Surround yourselves with good friends

The diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life sponsored their annual evening to recognize the Sacrament of Matrimony on February 9. Each year, this event coincides with National Marriage Week, as promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In Rapid City, the event was held at Terra Sancta Retreat Center. The evening began with a Holy Hour, Mass celebrated by Fr. Brian Christensen, then a three-course dinner provided by the retreat center, and an evening of dancing. At Mass couples renewed their wedding vows and had their rings blessed. One of the first dances was an anniversary dance to identify the couple who had been married the longest, as well as the newest married couples in attendance. Steve and Sue Colgan from Our Lady of the Black Hills Parish in Piedmont took the door prize for the longest marriage at 56 years. Two couples were recognized in the newlywed category: Cole and Grace Steffan, who married September 14, 2024, and Doug and Meagan Bachand, who married January 25. The younger couples belong to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City.

“A deeply special moment for my husband and I was during the Mass when we had the opportunity to renew our vows alongside many other incredible couples from around the diocese. It was such a gift to remember and reflect on that same moment that had taken place for us just four months prior,” Grace Steffen shared. Once the oldest and newest couples were recognized, they spent the evening sharing insights about married life, singing, and dancing. “They were such a joy to converse with, and when we asked for their advice, this was the wisdom Steve had to share: ‘Be sure to surround yourselves with good friends.’ My husband and I feel so blessed to be surrounded in our lives by many incredible married friends of all ages who provide us with support and show us incredible examples of sacrificial love. We were so grateful to have taken part in such a beautiful celebration of married life!”

Next year’s event is scheduled for St. Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026.