About Us

“All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity…. Politics is…an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests….”

– Pope Francis before U.S. Congress in 2015

Incorporated in 1969, the Montana Catholic Conference represents, in the public policy arena, the Roman Catholic Bishops of Montana’s two dioceses. The Bishops, with the Board of Directors, are the governing authority of the Montana Catholic Conference. Decisions made by the Board of Directors are subject to the approval of the Bishops. The diocesan Bishops are members for the duration of their office. Selected members of the Board of Directors serve a three-year term, renewable twice and the Knights of Columbus representative serves a two-year term.

Mission

Inspired by Scripture, Tradition and Catholic social teaching, the Montana Catholic Conference serves to:

Surface from the people of God the social justice needs of Montanans.

Inform and advise the Bishops, other Catholic Church organizations, and interested persons concerning matters of public policy, the legislative process, activities of governmental agencies and personnel, and the social and moral implications of these issues.

Help to shape public policy that protects the sanctity and dignity of all human life; nurtures the family; advocates for the poor; the sick and the vulnerable; and promotes the common good.

Promote various programs and initiatives authorized by the bishops in order to advance the social teaching of the Church and build a society more reflective of true justice and peace.

Board Members

Most Rev. Michael W. Warfel

Most Rev. Michael W. Warfel

Bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings

Most Rev. Austin Anthony Vetter

Most Rev. Austin Anthony Vetter

Bishop of the Diocese of Helena

Laure Pengelly Drake

President

Missoula, MT

Monica Gallegos-Laeupple

Vice President

Havre, MT

Mike Mayott

Secretary-Treasurer

Billings, MT

Rev. Richard Francesco

Helena, MT

Deacon Charles Harball

Kalispell, MT

Rev. Cory Sticha

Fort Shaw, MT

Coreen Glen

Billings, MT

Candace Cain

Helena, MT

Allen Cormany

Knights of Columbus representative

Helena, MT

Very Rev. Jay Peterson

Diocese of Great Falls-BIllings

Ex Officio

Rev. Jeff Fleming

Diocese of Helena

Ex Officio