Join me in asking our merciful Father to grant eternal rest for Fr. Arthur Wehr. His sudden passing is heartbreaking. He was a generous brother and kind companion in the ministry. May he now know the embrace of the Good Shepherd whom he faithfully served as a member of the Society of Jesus. I offer the condolences of all the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento to the members of Fr. Art's family and all the Jesuit community.
May the soul of Fr. Art and all the faithful departed rest in peace.
+Jaime Soto
Bishop of Sacramento
The following is a statement from the Western Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on the passing of Fr. Arthur Wehr SJ:
Father Arthur J. Wehr S.J. died unexpectedly on July 4, 2024. He was 68 years old. The coroner has determined his cause of death was suicide.
He had recently asked for and been granted a sabbatical from his assignment as associate pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sacramento, where he had served for the past 20 years. Planning was underway for a period of rest and therapy at the time of his death.
An extremely private and reserved person yet a determined workaholic, he was a much sought-after confessor and spiritual director. His physical stamina and mental health had suffered setbacks in the years since the time of the pandemic.
Art was born on October 5, 1955. After graduating from USF, he entered the Society in 1979, and was ordained in 1990. He served as a pastoral minister in a variety of parishes, most notably at St. Francis Xavier, Phoenix, and St. Ignatius Loyola, Sacramento. He pronounced his final vows in 2010.
He is survived by his mother Margaret Wehr and six siblings. Funeral services are pending.
May he rest in peace.