Rector, Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral

Very Rev. Fr. John Lankeit, the youngest of three children in a devout Catholic family, first began discerning the call to the priesthood in 1989, when he was attending Seattle University. After earning a degree in marketing and psychology he started a job with the Seattle Mariners. Still searching for fulfillment, he made a 30 day silent retreat and, again, had thoughts of the priesthood. Fr. Lankeit moved to Arizona and had several profound experiences at Mass. He was ready to say yes to God’s call and entered St. Meinrad Seminary. On June 3, 2006, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix.

Fr. Lankeit began his priesthood at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert, where he served for one year. He was then assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tolleson, and, in 2009, was named pastor. He began his new assignment as Rector of Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral in June of 2010.