John Langmead, born September 18, 1943, was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1999 and served in his home parish of St. William of York. 

When the Archdiocese of Baltimore experienced a priest shortage, they turned to assigning Pastoral Life Directors, usually a Deacon, to administer to some of their parishes.

Deacon John Langmead became St. Rita’s second Pastoral Life Director in 2006, serving until his retirement in 2012, when he relocated to California. During his tenure at St. Rita’s, Deacon John (as he was fondly referred to by parishioners) encouraged lay people to become involved in the Parish. Many times he told the parishioners that his job was improved with a good group of people surrounding him.

Deacon John was very serious about his stewardship and enjoyed sharing moments with the parishioners, but did discourage socialization PRIOR to Mass. He felt that the time you spent, when entering the Church for Mass, should be used to pray and prepare for the upcoming Liturgy.

While at St. Rita’s, he started a Liturgy discussion group called, “Disciples of John” who would gather and discuss the Sunday Liturgical readings. Long after his departure, this group is still meeting on Sundays after the 9 a.m. Mass. [Due to COVID-19, the group meets via Zoom calls and Deacon John joined the group many times over the past year.]

Deacon John Langmead lost his battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer on April 14, leaving behind his wife Carole and three sons; his brothers, sisters, and their families; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.