About St. Mary's Mission · Custer, Montana
St. Joseph's Parish in Hardin, Montana, is a historic Catholic community established in 1903, with its current church building dedicated in 1919. The parish has served the local area for over a century, transitioning from Jesuit to Capuchin pastoral care before being served by a diocesan priest since 2013. The church is listed on the National Historic Registry for its intact Gothic Revival architecture and enduring presence in the town. The parish offers regular Mass, Adoration, and sacraments, and is active in community ministries and faith formation.
- Established
- 1903
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Father Thomas Selvaraj
- Diocese
- Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in Montana’s Catholic history, where community is nurtured through regular Mass, Adoration, and sacraments. Active ministries support families, youth, and the elderly, and the parish welcomes new members with baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist celebrations. The historic church building and vibrant faith community offer a place of spiritual growth and belonging.
Mass times at St. Mary's Mission
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday from 5:00-5:30 PM
Adoration times
- Wednesday 5:30 P.M. followed by Divine Mercy Prayers
Church History
St. Joseph's Parish in Hardin began as a mission church in 1903, held initially in a drug store and later in a schoolhouse. The first permanent church building was erected in 1911, and the current church at 710 N. Custer Avenue was completed in 1919. The parish was served by Jesuits until 1965, then by Capuchins until 2013, after which a diocesan priest has served. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020, and it was placed on the National Historic Registry in 1991 for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Pastor History
- Rev. Louis Taelman (1919-1924)
- Rev. J.C. Cardon (1924-1930)
- Rev. Thomas Grant (1930-1933)
- Rev. John Laux (1932-1934)
- Rev. Charles L. Owens (1934-1935)
- Rev. Joseph Meagher (1933-1936)
- Rev. Francis W. Callon (1942-1953)
- Rev. John C. Murray (1960-1965)
- Rev. Alphonse Heckler (1965-1967)
- Rev. Fabian Fehring (1967-2013)
- Father Thomas Selvaraj (2013-present)
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments are celebrated regularly and are available to all parishioners.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Louis Taelman1919-1924
- Rev. J.C. Cardon1924-1930
- Rev. Thomas Grant1930-1933
- Rev. John Laux1932-1934
- Rev. Charles L. Owens1934-1935
- Rev. Joseph Meagher1933-1936
- Rev. Francis W. Callon1942-1953
- Rev. John C. Murray1960-1965
- Rev. Alphonse Heckler1965-1967
- Rev. Fabian Fehring1967-2013