Rev. Christopher Lankford: Pastor

I’ve been a priest of the Diocese of Joliet for the past nine years, and most recently served as pastor at St. John the Baptist Parish in Winfield. My personal mission as a priest and pastor is simple and clear: Leading Souls to Heaven. Every choice we make as Catholics should be anchored in the truth that God desires eternal life with us. This is at the heart of all I strive to do in ministry.

Before St. John’s, I served at Immaculate Conception in Elmhurst as well as Sts. Peter and Paul in Naperville. I’m originally from near here, I grew up in Clarendon Hills and consider myself blessed to serve close to where I grew up.

Outside of priestly ministry, I’m big on lifting weights, and I tend to lift several times a week—it’s both my outlet and my recharge. I also enjoy golfing (not well!) and playing in a casual volleyball league with friends. Cooking is another passion, especially when I have time to smoke meats—a hobby I picked up during a men’s ministry I started called “Dads of Action” at St. John’s. We’d gather, share great food and great laughs, and that was definitely a blessing of my ministry there.

Cal, my six-and-a-half-year-old yellow lab! He’s a rescue and truly part of the ministry—he’ll make appearances at the parish and school from time to time, so keep an eye out for him!

Let’s work together to grow as disciples, to love as Christ loves, and above all—Lead Souls to Heaven! I’m so grateful to be here with you at St. Raphael!