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Diocese of Helena Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena: History and Administration

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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena: History and Administration Study Guide

Establishment and Early History (1884-1903)

The Diocese of Helena was established on March 7, 1884.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena was officially established on March 7, 1884.

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The earliest Catholic presence in western Montana began around 1811 with the arrival of French fur traders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest Catholic presence in western Montana began around 1811 with Catholic Iroquois/Haudenosaunee fur traders, not exclusively French fur traders.

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In the 1830s, the Flathead Nation sent emissaries to St. Louis to petition for their own missionaries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Flathead Nation did send emissaries to St. Louis in the 1830s with the specific request for missionaries.

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Pierre-Jean de Smet established St. Mary's Mission in Montana in 1844.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pierre-Jean de Smet established St. Mary's Mission in 1841 and St. Ignatius's Mission in 1844, not St. Mary's Mission in 1844.

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The first Catholic chapel in Missoula was built in 1873, and St. Patrick's Church in Butte also opened in 1881.

Answer: True

Explanation: The first Catholic chapel in Missoula was constructed in 1873, and St. Patrick's Church in Butte was established in 1881.

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Pope Leo XIII established the Apostolic Vicariate of Montana in April 1884.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pope Leo XIII established the Apostolic Vicariate of Montana in April 1883, not 1884.

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By 1903, the number of seminarians in Montana had decreased from thirteen to one.

Answer: False

Explanation: By 1903, the number of seminarians in Montana had increased from one to thirteen, indicating growth in priestly vocations.

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Montana achieved statehood in 1889, and St. Matthew's Church in Kalispell was dedicated in 1894.

Answer: True

Explanation: Montana achieved statehood in 1889, and St. Matthew's Church in Kalispell, the first Catholic church there, was dedicated in 1894.

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Augustin Ravoux, S.J., served as the Apostolic Vicar of Montana from 1868 until his incapacitation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustin Ravoux, S.J., was appointed Apostolic Vicar of Montana in 1868 but was incapacitated and unable to assume office; Jean-Baptiste Brondel served as the Apostolic Vicar.

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The earliest Catholic presence in western Montana, beginning around 1811, was primarily associated with which group?

Answer: Catholic Iroquois/Haudenosaunee fur traders

Explanation: The earliest Catholic presence in western Montana, beginning around 1811, was primarily associated with Catholic Iroquois/Haudenosaunee fur traders.

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What significant request did the Flathead Nation make to the Diocese of St. Louis in the 1830s?

Answer: For their own missionaries

Explanation: In the 1830s, the Flathead Nation petitioned the Diocese of St. Louis for their own missionaries.

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Which mission did Pierre-Jean de Smet establish in Montana in 1844?

Answer: St. Ignatius's Mission

Explanation: Pierre-Jean de Smet established St. Ignatius's Mission in Montana in 1844.

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Pope Leo XIII established the Apostolic Vicariate of Montana in which year?

Answer: 1883

Explanation: Pope Leo XIII established the Apostolic Vicariate of Montana in April 1883.

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What significant change occurred in the number of seminarians in Montana by 1903?

Answer: It increased from one to thirteen.

Explanation: By 1903, the number of seminarians in Montana had increased from one to thirteen.

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In what year did Montana achieve statehood?

Answer: 1889

Explanation: Montana achieved statehood in 1889.

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Diocesan Structure and Demographics

The Diocese of Helena is located in eastern Montana.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena is situated in western Montana, not eastern Montana.

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The Diocese of Helena functions as a suffragan diocese within the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena functions as a suffragan diocese within the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, not Seattle.

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The Diocese of Helena covers a geographical area of approximately 134,480 square miles.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena encompasses an extensive geographical area of 134,480 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 51,922 square miles.

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As of 2023, the Diocese of Helena comprised 38 parishes and 57 missions.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2023, the Diocese of Helena comprised 57 parishes and 38 missions, not the other way around.

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The six deaneries of the Diocese of Helena include Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula.

Answer: True

Explanation: The six deaneries of the Diocese of Helena are indeed Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula, as organized for administrative purposes.

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As of 2025, Catholics constituted 7.5% of the total population within the Diocese of Helena's jurisdiction.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2025, Catholics represented 7.5% of the total population within the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Helena.

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In 2023, the Diocese of Helena was served by 61 priests and 4 nuns.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2023, the Diocese of Helena was served by 61 priests, 34 permanent deacons, seven religious brothers, and four nuns, not just 61 priests and 4 nuns.

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When John Patrick Carroll became bishop, the diocese had 53 priests and 65 churches.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon John Patrick Carroll's assumption of the episcopate, the diocese reported 53 priests and 65 churches.

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When George Finnigan took office, the diocese had 104 priests and 101 churches.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon George Finnigan's assumption of office, the diocese reported 104 priests and 101 churches.

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In which U.S. state is the Diocese of Helena primarily located?

Answer: Montana

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena is primarily located in the U.S. state of Montana.

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The Diocese of Helena functions as a suffragan diocese within the ecclesiastical province of which archdiocese?

Answer: Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena functions as a suffragan diocese within the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.

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What is the approximate geographical area covered by the Diocese of Helena in square miles?

Answer: 51,922

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena covers an extensive geographical area of 51,922 square miles.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the six deaneries of the Diocese of Helena as of 2023?

Answer: Billings

Explanation: The six deaneries of the Diocese of Helena are Bozeman, Butte, Conrad, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. Billings is not listed as one of these deaneries.

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According to 2025 figures, what percentage of the total population within the Diocese of Helena's jurisdiction was Catholic?

Answer: 7.5%

Explanation: As of 2025, Catholics represented 7.5% of the total population within the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Helena.

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As of 2023, how many permanent deacons served the Diocese of Helena?

Answer: 34

Explanation: As of 2023, the Diocese of Helena was served by 34 permanent deacons.

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Episcopal Leadership and Tenures

Jean-Baptiste Brondel served as the Apostolic Vicar of Montana before becoming its first bishop.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jean-Baptiste Brondel served as the Apostolic Vicar of Montana from 1883 and subsequently became the first bishop of the Diocese of Helena.

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Bishop Brondel's tenure included establishing new parishes, constructing churches, and evangelizing Native Americans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bishop Brondel's tenure was characterized by extensive travel to establish new parishes, build churches, and focus on the evangelization of Native Americans.

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John Patrick Carroll succeeded Bishop Brondel and established the Diocese of Great Falls in 1903.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Patrick Carroll succeeded Bishop Brondel in 1903, but the Diocese of Great Falls was created by papal decree in the same year, not established by Bishop Carroll.

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Bishop Carroll was a proponent of socialism but condemned alcohol.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bishop Carroll condemned socialism, viewing it as detrimental to individual development, and also strongly condemned alcohol's societal impact.

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George Finnigan was appointed the third bishop of Helena in 1927.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Finnigan was appointed as the third bishop of Helena in 1927.

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In 1928, Bishop Finnigan was adopted into the Crow tribe and given the name 'Holy Word'.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1928, Bishop Finnigan was adopted into the Blackfoot Confederacy and given the name 'Na-toa-ye-owa-shin,' meaning 'Holy Word'.

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Ralph Leo Hayes, the fourth bishop, later became rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ralph Leo Hayes, the fourth bishop of Helena, later served as the rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

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Joseph Michael Gilmore served as bishop of Helena for 26 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Joseph Michael Gilmore's tenure as bishop of Helena spanned approximately 26 years.

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Bishop Gilmore's tenure was marked by the development of programs for vocations and refugee resettlement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bishop Gilmore's episcopate was characterized by the establishment of programs focused on vocations and refugee resettlement, among other initiatives.

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Bishop Raymond Hunthausen collaborated with 'Call to Action', a conservative Catholic group.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bishop Raymond Hunthausen collaborated with 'Call to Action', which was a progressive Catholic group, not a conservative one.

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Bishop Hunthausen's tenure included the closure of several Catholic elementary and high schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bishop Hunthausen's tenure as bishop saw the closure of several Catholic elementary and high schools within the diocese.

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Elden Francis Curtiss was appointed Archbishop of Omaha in 1993.

Answer: True

Explanation: Elden Francis Curtiss, after serving as Bishop of Helena, was appointed Archbishop of Omaha in 1993.

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Alexander Joseph Brunett was initiated into the Blackfeet Nation and received the name 'Holy Eagle Feather'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Joseph Brunett was initiated into the Blackfeet Nation and was given the name 'Holy Eagle Feather'.

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Robert C. Morlino became the Bishop of Madison in 2003.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert C. Morlino, after serving the Diocese of Helena, became the Bishop of Madison in 2003.

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Austin Vetter, the current bishop, previously served the Diocese of Bismarck.

Answer: True

Explanation: Austin Vetter, the current bishop of Helena, previously served in the Diocese of Bismarck.

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Bernard Joseph Topel became Bishop of Helena.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bernard Joseph Topel, a former diocesan priest from Helena, later became the Bishop of Spokane, not Helena.

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The image labeled 'Bishop Carroll (1912)' shows the first bishop of Helena.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image labeled 'Bishop Carroll (1912)' depicts John Patrick Carroll, who was the second bishop of Helena, not the first.

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Who was the first bishop of the Diocese of Helena?

Answer: Jean-Baptiste Brondel

Explanation: Jean-Baptiste Brondel was the first bishop of the Diocese of Helena.

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Which of the following was a key focus of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Brondel's tenure?

Answer: Increasing the number of priests and building churches

Explanation: A key focus of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Brondel's tenure was increasing the number of priests and constructing churches, alongside evangelizing Native Americans.

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John Patrick Carroll succeeded Bishop Brondel and served as bishop from:

Answer: 1904–1925

Explanation: John Patrick Carroll succeeded Bishop Brondel and served as bishop of Helena from 1904 to 1925.

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Who was appointed the third bishop of Helena in 1927?

Answer: George Finnigan

Explanation: George Finnigan was appointed the third bishop of Helena in 1927.

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In 1928, Bishop George Finnigan was adopted into which Native American tribe?

Answer: Blackfoot Confederacy

Explanation: In 1928, Bishop George Finnigan was adopted into the Blackfoot Confederacy.

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Joseph Michael Gilmore served as bishop of Helena for approximately how many years?

Answer: 26 years

Explanation: Joseph Michael Gilmore served as bishop of Helena for approximately 26 years.

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Which of the following was a significant initiative during Bishop Raymond Hunthausen's tenure?

Answer: Establishing a mission in Guatemala

Explanation: A significant initiative during Bishop Raymond Hunthausen's tenure was the establishment of a mission in Guatemala, alongside increased lay involvement and the closure of several schools.

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After serving as Bishop of Helena from 1976 to 1993, Elden Francis Curtiss was appointed to what position?

Answer: Archbishop of Omaha

Explanation: After serving as Bishop of Helena from 1976 to 1993, Elden Francis Curtiss was appointed Archbishop of Omaha.

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Alexander Joseph Brunett, who replaced Bishop Curtiss, was initiated into the Blackfeet Nation and given what name?

Answer: Holy Eagle Feather

Explanation: Alexander Joseph Brunett was initiated into the Blackfeet Nation and received the name 'Holy Eagle Feather'.

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Who is the current bishop of Helena, having assumed the role in 2018?

Answer: Austin Vetter

Explanation: Austin Vetter is the current bishop of Helena, having assumed the role in 2018.

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Sacred Architecture and Education

The Cathedral of Saint Helena serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Helena.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cathedral of Saint Helena is recognized as the mother church of the Diocese of Helena.

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The first image displayed in the infobox for the Diocese of Helena is of its coat of arms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first image displayed in the infobox for the Diocese of Helena is of the Cathedral of Saint Helena, its mother church.

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The first Catholic church built in Bozeman was St. Patrick's Chapel, constructed in 1886.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first Catholic church in Bozeman was the Shèn White Chapel, constructed in 1886, not St. Patrick's Chapel.

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Bishop John Patrick Carroll began the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Helena in 1904.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bishop John Patrick Carroll initiated the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Helena in 1904.

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The Diocese of Helena operates Carroll College in Butte, Montana.

Answer: False

Explanation: Carroll College, sponsored by the Diocese of Helena, is located in Helena, Montana, not Butte.

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The Diocese of Helena operates six primary schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena operates six primary schools.

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The Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary served as Helena's first cathedral prior to 1914.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary served as Helena's first cathedral prior to the construction of the current Cathedral of Saint Helena.

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What is the mother church of the Diocese of Helena?

Answer: Cathedral of Saint Helena

Explanation: The mother church of the Diocese of Helena is the Cathedral of Saint Helena.

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What was the name of the first Catholic church built in Bozeman?

Answer: Shèn White Chapel

Explanation: The first Catholic church built in Bozeman was the Shèn White Chapel.

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When did Bishop Carroll initiate the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Helena?

Answer: 1904

Explanation: Bishop John Patrick Carroll initiated the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Helena in 1904.

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How many primary schools are operated by the Diocese of Helena?

Answer: Six

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena operates six primary schools.

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Where is Carroll College, the college sponsored by the Diocese of Helena, located?

Answer: Helena, Montana

Explanation: Carroll College, sponsored by the Diocese of Helena, is located in Helena, Montana.

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Which church served as Helena's first cathedral prior to 1914?

Answer: Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Explanation: The Cathedral of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary served as Helena's first cathedral prior to 1914.

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Key Historical Events and Challenges

The Diocese of Helena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2014 as part of a $15 million settlement.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2014, linked to a $15 million settlement for victims of clergy sex abuse.

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The former Temple Emanu-El, sold in 2022, is the oldest synagogue in Montana.

Answer: True

Explanation: The former Temple Emanu-El, sold by the diocese in 2022, holds historical significance as the oldest synagogue in Montana.

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In 1993, Bishop Curtiss apologized for the diocese's handling of accusations against priest Wilson Smart.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1993, Bishop Curtiss issued an apology concerning the diocese's inadequate response to accusations against priest Wilson Smart.

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An out-of-court settlement with victims of Wilson Smart resulted in one victim receiving $1.7 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The out-of-court settlement with victims of Wilson Smart resulted in one victim receiving $1.7 million, with other victims receiving lesser amounts.

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In 2001, a priest accused of accessing child pornography was reassigned to a high-school position.

Answer: False

Explanation: The priest accused of accessing child pornography in 2001 was allegedly reassigned from a high-school to a middle-school position, not a high-school position.

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In what year did the Diocese of Helena file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection?

Answer: 2014

Explanation: The Diocese of Helena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2014.

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What is the historical significance of the former Temple Emanu-El, sold by the diocese in 2022?

Answer: It was the oldest synagogue in Montana.

Explanation: The former Temple Emanu-El, sold in 2022, is historically significant as the oldest synagogue in Montana.

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What was the outcome of the out-of-court settlement with victims of priest Wilson Smart?

Answer: One victim received $1.7 million, and others received lesser amounts.

Explanation: The out-of-court settlement with victims of Wilson Smart resulted in one victim receiving $1.7 million, with other victims receiving lesser amounts.

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In 2001, a priest accused of accessing child pornography was allegedly moved from a high-school to what position?

Answer: A middle-school position

Explanation: In 2001, a priest accused of accessing child pornography was allegedly moved from a high-school to a middle-school position.

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Heraldry and Identification

The official Latin name for the Diocese of Helena is *Dioecesis Montana*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The correct official Latin name for the Diocese of Helena is *Dioecesis Helenensis*, not *Dioecesis Montana*.

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The coat of arms of the Diocese of Helena was designed and adopted when the diocese was first established in 1884.

Answer: True

Explanation: The coat of arms of the Diocese of Helena was indeed designed and adopted in 1884, coinciding with the diocese's establishment.

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The chevrons on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolize the patron saint of the diocese.

Answer: False

Explanation: The chevrons on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolize the mountain peaks within the diocese's territory, not the patron saint.

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The conjoined cross and crown on the coat of arms symbolize Saint Helena, the empress and patron saint.

Answer: True

Explanation: The conjoined cross and crown on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolize Saint Helena, the empress and patron saint of the diocese.

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What is the official Latin name for the Diocese of Helena?

Answer: Dioecesis Helenensis

Explanation: The official Latin name for the Diocese of Helena is *Dioecesis Helenensis*.

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What do the alternating silver (white) and green chevrons on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolize?

Answer: The mountain peaks within the diocese's territory

Explanation: The alternating silver (white) and green chevrons on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolize the mountain peaks within the diocese's territory.

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The conjoined cross and crown on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolizes:

Answer: Saint Helena, the empress and patron saint

Explanation: The conjoined cross and crown on the Diocese of Helena's coat of arms symbolizes Saint Helena, the empress and patron saint of the diocese.

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