Vicar for Clergy

The Vicar for Clergy exercises the Bishop's jurisdiction regarding clerics (priests and deacons) throughout the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. He acts as the primary contact between the Bishop and clergy serving in the Diocese.

This office oversees essential clerical matters, including:

• Assignment of clerics
• Clerical support and pastoral care
• Vacation requests for priests
• Canonical discipline

In addition to these duties, the Vicar for Clergy processes formal requests for faculties (for both resident and visiting clergy), letters of suitability, and offers of extern clergy seeking to serve in the Diocese.

Letters of Suitability Guidelines

Strict canonical and Safe Environment protocols must be followed when clergy visit or leave the Diocese for ministry purposes. Please review the requirements below.

1. Extern Clergy (Visiting the Diocese)

All clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons) visiting from outside the Diocese who desire to exercise any ministry while here must have a Letter of Suitability sent to the Vicar for Clergy from their proper chancery at least one month in advance of their arrival.

Letters must come directly from the visiting cleric's proper chancery (via physical mail with seal/signature or direct secure electronic mail). After review, the Vicar for Clergy will approve the letter and issue necessary faculties.

Exception: Clerics serving in the Diocese of Helena who are known to the hosting pastor in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings do not need a letter of suitability. In cases of doubt, the hosting pastor should contact the Vicar for Clergy.

2. Diocesan Clergy (Ministering Outside the Diocese)

Any clergy serving in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings who desire to perform any ministry in another diocese—even temporarily—must request a Letter of Suitability at least one month in advance.

Important Note on Safe Environment: A letter of suitability is only valid as long as the cleric is compliant with Safe Environment training. Clergy must confirm their status and renew training/background checks if necessary before submitting a request.

Exception: Priests of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings do not need a letter of suitability for ministry in the Diocese of Helena, unless they are unknown to the hosting pastor.