Date of death: 1/16/2023
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1970
Father John A. “Jack” Caldwell, born May 18, 1942, was baptized at Holy Name of Mary in Calvary, Kentucky. He passed away on January 16, 2023.
Father Caldwell attended Saint Charles for elementary school, Saint Thomas Seminary for high school, and Saint Thomas Seminary and Saint Meinrad Seminary for college. He attended Saint Maur’s Seminary, in Indianapolis, Indiana for major seminary. He was ordained a priest on May 16, 1970. Father completed graduate studies earning a Bachelor of Arts through Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, and completed the Vatican Program at Saint Patrick Seminary & University in Menlo Park, California.
Following ordination, Father Caldwell served as Pastor at Saint Aloysius, Pewee Valley (also Administrator), Saint Lawrence, Louisville, and Our Lady of the Hills, Finley; as Administrator at Our Lady of Fatima, Philipsburg, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Campbellsville, and Holy Redeemer, Greensburg; and, as Associate Pastor at St. Pius X, Louisville, Saint Catherine, New Haven, and Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, Bardstown.
Father Caldwell served as a priest on the Pre-Cana Board, worked in hospital ministry and with youth on high school retreats. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He believed in being present to people wherever they are.
Father Caldwell was preceded in death by his parents, Austin “Luckett,” and Agnes “Ophelia” (Spalding) Caldwell and brothers, Ambrose, Joe, Ernie, Andy and two infants John Bolderick and Tommy; one sister, Generose Spalding; and several nieces and nephews, most recently Harriet O’Daniel. He is survived by his three sisters, Dorothy Bradshaw, Imogene Caldwell, and Mary Jane Miles (Jody); two sisters-in-laws, Betty Jean and Barbara Caldwell; 36 nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.