The rector of St. John Seminary since Dec.17, 2019, Msgr. Stephen E. Salocks was granted senior priest retirement status on June 24, 2026, by Archbishop Richard G. Henning.

A native of Troy, N.Y., he was born on Feb. 23, 1950; he is one of the four sons of the late Robert and Joyce (Cavosie) Salocks. His three brothers are Peter, Knoxville, Tenn.; Jeffrey, Arlington; and Mark, Albany, N.Y.

His primary, secondary, and undergraduate education were all in his native New York, with an undergraduate bachelor of science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or RPI, located in his hometown.

Prior to entering St. John Seminary, he was employed at the US Army Research Center in Natick.

On completion of his theology studies, he received a master's degree in divinity from St. John Seminary, and following his June 14, 1980, ordination at Holy Cross Cathedral by Humberto Cardinal Medeiros, he was appointed an associate at St. Michael Parish, Hudson.

In 1982, he was assigned to graduate studies in the Eternal City at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Biblical studies at the Institute were rigorous and required mastery of biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew, as well as a couple modern languages. His five years of study led to a licentiate in Sacred Scripture.

In 1987, he returned to Boston and was appointed to the faculty of St. John Seminary as professor of Sacred Scripture. The seminary would be both an assignment and home for the next four decades.

While teaching at the seminary was his primary responsibility, he also assisted at the celebration of Mass outside the seminary in area parishes.

During his seminary years, he reached a few hundred seminarians and emphasized the importance of and inspired love for Sacred Scripture.

Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley named him interim rector of St. John Seminary on Aug. 10, 2018, before his appointment as rector 16 months later.

On May 24, 2024, Pope Francis named him a member of the papal household as a chaplain of His Holiness with the title of "Reverend Monsignor."

Having served a bit past the customary retirement age, he submitted his request to retire to Archbishop Henning, and it was accepted effective June 24, 2026.

Msgr. Salocks will remain in residence at St. John Seminary, as rector emeritus and continue to teach Sacred Scripture.