Support Group Available
There are many support services available within the Diocese of Rapid City. For specific details please visit Family Life Ministries.
- BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: “Heal Your Grief”, Bereavement Support Group is an eight-week non-denominational support group open to all Christian adults who have lost a loved one due to death.
- SEPARATED & DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUPS: For Christian men and women of any denomination who are hurting due to separation or divorce; who desire greater self-knowledge and balance in their lives; and who want a closer relationship with God. Two levels of support are offered.
- CHRISTIAN FAMILY PLANNING SEMINAR: A requirement for all engaged couples planning to marry in the Diocese of Rapid City and is encouraged for married couples. The seminar, based on Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body”, is an enriching experience for engaged and married couples or those who want to know more about natural family planning and the church’s teachings. Couples receive information on modern methods of natural family planning using the body’s natural signs of fertility. Instruction is offered by certified teachers in the Creighton Model Ovulation Method and the Sympto-Thermal Method.
- PRO-LIFE COMMISSION: Promotes pro-life issues through awareness, education, legislation, prayer, and pastoral care.
- RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREATS: A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat is an opportunity for anyone whose life has been affected by an abortion to renew their spirit by transforming the pain of the past into hope for the future. Women and men of all faiths are welcome to attend.
- RETREAT MINISTRY: Offers annual diocesan retreats for men and women.
There are a number of affiliated resources also available. While these ministries occasionally collaborate with Family Life Ministries, they are not under its supervision or auspices. They fall under the supervision, leadership, and guidelines of their national or international office.
- BIRTHRIGHT: Provides caring, non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. It offers pregnancy testing, maternity and infant clothing, and help finding resources. For information, call Birthright at 605-343-1732.
- CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER: Weekends help engaged or newly married couples deepen and enrich their relationship by openly and honestly examining their lives together. To register or for information visit West River Catholic Engaged Encounter.
- RETROUVAILLE: A weekend experience designed to help couples in hurting marriages re-establish communication and gain new insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple. For information about weekend dates and locations, call 800-470-2230 or visit Retrouvaille web site. (Note: there is no active local program.)
- RAPID CITY RIGHT-TO-LIFE: To educate the public about culture of life issues. For information, call 605-342-9101 or contact Don Rausch, PO Box 1072, Rapid City, SD 57709, 605-718-5215.