Offices

Archives: The archive is the official repository for the records of the Diocese of Fargo.

Bishop’s Office: Pope Francis appointed Monsignor John Thomas Folda as the eighth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo, which serves about 72,000 Catholics in the eastern half of North Dakota. He was ordained and installed on June 19, 2013.

Catechesis: The aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in intimate communion with Jesus Christ. Following on Evangelization, Catechesis is the deepening of one's understanding of the Gospel.

Catholic Schools: Catholic schools are an essential part of the evangelizing mission of the Church. The Diocese of Fargo currently has one high school and one middle school in Fargo, two elementary schools in Fargo and one in the planning stages in West Fargo, two elementary schools in Grand Forks, and elementary schools in Belcourt, Devils Lake, Jamestown, Langdon, Rugby, Valley City and Wahpeton.

Chancellor: The Office of the Chancellor is responsible for the diocesan archives, keeping records and tracking data of the parishes and Diocese. In addition, the Chancellor serves as the diocesan contact person for the Parish Evaluation process and speaker permission.

Communications: The Office of Communications is responsible for media relations, public relations, the diocesan newspaper, New Earth, TV Mass, social media, and supervision of this website.

Evangelization: The mission of the Evangelization Office is to promote the first sharing of the Gospel and its call to turn away from sin and to turn towards God. In this section you will find information regarding RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and reaching out to non-Catholics and inactive Catholics.

Finance and Administration: The Finance and Administration Offices of the Diocese of Fargo provide many of the resources clergy and parish staff members need to carry out the management and business aspects of parish life. These include information on parish finance councils, insurance, building projects, technology, human resources, and more.

Human Resources: The Human Resources Office provides information about employment opportunities with the Diocese of Fargo, its churches and other Catholic entities. It also oversees Safe Environment compliance and diocesan policies and procedures.

Liturgy: The liturgy office of the Diocese of Fargo serves as a resource for the parishes and staff within the Diocese. It provides instruction and assistance with liturgical matters, coordinates Confirmation schedules, has a collection of music and liturgical books for parishes and individuals to review. The office also assists the Bishop by processing permissions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and publishing guidelines for liturgical celebrations.

Marriage and Family Life: The Office of Marriage and Family Life provides programs and resources for marriage preparation, help for  married couples, formation for families, and resources for breaking free from pornography.

Properties Management: The Properties Manager serves the bishop by overseeing projects involving diocesan and church properties and works with pastors and others in coordinating these projects.

REDEEMED Conferences: Annual Redeemed Conferences were begun in 2016 as a way to help Catholics appreciate and live their faith in Jesus.

Respect Life/Pro-Life: The mission of the Respect Life Office is to proclaim and defend a fundamental truth of our faith: the God-given, inviolable dignity of every person. By utilizing the resources of the universal Church, this office strives to foster the Culture of Life by means of education and prayer.

Safe Environment: The Diocese of Fargo and its affiliates are strongly committed to preventing sexual misconduct involving Church workers and to responding with justice and compassion when such misconduct occurs. In addition to policy, a Safe Environment program has been established to prevent sexual misconduct by Church workers and the resulting harm to others.

Stewardship and Development: The Stewardship and Development Office provides resources to those who wish to support the diocesan Church, their local churches and other Catholic causes. It also coordinates the annual God’s Gift Appeal.

Technology: The Technology Department is available for parish and diocesan personnel who have questions about or encounter problems with email, telephones, or other forms of technology.

Tribunal and Annulments: The Tribunal is established by canon law as the judicial office of the bishop of the diocese. It is the court system of the Church. The majority of its work involves resolving questions of marital validity, and processing permission for marriage dispensations; however, the Tribunal may work with other matters, as well. By interpreting and applying the laws of the Church, it protects the rights of all Church members.

Vicar General/Vicar for Clergy: As directed by the bishop, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Fargo may act in the name of and with the authority of the bishop according to Canon Law. He oversees a number of diocesan entities.

Vocations: The Vocation Office works primarily with seminarians and those investigating or pursuing ordained or religious life. The Vocation Office also seeks to promote a Culture of Vocations by encouraging and building upon holiness in family life. This work occurs through parish preaching, presentations at youth and young adult events, organizing a discernment weekend and vocation camp, and one-on-one visits.

Young Disciples: Young Disciples is a young adult ministry that provides week-long Catholic summer camps for rural parishes and communities. Through their witness marked by the joy and hope of faith, the Young Disciples teams seek to challenge youth to love Jesus Christ and to embrace the life of His Church – their mission is evangelization and catechesis.

Youth and Young Adult: The Youth and Young Adults Office Director works with individuals, parishes and schools to help young people develop an enduring relationship with Jesus and discover their place in the Church and in the modern world. Please pray for us as we strive to evangelize, educate, inspire, encourage and support all the youth and young adults of the Diocese.