

“A sacrament is not magic. It doesn’t automatically make someone a disciple. It gives them all the grace they need by the Holy Spirit to be a disciple, but they have to say yes to that gift.”

“It’s a lack of willful, intentional investment when we quietly quit anything, essentially to go through the motions, but without the heart, without the sense of conviction.”

“Some of that conflict is actually what makes the relationship exciting and good.”

“It doesn’t take much to really make a seismic difference in a marriage.”

Key Takeaways on Quiet Quitting:

Everyday Distractions Can Impact Our Relationship:

There are so many things vying for our attention and many of them are an incredibly easy lift compared to the rigors of maintaining a healthy marriage. Couples have to be realistic about how their stress-relieving behaviors like scrolling devices, binge-watching, extended focus on hobbies, can steal time and energy for checking in with one another and connecting.

Marriage Won’t Solve Your Personal Issues:

Every vice you came into the marriage with will still be with you after the wedding day. It’s natural to think that marriage will make you a better person, and it can, but that’s a process that extends over years with lots of hard work.

Embracing the Sacramental Aspect of Marriage Opens the Door to Grace:

When couples realize that marriage is a sacred bond, it can transform they way they approach their relationship. The sacramental understanding of marriage can help couples see the connection between their faith and the rest of their lives together. It gives meaning and purpose to the everyday aspects of their marriage and helps them understand the self-sacrificial nature of love.

How to Reverse or Avoid Quiet Quitting:

Intentional Investment:

Be proactive in investing time and effort into your relationship. This includes setting aside dedicated time for meaningful conversations and activities that strengthen your bond.

Embrace Complementarity:

Recognize and appreciate the differences between you and your spouse. Instead of viewing them as threats, see them as opportunities for greater understanding and complementarity in your marriage.

Pursue Communication and Conflict Resolution:

Engage in open and honest communication. Accept that conflict is a natural part of any relationship and can be an opportunity for growth and excitement when handled constructively.

Grace & Human Effort

Balance the grace of the sacrament with human effort. Make room for the grace of marriage by actively working on your relationship, allowing the spiritual and practical aspects to work together.

Who Are Pat & Kenna Millea?

Photo of Pat & Kenna Millea co-counders of the Martin Center for Integration

Pat & Kenna Millea, co-founders of The Martin Center for Integration

Pat & Kenna Millea bring their love for people and the Church to their work supporting mental health, faith, and families. They met at the University of Notre Dame, where they both received degrees in Theology (among other things).

Kenna is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Pat is a speaker, musician, leader, and former youth minister. They are co-founders of the Martin Center for Integration, an organization supporting the integration of mental health & faith, and they co-host a podcast, This Whole Life. They have been married for 16 years and live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota with their 7 children.

The Marriage Every Day™ community is the place for couples who want to have fun growing strong, sacramental marriages.

This online members-only community is there 24-7 with the most flexible way to fit marriage enrichment into your busy life.

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.

December 15, 2025/by Jessie Wiegand

Marriage Ministry Is Good For Your Marriage

Interviews

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

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