The Sacrament of Matrimony should be a very sacred and blessed event. To honor this reality, the Church has certain laws and guidelines a couple must follow in order to prepare for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
The process of preparation should begin at least six months in advance to the desired wedding date.
The Diocese of Rapid City requires the following components: the FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study) inventory, the Heart to Heart Retreat, Natural Family Planning Seminar, and basic instruction from the priest and a marriage preparation couple.