About St. Philip Benizi Mission · Darby, Montana
St. Philip Benizi Mission in Darby, Montana, is a Catholic parish mission under the authority of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, serving the spiritual needs of the local community. It operates under the Diocese of Helena and is part of a larger parish family that emphasizes the centrality of the Eucharist and Catholic teaching. The mission is currently without scheduled Masses, but the church building remains open for prayer and other devotional activities. The parish welcomes all who seek to live out their Catholic faith while upholding the Church’s non-negotiable teachings.
- Established
- 1896
- Patron
- St. Philip Benizi
- Diocese
- Diocese of Helena
Why belong here
Join a parish that centers its life on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharist, the 'Source and Summit' of Catholic faith. Participate in vibrant ministries, sacramental life, and community outreach while being rooted in Catholic teaching and tradition. You’ll find a welcoming family that invites you to love God, love your neighbor, and go make disciples — all while upholding the Church’s non-negotiables.
Mass times at St. Philip Benizi Mission
Confession times
- Friday 4:00 pm
- Wednesday 11:10 am
Adoration times
- Wednesday 11:00 am
- Friday 10:00 am (follows Mass)
About Our Parish
Humble Beginnings: Catholicism came to Hamilton permanently in 1891 when Jesuit Priest Fr. Alexander Diomedi visited and began holding services in the home of Willie & Rose Brennan at 205 S 3rd St in Hamilton. Fr. Diomedi was soon able to secure the site for a new church from Marcus Daly, and in 1896, under the leadership of Fr. J. Guidi and about $5000, St. Francis of Assisi Church was built. For the first 11 years, the Jesuit Priests from Missoula's St. Francis Church were in charge of Hamilton's new Queen Anne-Cape Cod style church. Then, in the fall of 1908, Fr. MJ Carr became the first diocesan priest in Hamilton. At this point, Bishop John P. Carroll raised the status of St. Francis of Assisi Church to a parish.
Ministries & Schedule
- Faith Formation
- Religious Education
- Catholic School Initiative
- Youth Ministry
- Sacramental Ministry
- Prayer Ministry
- Adoration Ministry
- Rosary Ministry
- Church Cleaning Ministry
- Vocations Ministry
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders. Sacramental emergencies can be contacted via phone: 406-363-1385 then press 7.