Diocese of Great Falls-Billings

Lifelong Faith Formation

The mission of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings is to provide relevant, reliable, and trustworthy catechetical and educational material, consistent with the teaching of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, to enrich the faith lives of Catholics of all ages throughout Eastern Montana.

Lifelong Faith Formation in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings

You did not graduate faith formation with your reception of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. In fact, that milestone was neither the beginning, nor the end of any kind. Rather, the reception of these sacraments was a supply stop of sorts along a lifelong journey of faith. Just because one is fully initiated into the Church does not mean they are finished with learning about the Church and her head, Jesus Christ. That task is one which lasts a lifetime.

Office Contact

The Department of Lifelong Faith Formation is here to assist individuals, catechetical leaders, and pastors in providing the People of God of Eastern Montana with material to strengthen their faith. If you are not able to find resources that work for you below, please feel free to call the Chancery.

Department Directors

Director of Evangelization:
Vacant

Coordinator of Youth, Young Adult, and Family Catechesis:
Vacant

Contact Info

Phone:(406) 727-6683
Toll Free: 1-800-332-9998

Email:
chancery@diocesegfb.org

Sacramental Preparation

For specific information about receiving any of the Sacraments, please reach out to your local parish. To find a parish near you, visit our Parishes/Clergy Page.

The Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

In 1996, the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings adopted the observance of what has become known as “The Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation.” This means it is the practice within this diocese for youth who have reached the age of reason to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation prior to the reception of the Most Holy Sacrament of Eucharist.

Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament and the “gateway” through which a Catholic Christian has access to the other sacraments. Through this sacrament individuals are washed clean of original sin and are welcomed into the family of God.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is most often the second sacrament received. This is a sacrament of healing for both the individual and the Church as the penitent makes right their relationship with God. Prior to receiving the Sacrament, it is important to undergo a good examination of conscience.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation. Through this sacrament, a believer is blessed with an even deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Because of the Restored Order of the Sacraments in our Diocese, this is received prior to First Holy Eucharist.

First Holy Eucharist

First Holy Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the life of a Catholic Christian. In this sacrament, the faithful receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ in a real and mysterious way.

Matrimony

Matrimony is the sacrament uniting one man and one woman in a lifelong indissoluble union. To arrange the Sacrament of Matrimony, reach out to your local parish at least six months in advance of a desired wedding date.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is the sacrament through which men are ordained either as a deacon, priest, or bishop. For more information, visit our Vocations Page.

Anointing of the Sick

Commonly misunderstood as the “last rites,” this sacrament is meant for all who are ill of body or spirit. Please make early contact with a priest; especially when someone is in danger of death, the priest needs as much advanced notice as possible.

Youth and Adult Ministries in the Diocese

Youth Ministry

Listen, Teach, Send

This is the U.S. Catholic Bishop's guiding document that provides a comprehensive and uniquely Catholic perspective on Youth Ministry, focused on encountering young people, an evangelizing catechesis, and bold witnesses.

Read Document

NFCYM

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry commits to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people by forming, equipping, and supporting ministry leaders in their service to young people and their families.

Visit NFCYM

Newman Connection

An expansive network spanning college campuses to help students find vibrant Catholic communities where they can grow spiritually.

Newman Ministry

St. Thomas Camp

Serves the Diocese by providing a place where young people can feel the love of Christ, experience a great adventure in the outdoors, and be challenged to become the saint God wants them to be.

St. Thomas Camp

Adult Formation

Becoming Catholic (OCIA): Recent studies show that on average over 100,000 Americans convert to Catholicism annually. The path into the Church leads through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). If you are interested in becoming Catholic, reach out to your local parish to get connected.

Resources for Continuing Faith Formation

Approved Catechetical Curriculum

One of the functions of a bishop is to be the lead catechist within a diocese. To insure that quality, authentic Catholic instruction is being provided, Bishop Fleming affirms the list of approved catechetical curriculum which are acceptable for use within the Diocese. Any program not found on the list below must be suspended immediately, unless previously granted special permission.

Any curriculum found on the most recent USCCB Conformity List is acceptable. Additionally, the Bishop has approved the following:

View Approved Curriculum List
  • Altaration (Ascension Press)
  • Called to His Supper (Our Sunday Visitor)
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGSUSA)
  • Catholic Parent Know-how (Our Sunday Visitor)
  • Connected (Ascension Press)
  • Encounter with Christ Confirmation (Our Sunday Visitor)
  • EQSaints (EQSaints)
  • Go, Seek, Find Confirmation (St. Mary's Press)
  • God's Gift-Confirmation (Loyola Press)
  • Journey of Faith (Liguori Publications)
  • Lifeteen (Lifeteen)
  • Making Things Right (Our Sunday Visitor)
  • Opening Gifts (Sherry Gieser)
  • The Seton Catholic Family Catechism Series (Seton Press)
  • Signs of Grace Series (Augustine Institute)
  • Teen Timeline (Ascension Press)
  • Together in Jesus Confirmation-First Eucharist (Pflaum)
  • YOU! (Ascension Press)
  • Any material provided on the FORMED platform (Augustine Institute)