Father Jim Weldon, a native of Wichita, was ordained on May 23, 1998. His first assignment was here at St. Francis of Assisi where he was involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and the Totus Tuus summer camp for grades 1-12, as well as serving as a chaplain to the IHM sisters at Bishop Carroll High School. While at St. Francis, his diocesan involvements included the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) weekend retreats for high school students, and being a moderator for the Charismatic Renewal program’s Sunday evening prayer group at St. Francis of Assisi. Father Weldon also visited the Sedgewick County Department of Corrections’ Juvenile Detention facility twice per month.
Father Weldon was asked to pick one thing about the Catholic Church that made him feel grateful to be a member. He chose the ability to receive the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, saying, “The whole part of our existence is to become unified with God. That happens in a very profound way in the Eucharist.” Father Weldon also said that the generosity of the people of St. Francis parish encourages him to be a better priest.
Effective June 28, 2001, Father Weldon was named Director of Pastoral Care and full-time religion teacher at Kapaun-Mount Carmel High School in Wichita.