Professor of Pastoral Theology

Director of Admissions

B.A., University of California, Berkeley (1973)

M.A., Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley (1977)

Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley (1984)

St. John’s Seminary (1990)

Mark Fischer came to St. John’s in 1990 after spending six years as Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Council Office in Oakland, California. Although he trained in systematic theology, writing a dissertation on continental hermeneutics and the theology of tradition, his experience with church consultation and planning qualifies him to teach pastoral theology as well as dogmatic topics (especially the theology of Karl Rahner, about which he published a recent book).  Active in national theological and professional organizations having to do with pastoral planning, Dr. Fischer has published two books about pastoral councils, co-edited a third, and hosts an internet web site on parish pastoral councils.  In addition to his academic duties, Dr. Fischer serves as Director of Admissions.