Archbishop William Lori has appointed Father Evan Ponton as Pastoral Administrator of the merged St. Leo Parish, effective July 1, 2025. Father Ponton is presently serving as Associate Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Northwood in Baltimore. As you know, Father Nicholas Amato came to St. Leo’s on a temporary basis March 2025.

Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore by Archbishop Lori August 2020, Father Evan is a graduate of St. Mary’s Seminary and deeply loves ministry in Baltimore City.  His principal responsibilities for the next few months will be focused on St. Matthew’s, yet he will be also working with Father Ray, pastor of St. Vincent, and Father Nicholas to prepare for his transition to St. Leo’s in July. 

Father Evan’s personal interests include playing the bass, reading, gardening, and beekeeping. He also serves as chaplain for the Baltimore City Fire Department.

We look forward to welcoming Father Evan to our parish to lead our community!

SINCE 1881

St. Leo the Great Church was built specifically for Baltimore's Italian immigrants and dedicated September 18, 1881. In 1983, it was designated a Baltimore City Landmark by the Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation, and entered into the National Register of Historic Places, a division of the National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of Interior. It is - and always has been - the “heart” of the Little Italy neighborhood.

PARISH MISSION - Missione Parrocchiale

We, the parish family of St. Leo the Great Church in the heart of Baltimore's Little Italy, are united in the Catholic faith and rich in our Italian heritage. We see the face of Christ in all of God's people and welcome new members. In answer to our Baptismal call, we reach out in the areas of Liturgy and devotion, education, needs for the poor, evangelization, and advocacy. Our stewardship of time, resources, and talent goes beyond our parish boundaries to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Thus we strive to follow Christ, who is the light of the world.