Official Announcements

After consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board, Bishop Michael W. Warfel makes these assignments effective on July 1, 2021.
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Diocesan Vicar General

Very Rev. Jay Peterson who is retired from active ministry is additionally retiring as Vicar General after
23 years as Vicar General. Bishop Warfel is deeply grateful for the ministry of Fr. Peterson as Vicar General and his leadership to the priests and people of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.

Very Rev. Daniel Wathen is appointed Vicar General of the Diocese in addition to his continued assignment as Pastor of St. Jude in Havre and Diocesan Vocation Director.

Retirements

Rev. Randolph Graczyk, OFM Cap is retiring as Pastor of St. Charles in Pryor after 53 years in priestly ministry. Bishop Warfel is grateful for the service of Fr. Graczyk and the Capuchin priests for their continued ministry on the Crow Reservation.

Rev. Robert Grosch is retiring as Pastor of St. Patrick Co-Cathedral after 47 years in priestly ministry. Bishop Warfel is deeply grateful for the service Fr. Grosch has provided the people of the Diocese and as Judicial Vicar. Fr. Grosch will continue to serve as Judicial Vicar for the Diocese.

Rev. Patrick Zabrocki is retiring as Pastor of St. Joseph in Plentywood and St. Philip Bonitus in Scobey after 33 years in priestly ministry. Bishop Warfel is deeply grateful for the service of Fr. Zabrocki to the people of the diocese.

Pastors – 6 year terms

Rev. Paul Koenig, OFM Cap is appointed Pastor of St. Denis in Crow Agency, St. Xavier in Saint Xavier, Our Lady of Loretto in Lodge Grass, and St. Kateri in Wyola.

Rev. Leo McDowell is appointed Pastor of St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings.

Rev. Garrett Nelson is appointed Pastor of St. Mary in Livingston, St. Joseph in Big Timber, St. Margaret in Clyde Park, and St. William in Gardiner.

Administrators

Rev. Baskar Anandan, HGN is appointed Administrator of Immaculate Conception in Forsyth, St. Joseph in Hysham, and St. Margaret Mary in Colstrip.

Rev. Antony Raj Kumar Arumugam, HGN is appointed Administrator of St. Joseph in Plentywood and St. Philip Bonitus in Scobey.

Rev. Kiran Kumar Bernard, OdeM is appointed Administrator of St. Joseph in Hardin and St. Mary in Custer.

Rev. Jose Panickomveli, (Diocese of Khandwa) is appointed Administrator of St. Peter & St. Philip in Wibaux

Rev. Anietie, Ukanide, MSP is appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes in Poplar, St. Anthony in Culbertson, and Sacred Heart in Bainville.

Parochial Vicars

Rev. John Pankratz, is appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings

Parish Life Coordinator (C. 517.2)

John Paul Dyas is appointed, Parish Life Coordinator to lead and in residence at St. Paul Mission in Hays, St. Thomas in Lodgepole, and Sacred Heart at Ft. Belknap Agency.