John WelchJohn Welch is a priest and member of the Carmelite Order. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, in January 1939. He entered Mount Carmel College in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where his Carmelite journey began. He made his novitiate in New Baltimore, Pennsylania, in 1958, professing simple vows on August 15, 1959. He professed solemn vows as a Carmelite on February 7, 1963, at Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago on March 6, 1965.He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University (1962), a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Education (1968) and a Doctoral Degree in Religious Education in 1974 from the University of Notre Dame.While completing his doctoral degree program at the University of Notre Dame, Fr. Jack served in the province's formation ministry at Carmel Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1972-1973, moving to Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC, in 1973, where he was to reside for the next 32 years. He served as a professor at the Washington Theological Union serving continuously until the Union's closing in 2005. Through his teaching he formed generations of priests, religious, and lay leaders for the American Church.Fr. Jack served on the Provincial Council of the Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary from 1987-1993, and as prior provincial from 2005 to 2011. Following the completion of his term he was deeply engaged in ministry. He assisted in local parishes, gave retreats and lectures across the United States and abroad, and authored numerous books on Carmelite spirituality. He was also dedicated to jail ministry, teaching Scripture classes to those incarcerated.Welch died in September 2025. Read More Read Less