Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Couples are encouraged to view their marital health with the same importance as dental health, emphasizing regular preventative care to avoid minor issues becoming major problems. Research suggests couples typically wait six years before seeking help for relationship difficulties. A proactive approach is recommended for long-term vitality.

A clinical psychology Ph.D. candidate at Clark University, who recently moved to Gretna and is a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo, advocates for viewing marriages as sacred commitments reflecting God's love. This perspective has inspired her to empower couples in nurturing their marriages through a Catholic Relationship Checkup.

The Relationship Checkup allows couples to reflect on strengths, identify growth areas, and set intentions for the future. It focuses on communication and mutual compassion within marriage. The candidate's research involves a Catholic adaptation of this checkup, recognizing marriage as a sacrament and promoting intentional living of this sacred calling.

Catholic married couples in Nebraska are offered a free Relationship Checkup as part of her dissertation research. The checkup includes two Zoom sessions: an assessment session focusing on relationship history and strengths, followed by a feedback session discussing tools for nurturing marriage health.

Participants will complete three surveys and provide feedback, receiving a $20 e-gift card upon completion. Participation is confidential, with the option to decline at any time.

The initiative aims to highlight marriage as a unique calling from the Lord and encourage proactive care as a reflection of its sacredness.