Robert Joseph Baker (born June 4, 1944, in Willard, Ohio) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church.

On March 21, 1970, Baker was ordained into the priesthood at Saint Wendelin Church in Fostoria, Ohio, by Bishop Paul Tanner for the Diocese of St.

[4] After his ordination, the diocese assigned Baker as assistant pastor of St. Paul Parish in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

[2]During that time, he founded the St. Francis Ministry in Gainesville to assist individuals discharged from state mental hospitals who were homeless.

On January 26, 2007, the diocese reached a $5 million minimum settlement with sexual abuse victims and their family members.

Baker suggested that Catholics assemble and pray on the Notre Dame commencement day; he discouraged public demonstrations, however.