Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

Bishop Austin A. Vetter of the Diocese of Helena has announced new priest and parish assignments, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, unless otherwise specified.

The pastoral care for St. Mary Queen of Heaven Mission in Superior will be transferred from St. John the Baptist Parish in Frenchtown to St. William Parish in Thompson Falls, effective May 26, 2025.

Among the newly assigned priests is Father Dillon Armstrong, who will be ordained on June 27, 2025. He will serve as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Deer Lodge with St. Theodore Mission in Avon for a one-year term.

Father Peter Mikwabe has been appointed Administrator at St. William Parish in Shelby, overseeing several missions and parishes for a second three-year term.

Father John Neneman becomes Administrator at St. Joseph Parish in Libby, with responsibilities also covering Immaculate Conception Mission in Troy and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Eureka for a year-long term. Previously he served as Parochial Vicar at both St. Matthew Parish and Risen Christ Parish in Kalispell.

Father Kyle Tannehill is assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Matthew Parish and Risen Christ Parish, both located in Kalispell, for one year after previously serving at Resurrection University Parish in Bozeman.

Father Samuel Spiering has been named Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Helena from February 6, 2025 through June 30, 2027 while continuing his priestly duties within the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.

Father Nathan Scheidecker will serve as Adjutant Judicial Vicar for two years and as Parochial Vicar at Cathedral of St. Helena for one year following his canon law studies in Rome.

Father Matthew Christiaens is set to pursue a Licentiate in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas with residence at Casa Santa Maria; he was formerly Administrator at several parishes including St. Michael the Archangel Parish.

Father Nicetas Msinge has been named Administrator over multiple parishes including St. Michael the Archangel and Guardian Angel Mission for a three-year term after previously serving elsewhere within the diocese.

Monsignor Kevin O’Neill’s assignment as Administrator concludes November 10, 2025 when he will assume Senior Status but continue serving as Vicar General for the Diocese of Helena.

Regarding sabbaticals and other changes: "Granted leave for Sabbatical for book-writing concluding November 10, 2025," said Father Eric Gilbaugh regarding his upcoming leave before beginning new pastoral duties that same day alongside responsibilities supervising Sycamore Tree Catholic Retreat Center.

Father W. Bart Tolleson takes over pastoral duties at Holy Family Parish and retains several directorships related to deacon formation while being relieved from supervision duties effective November 10, 2025.

Other appointments include Father Timothy Moriarty’s role as Administrator of Our Lady of the Valley Parish on a renewable basis while maintaining his pastorate elsewhere; Father Pius X Harding returning to Mount Angel Abbey without reassignment locally; and acceptance of Father Thomas Lankenau’s resignation effective January 29, leaving him without current diocesan assignment.