The purpose of the Ministry Formation Program is to provide local lay leaders for the parishes in the Diocese of Rapid City. This formation program includes the formation of lay leaders and permanent deacons.

Deacon Formation

The purpose of the Deacon Formation Program is to provide diaconal service to the parishes in the Diocese of Rapid City. The program stresses formation as well as information, and emphasizes spiritual formation. It provides a spiritual director and annual retreat for the men and their spouses. The three-volume text Builders of the New Earth provides an excellent foundation in Catholic theology and Sacred Scripture. The dialogue and sharing method of learning insures that the couples absorb the material and can use it in a way in which those they minister to can profit. In addition to the weekly classes, the deacon candidates are required to participate in eight training weekends and the annual Pastoral Ministry Days workshops.

Lay Ministry Formation

The purpose of the Lay Ministry Formation Program is to provide local lay leaders for ministry in the parishes of the Diocese of Rapid City. The program will try to accommodate the needs of the various parishes by providing formation for the ministries which best support the work of the parish communities. It is a four year program consisting of spiritual, theological and pastoral formation. The Ministry Formation Program works closely with the Office of Religious Education/ Evangelization.