New Pastor At St. Pauls

By Andrew S. and Rosie E.

Father Chris Welch, the new pastor at St. Paul’s Church in Hancock, N.Y., was elated to assume his position at the parish.

Father Welch who came from Schuylerville, N.Y., was brought up as a Catholic and was inspired to become a priest by his childhood mentor, Father Whaul.

Father Welch said, “I spent three years in seminary, took a break to see if it was the right thing for me, and went back for two years. I heard a voice telling me, ‘I’ll take you as you are’ and I knew God would use me as best he could.”

He was officially ordained in 1994 when he was 30 years old and will have completed his fifteenth year of priesthood at the age of 46 on June 25.

Since his arrival at the parish, Father Welch has focused on getting a sense of what the people want, furthering the development of the youth ministry, strengthening the faith formation of the people, and helping the parish build a better relationship with God. Father Welch also teaches a class at Saint Paul’s on the seven sacraments. “I enjoy teaching very much,” he commented.

Father Welch did say it has been hard because he had good relationships with the people at his old parish as well as a support system. He enjoys the fact that he is getting a chance to spend more time with his mother since being in Hancock brings him much closer to her.

For fun, Father Welch does cross-country skiing, participates in the performing arts, and collects art and antiques. “Priests are a lot like people,” Father Welch said with a chuckle.

All in all, Father Welch has been happy to preach the message of Christ to this community.