Priests and others have generously volunteered their time and talents to lead a series of marriage preparation programs at various locations throughout the diocese to supplement the individual preparation you will receive with your priest. Your priest will likely ask you to attend one of these programs or an Engaged Encounter Weekend.
Aberdeen
Three seminars are presented in a monthly rotation. Marriage Readiness deals with financial and legal issues, values, adjustment in early marriage, and seeking intimacy. Sacrament and Celebration discusses the sign and essentials of sacramental marriage, Protestant traditions, and planning the liturgy. Christian Sexuality and Family Planning considers Natural Family Planning, sexuality, parenting, and the relationship of parish and family life.
When:
Second Sunday of each month (except May, it moves to the third Sunday) 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Where:
St. Mary Parish hall (west entrance)
409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen
Contact:
St. Mary: (605) 229-4422; Sacred Heart: (605) 225-7065;
Newman Center: (605) 229-1011
Sioux Falls
This series of four, two-hour sessions aims to help those who are preparing for marriage learn more about how marriage in the Lord is lived. Topics include sacrament and theology of marriage, interfaith marriage, the wedding liturgy, finances and budgeting (emphasizing values), sexual intimacy, Natural Family Planning, and couple communication. Cost is $25.
When:
First four Thursdays in October, February, or May 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Contact:
St. Mary: (605) 332-6391
Brookings
A set of four Thursday evening sessions is offered in the fall and in the spring. The main sessions are: 1) Spirituality of Marriage, Biblical Foundation, and Church Requirements; 2) Communication and Prayer; 3) Finances and Extended Family; 4) Sexuality and Natural Family Planning. Cost is $25.
When:
Every Thursday in October and February at 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Pius XII Newman Center,
1321 8th Street, Brookings
Contact:
Fr. Patrick Grode – Pius XII Newman Center: (605) 692-9461