Family Life Ministries / Social Justice

Marriage Preparation

Learn more about the Diocesan Marriage Preparation programs available.

Natural Family Planning Ministry

For information on Natural Family Planning Methods, teachers a schedule and registration form click here.  Attendance is required for all engaged couples and encouraged for married couples.

Courage and EnCourage

Courage is an apostolate which ministers to those who experience same sex attraction.  Founded in 1980, Courage proclaims that holiness and happiness are possible for its members who strive to know Christ more profoundly and seek to follow him in the Gospel way of life.  At the root of the ministry is the belief that “people should not be defined by their sexual tendencies, . . . and we are destined to receive his infinite love.”  (Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy.)

Email: courage@diorc.org or call 605-646-3363

EnCourage ministers to the friends and family of those who experience same sex attraction, seeking to provide support for the spiritual needs of parents, siblings, children, and other relatives and friends of persons who have same sex attractions.

Email: encourage@diorc.org or call 605-519-8688

For more information, visit https://couragerc.org/

Retreat Ministry

FLM sponsors annual diocesan weekend retreats for adult men and women of the Diocese of Rapid City.  Each of these retreats is designed to minister to men and women in their particular state of life, living out the vocation to which God has called them.

2017 Men’s Retreat: November 10-12, 2017
2018 Women’s Retreat: TBA

Silent Retreats
In conjunction with the Faith Formation Office and Terra Sancta, FLM is also offering periodic silent preached retreats.  These midweek retreats take advantage of the lull in visitors at the retreat center to allow the retreatants to experience silence more deeply. Within silence is the opportunity for deep and meaningful spiritual reflection and discovery. In silence you can hear yourself think; but more importantly, you also give yourself the opportunity to actively listen for the voice of God and His desire for your life.

2017 Silent Retreat:
December 11-14, 2017

2018 Silent Retreats:
February 26-March 1, 2018
July 9-12, 2018
December 3-6, 2018

Cursillo

Cursillo is about supporting Catholics in their walk with Jesus Christ.  It is about building a solid, loving, informed understanding of God’s call and putting our lives into action.

The weekend focuses on how piety, study, and action are all essential parts of a solid foundation and how small groups can support us in our walk.

2017 Women’s Retreat: TBA
2017 Men’s Retreat: TBA

Call Richard Rangle 605-391-4187 or Dave Elkjer 605-721-1033 or email delkjer@vastbb.net for information or to register.

Rachel’s Vineyard

A weekend retreat for any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. All inquiries/registrations are confidential.

For information about local retreats, contact Carol Kling at (605) 374-5639 or email ckling@sdplains.com.

For more information contact the national office at 1-877-Hope-4-Me.
Website: www.rachelsvineyard.org

2017 Dates:  November 3-5, 2017 near Bismarck, ND

2018 Dates:  April 6-8, 2018 near Rapid City, SD

Social Justice Commission

The commissions agenda includes promoting respect for all human life from conception to natural death, advocating on behalf of the poor for economic justice, working of the common good in society and the world, and encouraging good stewardship of God’s creation. Chairperson: Beth Erk. Click here for more information

Returning Catholic Ministry

Catholics Returning Home, is a six-week series for non-practicing Catholics who are considering returning to the church. The informal sessions are held three times a year. There is no charge and pre-registration is not required. For more information, contact Deacon Greg Sass at gsass@diorc.org or (605) 939-0579, or visit http://ReturningCatholics.net.

2018 Dates:
January 9-February 13 at Blessed Sacrament, Rapid City
April 3-May 8 at St. Therese the Little Flower, Rapid City

Beginning Experience® Level 1 Separated, Divorced & Widowed Support Group, Coping with Life Alone.

A nine-week support group for Christian men and women of all denominations who have experienced the loss of a spouse through separation, divorce, or death. Held at St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid City.

Beginning Experience®, Level 2 Support Group, Building Happiness

An eight-week non-denominational support group that helps participants deepen their healing experience following a significant loss due to separation, divorce or death of a spouse. Christian adults who are looking for peace, joy, and contentment in their lives are encouraged to participate! Held at St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid City.