The following religion curriculum standards (grades K-12) for the Diocese of Rapid City were implemented in two phases. The K-8 standards were promulgated in the spring of 2024, under the guidance of +Bishop Peter Muhich. High school standards were added to the document in February of 2026, under the guidance of Bishop Scott Bullock.
These curriculum standards should guide catechesis in all Catholic schools and parish catechetical programs in the Diocese of Rapid City. They are provided here as a PDF, and printed copies are available upon request.
The development of standards for theology is a work of great love and commitment to the mission of the Catholic Church in western South Dakota, which is called to teach the Good News of Jesus Christ, as revealed in Scripture and Tradition, and to form prayerful disciples and missionaries of this Good News. We give thanks to +Bishop Peter Muhich, who saw a clear need in our diocese for this work. It was on his initiative and request that these new religion curriculum standards came about, with work beginning in the Fall of 2022. We give thanks to Bishop Scott Bullock, who helped see the project to completion. Finally, we thank both Commissions (K-8 and high school), comprised of administrators, teachers, and catechists from across the diocese, for their assistance in creating the standards. We acknowledge and commend them for their generous and loving work on behalf of the diocese.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Sr. Sara Kowal, SCTJM, the Director of the Office of Faith Formation.
