Record numbers of couples are seeking counselling from Accord the Catholic Marriage Service, which reported an 8 per cent increase in demand in 2010 compared to the previous year.
She added that "social networking and general modern technology requires such a degree of attention and response that it is causing a distraction".
It was "so easy with all the problems there are switch on to even browse the internet is a distraction. All these things are distractions and they're welcome distractions when times are tough."
Bishop Christopher Jones of Elphin, president of the service said couples should invest at least as much time in their relationships as they do on their jobs, homes and in their hobbies.
"It is a tragedy that many people invest so much of their trust and energy in material things, while at the same time taking their relationships for granted."
He said "the greatest joy in life will come from a couple's relationship and of course the greatest pain and suffering comes from broken, betrayed relationships."
Accord director of marriage education Stephen Cummins said that while the number of couples getting married was decreasing, the Catholic Church "will always encourage couples to come for marriage preparation".
