Fr. Joseph P. Kelly

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton PA

Monsignor. Retired in 2006. Among assignments were Boys Town in NE, Project Hope, Camp St. Andrew (Director), and St. Michael’s School in Falls Township (Director in the 1970s). Taught for 25 years in diocesan schools. Named publicly by the Diocese in 10/2020 as accused, with seven allegations against him, four of them deemed credible. All were from men who had been committed as boy’s to St. Michael’s. Added to the Diocese’s list. Kelly denied the allegations. Placed on leave when the allegations were received via the Diocese’s Independent Survivors Compensation Program. Settlement in the mid-five figures in 2020 of a claim of abuse of a boy, age 13, in 1978 at St. Michael’s. Another allegation was reported in 1/2023. Found guilty under canon law in 7/2024 of the sexual abuse of two children. Permanently prohibited from ministry.


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