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 605-787-3837

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 605-787-3837

For more information on the national Courage Ministry,
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.

Diocesan Men’s and Women’s Retreats will return in 2022, keep an ear out!

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

There are many reasons why people may drift away from the Catholic Church.  But there is ultimately only one reason to return . . . because your heavenly Father is reaching out to you!  Check your local parish to see if they are hosting any of these ministries this fall.

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks.   No two Alphas look the same, but they generally have 3 things in common: food, a talk and good conversation. Food encourages community and the talks engage and inspire conversation within the community.   All are welcome!

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 Michele Curtain at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 605-642-2306 or michele@stjosephspearfish.com.

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.

For general information on returning to the Catholic Church, visit CatholicsComeHome.org.

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.

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

The Fall Session will begin October 4, 2021
St. Therese Catholic Church
523 Adams Street, Rapid City

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 or Linda at 605-343-3541 or FamilyLife@diorc.org.