First, an understanding that marriage is a covenant brought into being by God and that we are primarily responsible to him in that marriage covenant. And second, a commitment to the spirit of the relationship and to protecting that spirit above all else, even settling issues, coming to conclusions, dealing with your differences, dealing with life. He requires four counseling sessions with engaged couples, as well as attendance at marriage preparation seminars his church hosts throughout the year. Father Rick Walsh, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, prefers couples see a priest even before they get engaged, though he requires four months' work before the wedding. In a series of counseling sessions and a weekend retreat, he helps couples discuss communication, finances, children, sex, in-laws and lifestyle expectations.
Communication is the key.
We too often don't have the good skills to talk and to listen, so we just stop talking. There is a sense in society today that when life gets hard, we can opt out of things. We're used to having things pretty easy for us. Marriage is always going to be difficult, but that's what we're called to. A covenant is fidelity forever.