Vocations & Discernment
Every baptized person is called to be a Saint. Most people fulfill this calling by sanctifying their lives in the ordinary circumstances of family and work, but some are given a specific calling to sanctify the world by offering the entirety of their lives to God through the Priesthood, the Permanent Diaconate, or Consecrated Religious Life.
The Priesthood
Almost ninety percent of diocesan priests serve in parishes, while others serve in specialized diocesan ministries. Regardless of the specific assignment, priests are called to be men of deep personal prayer who proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, and walk with people through the most joyful and sorrowful moments of their lives.
If you feel this supernatural call, do not be afraid. Pray daily, frequent the Sacraments, and reach out to one of our Vocations Directors. They are here to help you discern the Will of God for your life.
Vocations Directors
Fr. John Pankratz
Please pray for our 2025-26 Seminarians:
The Permanent Diaconate
The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings is blessed with 18 Permanent Deacons serving in 29 parishes, as well as in prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes. Deacons are ordained ministers of the Word, the Altar, and Charity. They proclaim the Gospel, assist at Mass, baptize, witness marriages, and serve as advocates for justice and the marginalized.
The majority of permanent deacons are married. The wife of a candidate is heavily involved in the discernment process, and wives are required to participate with their husbands during each of the four years of formation. Together, they give witness to the sanctity of marriage and family life while balancing the call to ministry.
Director of Deacon Personnel & Formation
Deacon Pete Woelkers
(406) 604-1852
Consecrated Religious & Secular Vocations
Service to God as a religious sister, brother, or priest is a call to a specific community with its own special mission and charism. We are blessed to have the following communities serving within our Diocese:
Women Religious
Men Religious
Secular Vocations
Many religious orders invite laypersons to share in their particular charisms while living out their ordinary family and work lives. In our Diocese, these include the Associates of the Sisters of Providence, Benedictine Oblates, Secular Carmelites, and Secular Franciscans.