Belt News: Bishop Fleming

June 22nd, 2022 was a major day for Belt native Jeff Fleming. On this day Fleming was appointed bishop of eastern Montana diocese. Fleming is now one of the only 441 Bishops in the United States and one of the two in Montana. Bishop Fleming spent almost all his formative years in Belt and is excited to have the opportunity to be working around his hometown, as Belt is in his diocese. Bishop Fleming talked about growing up in Belt and his college education. "I started thinking about a vocation in the Catholic Church while I was in high school in Belt. One of the reasons I went to Carroll College is because they had a program to help discern if God is calling someone to the priesthood".

After asking Fleming what his official new title is and what his responsibilities are, he stated, "I am the bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings." A bishop has 3 main responsibilities; to teach, to govern, and he is responsible for the priests and communities in the diocese. In other words, the weighty tasks he's charged with require him to take care of spiritual education in the Word of God, to oversee diocese members, and to handle the financial matters for the Roman Catholic Church in Eastern Montana. It's a lot to manage, but Bishop Fleming points out that he gets help from all the local communities. The diocese is one of the largest in America in terms of area. This is a big job and Fleming is excited and prepared for the role.

Fleming also reflected on what his career in priesthood has entailed. Fleming claims, "I was ordained a priest over 30 years ago for the Diocese of Helena, which is the western ⅓ of the state of Montana. As a parish priest, I served in the communities of Anaconda, Helena, Dillon, Wisdom, Melrose, Missoula, Frenchtown, Alberton, Superior, Helmville, and others. I have also served as the Director of Campus Ministry at Carroll College". After this experience, Fleming was named Bishop of the Great Falls-Billings Diocese. Fleming was also asked what his education was and how much of it was for the church. Fleming graduated from Belt High School in 1984. Later, he earned a degree in Theology from Carroll College. From there Fleming went on to Mount Angle Seminary in Oregon where he received a master's degree in theology, as well as a master's in divinity. In 1998 Fleming earned a degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.

After decades on the altar, he looked forward to this chapter of his career. "I expect to serve as the Bishop of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings until I retire. Bishops in the Catholic Church are required to submit their resignation from office when they reach the age of 75. So, it is my expectation to be here until then, unless the Pope decides to move me to another diocese."

Lastly Fleming would like to add, "I have always loved being able to call Belt my home. My family moved to Belt when I was just a year old. My dad, (Mike) taught at the school for many years and was the guidance counselor. My mom, (Glenda) worked as a nurse in Great Falls. My sister (Debbie or Mrs. Vogt) teaches in the Middle school as a science teacher, lastly my sister (Christa), works at the Bank in Belt. For these reasons I am still very connected to my home and value my time spent in my community."

Congratulations to Bishop Fleming as this is a great honor and achievement in the church for someone with a humble beginning. The community is rightly very proud of Bishop Fleming and wishes him the very best of luck as he embarks on the next phase of his professional and spiritual journey.