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.

Men’s Retreat

The 2021 Men’s Retreat will be February 19-21 at Terra Sancta Retreat Center. 

This Silent, Ignatian style retreat will be directed by Fr. Jacob Boddicker, SJ, one of the Jesuit priests in Mission on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. 

 Fr. Boddicker received his Master of Divinity in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in 2017 and was ordained shortly thereafter.  His unswerving fidelity to the Magisterium and deep love for souls make him a tremendous asset to the Society of Jesus, and to the Diocese of Rapid City.  Fr. Boddicker also has an active following on Facebook and YouTube, where he posts weekly Mass, as well as theology discussions while ironing church linens!

In-Person Retreat Sessions & Materials with Meals —$115
To attend the retreat in the prayerful atmosphere of Terra Sancta, while commuting from home

Lodging Available on a limited basis for an additional $75 per night –
Let us know if you’re planning to share your lodging room with another retreatant

Register online at www.terrasancta.org  or for information on the retreat contact
Amy Julian or Linda Drake at 605-343-5214 or ajulian@diorc.org or ldrake@diorc.org

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.

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.

Call Richard Rangle 605-391-4187, richard.rangel@rushmore.com or Dave Elkjer 605-209-6782, delkjer@vastbb.net for information or to register.

Returning Catholic Ministries

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, email info@returningcatholics.net , call (605) 939-0579, or visit http://ReturningCatholics.net.

Catholics Come Home is a three-week series for people who were raised Catholic, but seldom or never come to Mass, feel separated from the Church, but would like to feel at home in the Catholic Church again.  This series is an opportunity to consider renewing their relationship with their Catholic family.  For more information call or email Diane Say at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 605-642-2306 or diane@stjosephspearfish.com.

Surviving Divorce
Helping You Find Peace, Power, and Passion After Your Divorce

Separated or Divorced?  Join us in a ministry that will bring hope and healing to those who have experienced the pain and loneliness of a broken marriage.  Surviving Divorce covers topics including shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage.  This program is for the newly separated and divorced and those still struggling with issues many years later.  It will help them find answers to their questions, restore their hope, and begin authentic healing.  This twelve-week support group is open to Christian men and women of all denominations.

Due to the uncertainty of Covid-19 restrictions, the next session of Surviving Divorce will be in an online Zoom video format. This will also allow participants throughout the diocese to be able to participate.

Offering three 12 week Sessions per year
Beginning the 2nd Monday of January, May, September
Mondays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Participants can register online.  A $30 registration fee covers all materials.  Scholarship help is available for those in financial need.  Participants who have previously participated, and still have their materials may register for $10.   For more information, contact Amy Julian at 605-343-3541 or ajulian@diorc.org.