In our lives, we often seek signs or moments of revelation that point us toward our mission or purpose in life. For Father James (Jim) Weighner, the journey to the priesthood was not defined by one sudden dramatic event but instead by a series of small steps that guided him along a path that only God could have coordinated. His story serves as a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and that everything happens for the good of His perfect will, even if we don’t always understand how or why.
A Humble Beginning
Father Weighner grew up in Waukon, Iowa, on a family farm with 12 siblings—six brothers and six sisters. As a middle child, he learned the value of hard work from an early age. “Life on the farm was filled with hard work, but it also taught me the importance of community and family,” he says. His family raised dairy cows and pigs, as well as beef cattle, and they grew corn and alfalfa. Additionally, they operated a manufacturing business producing feed additives for livestock, where Father Weighner contributed to the business side of operations after his schooling.
Father Weighner’s academic journey began at Hillsdale College in Michigan and continued at Loras College in Dubuque, where he earned a degree in business management. He reflects, “At the time, I thought I would work with my brothers and sisters in our family business and farming operation, eventually starting a family of my own.” Little did he know that God had a different plan in mind.
A Call to Serve: The EMT Experience
One of the defining moments in Father Weighner’s life occurred when he became an EMT at the age of 22. Volunteering for more than 10 years with his local hospital and ambulance service, Father Weighner experienced life’s frailty firsthand. “As an EMT, I encountered people in their most vulnerable moments,” he says. “I began to realize that while physical care was important, the spiritual care priests provided had a profound impact on people. It wasn’t just about healing the body but also it was about offering peace for the soul.”
In these moments, Father Weighner began to feel a pull toward the priesthood. “When I saw how people responded to priests and how their presence brought a sense of calm, I grew to admire their presence and the peace they bring to helpless and stressful situations.
Personal Loss and Spiritual Awakening
Father Weighner’s discernment deepened after the death of his mother from cancer when he was in his late 20s. Shortly after, his niece passed away from a brain tumor, and Father Weighner found himself reflecting on life and death more deeply. “I began to see everything in a different light,” he says. “It was at that point things slowly started to shift, and I began to wonder whether I was truly called to continue on the path I was on or to pursue something different.”
The Journey of Discernment: Small Steps, Not Big Moments
Father Weighner’s path to the priesthood was not marked by a single defining moment but rather by a series of small, faithful steps, and it hasn’t been linear. “There was never one great moment of clarity—just a steady progression forward,” he reflects. One such step came through a conversation with a family friend, a priest, who gently asked if he had ever considered the priesthood. “I hadn’t even thought about it,” Father Weighner admits, but eventually began taking that question more seriously.
Eventually, he spoke to one of his brothers, who was in a religious order, and he encouraged Father Weighner to attend a retreat. He did, and he went on to spend time with religious communities in French-speaking Canada and New York and devoted a year and a half to missionary work in Mexico. Yet, despite these diverse experiences, he ultimately discerned that God was calling him to serve as a diocesan priest.
Finding His Place
After spending time considering both the Diocese of La Crosse and the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Father Weighner found the support and warmth he needed in La Crosse. “The Diocese of La Crosse felt like a better fit for me,” he said. “Bishop Burke was incredibly welcoming and told me, ‘I don’t know if you have a vocation, but I’m willing to send you out there so we can see.’ That openness made all the difference.”
The invitation to attend seminary in La Crosse marked the beginning of a new chapter in Father Weighner’s life. He reflects, “When I felt welcomed and supported, I knew I was on the right path.” In 2007, he was ordained a priest.
Ordination and Ministry: Surprising Joy in Working with Students
Father Weighner’s first assignment brought him to Notre Dame Parish in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart Parish in Jim Falls, where he also served as chaplain for McDonnell Area Catholic Schools (MACS). Initially, he didn’t expect to find such joy in working with students. “I was surprised by how much I enjoyed being involved with the kids and going to games, attending concerts and being present in their lives,” he admits. “It was an unexpected blessing to form relationships with them.”
Father Weighner was next assigned to Sacred Heart Parish and St. Bridget Parish near Chippewa Falls, while continuing his ministry at MACS. His first assignment as a pastor was in Prairie du Chien and Wauzeka, where he faced the challenges of merging St. John Nepomucene and St. Gabriel the Archangel parishes to form Holy Family Parish, while helping the community maintain its identity. “Leading people through that transition was a valuable learning experience,” he says. “Parish mergers can be difficult, but they also present an incredible opportunity for renewal.”
A Passion for Flying: Finding Peace in the Sky
In addition to his priestly duties, Father Weighner has a passion for flying. “I’ve been a pilot since 1984, and it’s one of the ways I unwind and gain a fresh perspective,” he shares. Over the years, he has owned a plane in both Marshfield and Prairie du Chien. Although he sold his plane when he moved to Holmen, he hopes to return to flying soon. “Flying allows me to step away from worries of parish life and allows me to think more clearly,” he explained.
Bringing People Home
One of Father Weighner’s greatest joys in ministry is helping people return to the Faith. “I understand what it’s like to struggle with faith, so I’m able to walk with people through those struggles,” he says. “There’s a profound joy in helping people reconnect with the Church and experience God’s love anew. It’s like helping them come home.”
Father Weighner has always felt a deep calling to help people reconcile with God. “I love working with families and individuals to help them rediscover peace in their faith,” he shares. “The priesthood isn’t just about celebrating the sacraments; it’s about walking with people on their spiritual journeys and drawing them closer to God.”
Walking with Others on God’s Path
Father Weighner’s life stands as a beautiful testament to God’s perfect will unfolding—step by step, through unexpected turns and by the quiet force of personal conviction. His journey to the priesthood shows us that God’s timing is always perfect, even when we cannot see the path in front of us. As Father Weighner continues to walk with others in their spiritual journeys, his story encourages all of us to trust that, despite the challenges and uncertainties we will face, God’s plan for our lives will always lead us to something good.
Story By Eleanor Peabody
Published in the Summer 2025 issue of Catholic Life Magazine