WELCH, O.Carm., John “Jack”

Rev. John Francis “Jack” Welch, O.Carm., died on September 24, 2025, at Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines, Illinois.  He was 86 years old.  A visitation is scheduled at the National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien, Illinois, beginning at 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, followed by the Funeral Mass at 7:00 PM.  Interment will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 3, 2025, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

Jack Welch was born on January 12, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Myra Callahan Welch.  Baptized John Francis at St. Ethelreda Parish later that same month, he grew up in Joliet, Illinois, attending St. Raymond Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1956.

Immediately after high school graduation, Fr. Jack entered Mount Carmel College in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where his Carmelite journey began.  He entered the Carmelite Novitiate in New Baltimore, Pennsylvania, in August 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.

Fr. Jack received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University in 1962, and both a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Education in 1968 and a Doctoral Degree in Religious Education in 1974 from the University of Notre Dame.

Upon ordination, Fr. Jack taught on the faculty of De Sales High School in Louisville, Kentucky from 1965-1966, and on the faculty of Mount Carmel High School, Chicago, from 1966-1971.

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.  In 1974, Fr. Jack became 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.

After completing his terms as Prior Provincial, Fr. Jack returned to Joliet, Illinois, and 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.  Fr. Jack will be remembered as a teacher of wisdom, a faithful brother, and a contemplative presence for all who sought his guidance.

Preceded in death by his parents John and Myra Callahan Welch, he leaves behind his Carmelite brothers, his cousins, Margaret Quinn and James Callahan, former students, colleagues, and countless friends. 

May he rest in peace.

Memorial donations in honor of Rev. John Welch, O.Carm., may be made to the Society of Mount Carmel, 1317 Frontage Road, Darien, Illinois, 60561 or https://carmelitemedia.tiny.us/supportpcm

His funeral service will be live streamed at: https://carmelites.net/friars/welch-o-carm-john/