Fr. John E. Welch, M.S.

Fr. John Welch is also a La Salette Missionary priest, also assigned to St. James Church in Danielson CT, and a member of the St. Raphael Holy Healing Ministry team. The charism of the La Salette is Reconciliation … compassion and mercy to the repentant. He is noted for his ability to hear confessions hour upon hour. His missions have captivated countless numbers of Catholics. He celebrated his 50th Jubilee on September 19, 2010 on the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette. He has a special gifts for showing God’s love for each person.

Fr. Welch was born in Clinton, Massachussets. He received his call early in life and went directly to the minor Seminary in Hartford, CT.

After completing his years of education and training he was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1960 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Ipswich, MA. After a brief time as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows in Hartford, CT, he returned to Our Lady of LaSalette Shrine in Ipswich, MA. He was appointed editor of Our Lady’s Missionary Magazine and became director of the Shrine until 1979 when he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s in Jewitt City. He has been assigned to St. James in Danielson, CT for 13 years, where he is noted for his inspiring missions and gift of preaching.