Fr. Joseph Irvin Mouser

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Louisville KY

Placed on leave 5/02. Beginning in 6/02, five men filed separate civil suits accusing him of abusing them as minors in the late 1960s-early ’70s. Mouser allegedly took several of the boys to drive-in movies at various times, gave them alcohol and assaulted them. Settled in 2003. Review Board deemed allegations credible 6/04. Vatican ordered Mouser to live life of prayer and penance, per 10/05 announcement. Bishop Kelly reportedly knew in 1992 of credible allegations. In 1/20 Mouser was discovered working as chaplain for the Sisters of Loretto in KY, despite the Vatican’s directive that he no longer wear clerical garb, celebrate mass publicly, administer sacraments or present himself publicly as a priest. The Sisters of Loretto’s website showed photos of Mouser dressed as a priest and celebrating mass. After publicity in 2/20 the Sisters said they were going to remove him.


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