It is with deep sorrow that the Virgin Islands Catholic community announces the passing of Rev. Fr. John T. Mark, a devoted priest, educator, and spiritual leader whose ministry touched countless lives over 24 years. Fr. Mark passed away unexpectedly on Good Shepherd Sunday, which also fell on Mother’s Day, a timing filled with symbolic meaning for a man whose vocation was marked by devotion, compassion, and love for the Church and his family.
Born into a family from Grenada via Jamaica, Fr. Mark moved to St. Croix in 1979 with his parents, Joseph T. Mark, a permanent deacon, and Kathleen Mark, and siblings John, Harry, and Ann Marie. The family became active members of St. Ann Parish, having been welcomed by Deacon Hyacinthe George and Aldon Rogers.
Fr. Mark attended St. Mary’s School and St. Joseph High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1986. He studied at MIT in Boston before completing his degrees in biology and chemistry at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, with plans to become a scientist. During his senior year, he resided at the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, where his vocation to the priesthood was recognized and encouraged.
He entered St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and later completed his formation at the North American College in Rome. He was ordained a deacon at St. Peter’s Basilica, and on August 4, 2001, the feast of St. John Vianney, was ordained a priest by +Bishop George Murry at St. Ann Church in Barrenspot, St. Croix.
Fr. Mark began his ministry at St. Ann, then served as parochial vicar at Holy Family and Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In 2011, he returned to St. Croix as pastor of St. Joseph, where he also served as principal and teacher at St. Joseph High School for 12 years. In 2021, he returned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and later came back to St. Croix in 2023, enjoying a sabbatical with his parents.
He was recently assigned as parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Church and School, where he had a special bond with the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. He also served as chaplain and spiritual director for Mother Teresa’s Sisters, cherishing this role deeply.
Fr. Mark’s final months were filled with prayer, reflection, and family, as he sought to remain close to his ailing father and support his mother. His sudden departure leaves a profound void, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the legacy of faith he leaves behind.
Funeral Services
Vigil Mass: Thursday, June 5 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Ann Church, Barrenspot, St. Croix
Funeral Mass and Interment: Friday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, St. Croix
All are invited.
May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, and may Our Blessed Mother, whom he loved dearly, welcome him home.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
British Caribbean News
