An Important Announcement from Fr. Mark:
As members of the pilgrim Church and as the St. John parish family, we recognize that we are part of the larger family of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. As we journey as fellow pilgrims, we know there is a time and season for everything. As the Book of Ecclesiastes beautifully states: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”
A few weeks ago, I received a call asking me to step into a new ministry after serving as shepherd of our St. John parish and school family for these past 10 and a half years. In a moment like that, you remember placing your hands inside those of the bishop at your diaconate and priestly ordinations, when you promised obedience to him and his successors.
My new call is to become the pastor of Immaculate Conception in Towson. Archbishop Lori has asked me to be available by the end of the year, as the parish and school of Immaculate Conception have been without a pastor since July. This means that as we begin a new calendar year, we will also begin a new chapter in the life of our parish family.
It has been the absolute honor and privilege of my life to be your pastor. When I arrived in July of 2016, you took in a grieving son who had just lost his father and gave him a home. You helped a bright-eyed, enthusiastic priest become a seasoned pastor. You formed me into the priest, shepherd, and man I am today. You shared your faith with me, invited me into your lives during both the joys and sorrows of life’s journey, and nurtured me as you have so many priests before. I head to Immaculate Conception carrying all the lessons I have learned here and the “Road to Emmaus” journey we have walked together, as we helped one another encounter Christ along the way. No matter where God’s call leads me in the years ahead, you will always be my family, and you will always hold a special place in my heart and prayers.
I love you all—and that will never change.
– Fr. Mark
MEET OUR NEW PASTOR
Archbishop Lori has appointed Fr. Jim Proffitt as the new pastor of our St. John – St. Joseph’s Pastorate. His ministry with us begins on December 31, 2026.
A native of Carroll County, Fr. Jim Proffitt was born in Westminster on August 18, 1964, and grew up in Hampstead, where he graduated from North Carroll High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in theology and mental health and human services from Franciscan University in 1986, then entered formation at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. Then Archbishop William Keeler ordained him to the priesthood on May 11, 1991. The following day, he celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving at St. John, Westminster, where he had completed his pastoral internship.
After ordination, Fr. Jim served as Associate Pastor at St. Ann, Hagerstown; Immaculate Conception, Towson; and Sacred Heart, Glyndon. He was Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel, Overlea (2001-2009) and of St. John the Evangelist, Severna Park (2009-2019). Along the way he completed a master’s degree in organizational development and strategic human resources from Johns Hopkins University. In 2019, Archbishop Lori appointed him Vicar for Clergy of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, overseeing the Division of Clergy Personnel, while also assisting sacramentally at parishes around the archdiocese.