By Eric Connolly

Living your vocation as a priest for 25 years is an achievement to commemorate. For Father Robert Hall, it was only fitting the celebration be in his hometown of Butte, where he serves Butte Catholic Community North.

On June 21 at St. Patrick Parish in historic Uptown Butte, Father Hall celebrated Mass, with Msgr. Joseph Harrington and Fathers Leo Desso, Joseph Mamman, Gregory Burke and John Robertson concelebrating, and Deacon Richard Kluk assisting. Afterward, a dinner took place at Butte’s War Bonnet Inn and photographs from Father Hall’s life as a priest were projected onto a wall. The photos were good conversation starters and prompted shared laughter. Looking back on his 25 years of priestly ministry, Father Hall told well-wishers that he felt “overwhelming gratitude. I know the Lord has seen me through a lot of hard times and also a lot of good times. Sometimes I’m not always aware of his presence, but I know he’s with me all the time.”

“I believe I am sustained in the priesthood for 25 years because of the Lord’s presence,” Father Hall said.

Born in Butte, he was ordained on June 21, 1985, at St. John’s Parish in the city. Assignments during his priesthood took him to Anaconda, Choteau, Fairfield and Bozeman. He clearly enjoys now being of service in his hometown.

“I’m open to whatever the Lord might have in mind for me, but I’m really enjoying the present parish,” Father Hall said.

Whether in Butte or another place to which the Spirit sends him, Father Hall says he looks forward to many more years of serving the Church through priestly ministries.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 7, July 16, 2010.