Funerals & Weddings

If you or someone you love is seriously ill, hospitalized, homebound, preparing for surgery, or nearing the end of life, please contact us.

St. Ann’s Cathedral

Parish Office: 406-761-5456

Office Hours: 

Tuesday-Friday, 10 am to 2 pm

For an Urgent Sacramental Need:

If someone is actively dying or facing an immediate life-threatening situation, please call our emergency line:  406-788-5594

When calling, please provide the person’s name, location, room number (if applicable), and a telephone number where you can be reached.

We will do our best to have a priest respond as quickly as possible.

Strength and Healing in Times of Illness

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, strength, and hope for Catholics experiencing serious illness, declining health, the difficulties of advanced age, or an upcoming serious medical procedure.

During the sacrament, the priest prays over the person and anoints them with blessed oil. Through this sacrament, Christ offers the grace of the Holy Spirit, bringing spiritual strength, peace, courage, and, when it is God’s will, physical healing.

Who Should Receive the Anointing of the Sick?

The sacrament is appropriate for Catholics who:

• Are seriously ill or whose health has significantly declined.
• Are experiencing increased frailty because of age.
• Are preparing for serious surgery or a significant medical procedure.
• Have a chronic or serious condition that has worsened.
• Have previously been anointed but their condition has become more serious.

You do not need to be dying to receive the Anointing of the Sick.

Whenever possible, we encourage parishioners and their families not to wait until the final moments of life to contact the Church. Receiving the sacrament earlier allows the person to participate more fully and to experience its prayers, peace, and consolation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, so we can notify a priest to give you this blessed sacrament. 

We can be reached at our office at 406-761-5456, Tuesday-Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. 

For emergencies, please call us on our emergency line at 406-788-5594.

The Church Is With You

When a loved one is approaching the end of life, please contact St. Ann’s Cathedral as soon as possible. Father Xavier Arimboor can provide the appropriate sacraments and prayers and offer spiritual support to the person and family.

The term “Last Rites” commonly refers to the Church’s sacramental and spiritual care for a Catholic who is nearing death. Depending upon the person's circumstances, this may include:

• Reconciliation (Confession), when the person is able.
• Anointing of the Sick.
• Holy Communion as Viaticum, when the person is able to receive. Viaticum means “food for the journey” and is the Eucharist received in preparation for the passage from this life to eternal life.
• The Apostolic Pardon and prayers for the dying, when appropriate.

These prayers and sacraments surround the dying person with the mercy of Christ and the prayer of the Church while bringing comfort and hope to family and loved ones.

Please Don't Wait to Call! Contact us on our emergency number: 406-788-5594.

If someone is seriously ill, hospitalized, entering hospice, or nearing the end of life, we encourage you to contact us promptly.

Hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice providers may not automatically notify St. Ann’s Cathedral that a parishioner is ill. Please have a family member contact the parish directly if you need Father Xavier Arimboor or another priest to visit.

Experience the Gift of God’s Mercy

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance, is an opportunity to encounter the loving mercy of Jesus Christ.

Regular Confession Times:

Saturday, 3:00-3:30 pm (Cathedral doors are open at 2:30 pm)

Through an honest examination of conscience, confession of our sins, sincere sorrow, and the priest’s absolution, we receive God’s forgiveness and the grace to begin again. Reconciliation restores our relationship with God, strengthens us against sin, and brings peace to our hearts.

Whether it has been a few weeks, several years, or even decades since your last confession, you are always welcome to return.

What if I haven’t been to Confession in a long time?

Please don’t worry about remembering every prayer or knowing exactly what to do. Simply tell the priest that it has been a while. He will be happy to guide you through the sacrament.

There is no need to be embarrassed or afraid. The priest is there to help you experience Christ’s mercy—not to judge or condemn you.

Preparing for Reconciliation

Before receiving the sacrament, spend a few quiet moments in prayer and reflect on your relationship with God and others. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize where you have fallen short and to give you the courage to seek forgiveness.

A good confession includes:

• Examination of Conscience — Prayerfully reflecting on your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions.
• Contrition — Being sincerely sorry for your sins and desiring to turn away from them.
• Confession — Honestly confessing your sins to the priest.
• Absolution — Receiving God’s forgiveness through the ministry of the priest.
• Penance — Completing the prayer or action given to you as a response to God’s mercy.
• Reconciliation at St. Ann’s

You may also contact the parish office to arrange an appointment for Reconciliation at another time. 

For more information, contact us at 406-761-5456, Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10 am-2 pm.

Never let how long it has been keep you from coming home to God’s mercy.