Dearly beloved, you have come together here before a minister of the Church and in the presence of the community so that your intention to enter into Marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal, and your love be enriched with his blessing, so that you may have strength to be faithful to each other for ever and to assume all the responsibilities of marred life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.

Have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?

Couple: I have.

Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?

Couple: I am.

Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?

Couple: I am.

Marriage preparation is required by the Diocese of Rapid City. Our goal is to aid you in answering the above questions confidently and truthfully.

Members of Our Lady of the Black Hills. Couples who are seeking marriage in the Catholic Church at Our Lady of the Black Hills need to call the parish to set up an appointment with Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek by calling 605-787-5168 at least six months prior to your planned wedding date. No dates will be scheduled until you have met with Fr. Andrzej. 

Non Registered Couples. For couples planning to complete marriage preparation at another location you will need to meet with your local priest and contact Fr. Andrzej with the parish, priest, and preparation information prior to setting a wedding date at Our Lady of the Black Hills.

Marriage Validation. To have your marriage blessed and validated in the Catholic Church, many of the same requirements apply. Please contact Fr. Andrzej for details.

REQUIREMENTS:

Complete an interview with the priest.

Take and review the FOCCUS, a tool used to optimize the marriage preparation process that aids couples in identifying, discussing, and working through important relationship issues prior to marriage.

Attend a Christian Family Planning Seminar, seminar dates.

Participate in an Engaged Encounter Weekend Experience, Heart to Heart, this is a weekend marriage preparation retreat to aid in deepening each couple's understanding of the Church's vision for married life as a vocation and a sacrament. 

Complete Living a Joy-Filed Marriage Sessions with an assigned sponsor couple. This will be coordinated through the office at Our Lady of the Black Hills. These are sessions that will guide each couple in real and practical ways to live out the Church's vision of marriage in daily life.

INFORMATION:

 Mass Planning, minister selection, rehearsal information and other other helpful tips can be found in the document entitled Mass Planning.

Facility Use Agreement, information regarding the use of Our Lady of the Black Hills and the associated fees.

To Do List and Music Plan, please complete this form song selections, cantors, and accompanists must be approved by Lorraine, 605-787-5168.

For questions concerning the Liturgy or music selections, please contact Lorraine. It is the responsibility of the couple to contact the Liturgy Coordinator regarding the planning of their wedding Liturgy