Msgr. Thomas J. Richter

Monsignor Thomas J. Richter is a priest of the Diocese of Bismarck and serves as Pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson, ND.

Born and raised on a dairy farm near Menoken, ND, Msgr. Richter graduated from North Dakota State University and Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo, ND, having studied electrical engineering and philosophy. Msgr. Richter completed priestly formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and during this time completed his theological studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Ordained in 1996, Msgr. Richter's assignments have included high school and parish ministry in addition to service as diocesan Director of Vocations and Vicar for Deacons from 2002 until 2012. His work in the field of vocational discernment has included service to the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors and the Institute for Priestly Formation. In 2012, he was named "Chaplain of His Holiness" by Pope Benedict XVI, an honorary distinction carrying the title "Monsignor." In 2016, Pope Francis named Msgr. Richter as a Missionary of Mercy, a role attached to the Year of Mercy.

Msgr. Richter has contributed significantly to the vocational discernment of countless individuals, through spiritual direction, talks, and writings. He has authored several works: Is Jesus Calling You to be a Catholic Priest?, Lend Your Own Voice to Christ, and Integrated Evangelization: How to Facilitate the Encounter with Christ.