Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Father Thomas Tobin

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Father Thomas Tobin of Carter County for his tremendous impact on the state of Montana.

Through his "Montanan of the Week" initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.

Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines' "Montanan of the Week" program by calling Daines' office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines' website: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve.

The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:

Mr. Daines: "Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Father Thomas Tobin, of Carter County, for his leadership in the church and devotion to serving the faithful of Montana.

Father Tobin was ordained in a small church in Tipperary, Ireland, in June of 1959, shortly after, he made the trek to Montana in September of 1959. During his 38 years of service, he ministered across Big Sky Country, including in Billings, Hilger, Livingston, Big Sandy, Baker and Ekalaka.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Tobin has been active in promoting Christian values from his local parish to the broader community.

Father Tobin has been a strong defender of the Pro-Life movement – regularly defending the rights of the unborn from the pulpit. He has participated in a handful of Right to Life Marches, and has routinely promoted Pro-Life activities.

During the days leading up to the 9/11 attacks, Father Tobin was in New York City visiting parishes. When the attacks unfolded, Father Tobin delayed his return home to Montana, to pray and minister to the people of New York City.

In addition to his devout faith and commitment to others, Father Tobin has a profound love for our great outdoors. Those who know him best say he can often be found at a local dam or lake with a fishing pole. He also enjoys long drives in the country and taking long walks and hikes.

I am proud to honor Father Tobin as this week's Montanan of the week. His devotion to his Catholic faith and his community is exemplary of the Montana spirit."