I have been a Catholic priest for over fifty years, most of that time serving in parish and college campus ministry. I also have professional degrees in theology and liturgy, as well as institutional management, and continue avidly to explore pastoral theology, Scripture, liturgy, ecumenical and interfaith relations, and spiritual direction.
I have sought always to be a faithful pastor – the word means “shepherd” of God’s people. As a pastor, I have a passion for sharing insight into our Christian heritage through teaching, writing, and leading pilgrimages, especially to Early Christian World sites in Turkey – hence the title “Pilgrim Shepherd.” Since mid-2015, I am actively retired from parish responsibilities, but not from pastoral ministry. I have lived at Nazareth House in Los Angeles, conveniently located with access to many of the resources of our wonderful Southern California. Recently, however, I have moved and am living privately. (Please email me if you would like my address and phone number: thomas dot welbers at gmail dot com)
To Come:
A journey through my life.
My reading — past and present.
Stuff I’ve done: video, Banquet of the Word, writings, lectures, projects, etc.
The Pilgrim Shepherd 
Dear Father Tom:
I am a parishoner at Good Shepherd and, in the past, you and I shared a few amusing emails regarding your resemblance to Anthony Hopkins. You also confused it with “Chainsaw Massacre”! We had some good laughs about it.
I miss you at Good Shepherd. I hope you have settled in and are enjoying being less stressed. I think of you often and always smile at your wonderful sense of humor. Merry Christmas and God Bless You, Father.
Love,
Joan Newcome
Thank you for including me — I so look forward to your posts and comments — learn a lot!
May 2021 be kinder to us all.
Helaine
Thank you, Helaine. It was such a pleasure getting to know you many years ago, and it is wonderful to continue our friendship, even if virtually.