Fr. Joseph W. Kenshol
Accused in a 1995 civil lawsuit of giving adolescent boys full body oil massages in the rectory of Sacred Heart Parish. The incidents occurred in 1992 and 1993. The claims were later settled for an undisclosed amount after underlying suits were dismissed by the Court and Appeals Court. The Diocese said that Kenshol’s behavior was “immature and inappropriate, indicating poor judgment but nothing more.” He was allowed to return to ministry. Kenshol retired to senior priest status in 2013 and died 12/19/2022. Included in the MI Attorney General’s 12/15/2025 Diocese of Grand Rapids Report. Per the report, one alleged victim said the priest asked him during a massage if he wanted to take off his underwear. Two said Kenshol asked them to massage him, and that vibrators were used.
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