columbus diocese priest assignments 2022

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Priest personnel changes announced, priest, deacon personnel changes.

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Priest personnel change

Bishop Sullivan announces priest assignments

Bishop announces priest assignments

Bishop announces pastor assignments, bishop announces retirement of permanent deacons.

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Bridgeton parishioner makes profession of vows, nhl star johnny gaudreau, brother remembered as ‘family that always gives back’, bishop sullivan’s schedule, sept. 3-14, talking saints – eucharistic saints, joyful disciples: pilgrimage: pilgrims of hope – episode 8, joyful disciples: retreats on prayer – episode 7, pope: faith requires an open heart, joyful disciples: prayer of the church – episode 6, bishop robert barron at national eucharistic congress, around the diocese.

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Bishop Williams Special Supplement September 13, 2024

Deadline for Advertising Reservations and Artwork is August 21 and a

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Assignments will affect a number of parishes this July

By Anne Marie Amacher The Catholic Messenger

Bishop Thomas Zinkula has announced assignment changes that affect 18 priests, two deacons and one parish life coordinator. Changes are effective July 1 unless otherwise stated.

• Father Nicholas Akindele, 50, will become pastor of Holy Family and St. Alphonsus parishes in Davenport. He will also serve as adjunct judicial vicar for the marriage tribunal. He currently serves as defender of the bond for the tribunal and as parochial vicar of Holy Family and St. Alphonsus parishes and St. Peter Parish-Buffalo. He will be relieved of his assignment in Buffalo.

• Father Kevin Anstey, 37, will take a leave of absence. He currently serves as pastor of St. Anthony Parish-Knoxville and Sacred Heart Parish-Melcher.

• Father Paul Appel, 44, will become pastor of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton and continue to serve as judicial vicar, vice chancellor and delegate of the bishop in matrimonial matters for the Diocese of Davenport. He graduated from St. Ambrose University-Davenport and completed his theology studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary-Mundelein, Illinois. He also completed canon law studies at The Catholic University of America-Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2003 by Bishop William Franklin at Sacred Heart Cathedral-Davenport. Father Appel has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport, Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine and St. Joseph Parish-Columbus Junction. He also served at St. James Parish-Washington, St. Alphonsus Parish-Davenport, St. Peter Parish-Buffalo and St. Mary Parish-Davenport. He will be relieved of his current assignments as pastor at St. Peter-Buffalo and St. Alphonsus and Holy Family parishes-Davenport.

• Deacon Steve Barton will serve as the new parish life coordinator at St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass. He will be relieved of his current assignment as deacon at Holy Family Parish-Davenport. He was ordained a deacon in 2017.

• Father Robert Cloos, 64, will serve as pastor at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish-Lost Nation, Assumption and St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek and St. Patrick Parish-Delmar. He graduated from Western Colorado State University. Prior to the priesthood, he served in the U.S. Air Force and Navy Reserves and worked as an accountant, electrician and in maintenance. He completed his theology studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2014 by Bishop Martin Amos at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Cloos served at Ss. Mary & Mathias Parish-Muscatine, Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton and St. Mary Parish-Iowa City. He will be relieved of his current assignment as pastor of St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford.

• Father Daniel Dorau, 62, will continue to serve as pastor of St. James the Less Parish-St. Paul and St. John Parish-Houghton and will become pastor of St. Mary Parish-West Point and St. Boniface Parish-Farmington. He graduated from Loras College-Dubuque. Prior to the priesthood, he worked in information technology. He completed his theological studies at Sacred Heart Seminary-Hales Corners. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2017, by Bishop Amos at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Dorau previously served at Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport, Divine Mercy Parish-Burlington-West Burlington and St. Mary Parish-Dodgeville.

• Father Ross Epping, 32, will remain as chaplain of St. Ambrose University-Davenport and will become pastor of St. Peter Parish-Buffalo. He will be relieved of his assignment as director of vocations. He graduated from St. Ambrose University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary-Mundelein, Illinois. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2016 by Bishop Amos at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He previously served at St. John Vianney Parish-Bettendorf, Assumption High School-Davenport, Immaculate Conception Parish-Colfax and St. Mary Parish-Grinnell.

• Father Jacob Greiner, 40, will continue to serve as pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish-Davenport and as director of seminarians and will assume responsibilities as director of vocations.

• Father Louis Hammond, 55, will become chaplain at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City on April 18. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1992 by Bishop Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Bishop of Kumasi, at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral-Cape Coast, Ghana. He has degrees from St. Peter Seminary-Cape Coast; University of Ghana-Accra and Ghana Law School. He has served at St. Joseph Parish-Elmina; St. Joseph Parish-Apam, Assumption of Mary Parish-Agona Nyakrom; Queen of Peace Parish-Madina, Accara; St. Patrick Parish-Southhold, New York state; St. Paul Parish-Mankessim; St. Paul Parish-Assin Jakai; St. Francis de Sales Cathedral-Cape Coast; and as chaplain to Catholic students at non-Catholic high schools in Ghana.

• Father Dennis Hoffman, 62, will become pastor of St. Anthony Parish-Knoxville and Sacred Heart Parish-Melcher. He graduated from Loras College-Dubuque. Prior to seminary, he worked with the American Red Cross Disaster Services. He completed his theology studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology-Hales Corners. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1990 By Bishop Gerald O’Keefe at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Hoffman has served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport, St. Patrick Parish-Iowa City, All Saints Parish-Keokuk, St. John Parish-Houghton, St. James Parish-St. Paul, St. Mary Parish-Pella and Immaculate Conception Parish-Colfax. He will be relieved of his current assignment as pastor of St. Boniface Parish-Farmington and St. Mary Parish-West Point.

• Father William Kneemiller, 71, retired effective April 1. He graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Before entering the priesthood he was a self-employed contractor specializing in commercial painting. He also did real estate work. He completed his theology studies at St. Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1999 by Bishop Franklin at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Kneemiller served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport and as a military chaplain in Iraq. He served at Sacred Heart Parish-Lost Nation, St. James Parish-Toronto and Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction. He served in Afghanistan as a chaplain and served at St. Joseph Parish-Hills, St. Mary Parish-Lone Tree, St. Mary Parish-Nichols and Ss. Philip & James Parish-Grand Mound. He retired as chaplain at the Kahl Home-Davenport.

• Father Ken Kuntz, 71, will retire but continue to serve as a member of the College of Consultors. He graduated from St. Ambrose College-Davenport and completed his theology studies at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1977 by Bishop O’Keefe at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Kuntz served at St. Joseph Parish-DeWitt, St. Anne Parish-Welton, St. John Vianney Parish-Bettendorf, St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass, St. Peter Parish-Buffalo, St. Mary Parish-Iowa City and St. Michael Parish-Holbrook. He currently serves as pastor at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace-Clinton.

• Father John Lamansky, 31, will become parochial vicar at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton and serve as chaplain of Prince of Peace Catholic Schools there. He graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, completed advanced studies at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois; and completed theology studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2018 by Bishop Thomas Zinkula at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Lamansky will be relieved of his assignment as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf.

• Father Francis Mensah, 39, will become pastor of St. Peter Parish-Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish-Oxford and serve as defender of the bond for the marriage tribunal for the Diocese of Davenport. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Matthias Kobina Nketsiah in 2010 in Cape Coast, Ghana. He has degrees from St. Paul Seminary-Accra, and St. Peter Seminary-Cape Coast, the Pontifical Urbaniana University-Rome, Pontifical Gregorian University-Rome and Pontifical Lateran University-Rome. He has served at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; at a senior high school in Agona Swedru, Ghana; in radio evangelization in Ghana; and as a parochial collaborator at St. Barbara Parish in the Diocese of Rome.

• Father Francis Odoom, 45, will return to his home Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. He was ordained in 2005. In the Diocese of Davenport he served at Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Immaculate Conception Parish-Petersville, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek, St. Patrick Parish-Delmar, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish-Lost Nation, Ss. Philip & James Parish-Grand Mound and Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction. He also studied at St. Ambrose University-Davenport.

• Father Joseph Phung, 64, will continue to serve as pastor of Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison, and will become pastor of St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. He previously served as pastor of the Montrose parish from 2016-2020.

• Trevor Pullinger will serve as coordinator of Catechesis and Adult Lay Formation for the Diocese of Davenport. He will be relieved of his current assignment as parish life coordinator of St. Joseph Parish-Montrose.

• Father Timothy Regan, 72, will retire, but continue serving in half-time chaplain ministry at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics effective May 1. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed his theology studies at Pope John Paul XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1991 by Bishop O’Keefe at St. Anthony Church-Knoxville. Father Regan served at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Bettendorf, Holy Trinity Parish-Keota, Sacred Heart Parish-Lost Nation, St. James Parish-Toronto and Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction. He served as priest chaplain at Genesis Health System in Davenport and served at St. Paul the Apostle Parish-Davenport. He currently serves as chaplain at University Hospitals in Iowa City.

• Father John Stack, 60, will become parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish-Fort Madison and St. Joseph Parish-Montrose. He graduated from St. Ambrose University and completed his theology studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary-Mundelein. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1988 by Bishop O’Keefe at Our Lady of Victory Church-Davenport. Father Stack served at Holy Family Parish-Davenport, All Saints Parish-Keokuk, St. Joseph Parish-East Pleasant Plain and St. Frances Xavier Parish-Richland. He served as chaplain at Mercy Medical Center-Clinton, The Alverno and for the Sisters of St. Francis-Clinton. He served at Church of the Visitation Parish-Camanche, Sacred Heart Parish-Lost Nation, St. James Parish-Toronto, Sacred Heart Parish-Oxford Junction, Assumption & St. Patrick Parish-Charlotte, Ss. Mary & Joseph Parish-Sugar Creek, St. Joseph Parish-DeWitt, Ss. Phillip & James Parish-Grand Mound and St. Alphonsus Parish-Mount Pleasant. He will be relieved of his assignment as parochial vicar of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Parish-Clinton.

• Deacon Terry Starns will retire. He currently serves as parish life coordinator at St. Andrew Parish-Blue Grass. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1992.

• Father Christopher Young, 61, remains as delegate for the bishop in matrimonial matters for the Diocese of Davenport, delegate of the bishop for the community celebrating the Pro-conciliar Liturgy, and serves at Holy Family and St. Alphonsus parishes-Davenport. He will be relieved of ministry at St. Peter Parish-Buffalo and St. Anthony Parish-Davenport.

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Diocese reassigns priests.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Diocese of Youngstown has announced clergy reassignments with priests being assigned to different churches and duties.

Rev. Steven Agostino, from pastor of St. Pope John XXIII Parish in Niles (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and St. Stephen Church) for health reasons to parochial vicar at St. William Parish, Champion; St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Vienna; and St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cortland, with residence at SS. Mary and Joseph Church Rectory in Warren.

Rev. Michael D. Balash, from pro tem administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Hubbard, and sacramental minister at Trumbull North parishes, to pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Hubbard, in addition to his current responsibilities as Vicar for Clergy and Religious Services, Director of the Office of Worship and Director of Seminarians. Balash will remain in residence at St. William Church Rectory until a suitable residence is located in Hubbard.

Rev. John-Michael Lavelle, as pro tem administrator of St. Pope John XXIII Parish, Niles, in addition to his current responsibilities as pastor of St. Michael Parish, Canfield, Vicar for Missionary Discipleship; Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship; and Director of the Office of Communications.

Rev. Bala Prasad Marneni, from parochial vicar at St. Columba Cathedral, St. Edward Church and Holy Apostles Church, all in Youngstown, to parochial vicar at St. Pope John XXIII Parish, Niles and as chaplain of St. Joseph the Provider School, Youngstown. Marneni will remain in residence at St. Columba Cathedral until approval of Immigration Services and then reside at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Rectory in Niles.

Rev. John Rovnak, remaining as parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish, Poland, and St. Paul Parish, New Middletown, effective immediately. Rovnak also continues as chaplain at Cardinal Mooney High School and his studies in canon law at Catholic University of America.

Deacon James Smith has submitted his request for retirement from active diaconal responsibilities at St. Edward Parish, Youngstown, effective Sept. 1.

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Diocesan Memorandum

September, 2024 | vol. 58, no. 9 | prot. no. c-34/2024.

The Diocesan Memorandum ( formerly the Clergy Memorandum ) is a service of the Office of the Chancellor for clergy and lay leadership of the Diocese of Cleveland, providing a summary of relevant and timely information from the Office of the Bishop and other diocesan offices.

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

Office for worship.

OCIA Workshops The upcoming publication of the revised edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers an opportunity to renew our celebration and pastoral practice of this process. Register for the 3-part series of workshops by clicking here .

Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Formation sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be offered this fall:

Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 2-4:30pm at Archbishop Hoban High School, Akron
Monday, September 16, 2024 from 7-9:30pm at St. Mary Parish, Chardon
Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 2:-4:30pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, South Euclid
Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 7-9:30pm at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Doylestown
Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 2:-4:30pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Grafton
Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 2:-4:30pm at St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 7-9:30pm at St. Hilary Parish, Fairlawn
Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 2:-4:30pm at Holy Family Parish, Stow
Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 7-9:30pm at Holy Martyrs Parish, Medina
Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 2:-4:30pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Garfield Heights
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 7-9:30pm at St. Albert the Great Parish, North Royalton
Monday, November 18, 2024 from 7-9:30pm atResurrection Parish, Solon

An additional session in Spanish will be scheduled in November. A memo with the registration link has been sent to parishes and campus ministers.

FDLC Study Day 10/2/24 The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions national meeting will be held in Pittsburgh, October 1-3. Click here for the brochure.

ILP Choral Reading Session 10/7/24 John Angotti, Associate Publisher of International Liturgy Publications, will offer a choral reading session for music directors on Monday, October 7, 2024 in Sacred Heart Chapel at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. In this Choral Reading Session, the director of music for each attending parish will receive a complimentary packet of resources for every season and Sacrament, as well as psalmody, propers and service music. Refreshments and fellowship will follow in Founder’s Hall. There is no cost to participate, but registration is requested. Click here to register.

October 2024 Liturgical Calendar:

October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. On or near the day, the community or a household may join in the blessing of pets and other animals. For the order of Blessing of Animals , see Book of Blessings , #942-965 or Household Book of Blessings , #154-157.

October 18 is the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. A Health Care Mass may be celebrated on or near the day to honor doctors, nurses, medical technicians, hospital administrators, and emergency personnel in appreciation for their services. The suggested Mass formulary, when permitted, is For Giving Thanks to God, #49B.

October 20 , is World Mission Sunday . Communities are encouraged to assist in the mission of the Church in spreading the gospel. The Mass for The Evangelization of Peoples (#18A, alt: B) may be used as found in the Roman Missal. See the note in the Ordo for readings.

SECRETARIAT FOR CLERGY & RELIGIOUS

August 2024 Announcements

Rev. Timothy J. O’Connor has been appointed Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 4891 effective immediately. His assignment as Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Amherst and Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Amherst remains unchanged.

Rev. Matthew E. Pfeiffer has been appointed Chaplain of Courage International Cleveland effective 15 January 2025. His assignment as Pastor, St. Paul Parish, Akron remains unchanged.

Deacon Thomas P. Bizon has been transferred from Permanent Deacon, Mary, Queen of Apostles Parish, Brook Park to Permanent Deacon, St. Luke Parish, St. Clement Parish and St. James Parish in Lakewood effective 1 August 2024.

Deacon John Burke, Jr. , St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Mentor diaconal assignment has been concluded and has been granted retirement status effective 18 August 2024.

Deacon Mark A. Cunningham , St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake diaconal assignment has been concluded and has been granted retirement status effective 31 May 2025.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Angel Scholarship Fund- ASF Video Production Opportunity Help us to help you provide tuition assistance for students in our 107 excellent Catholic Schools. The Angel Scholarship Fund continues to grow, with more than 7,500 supporters of Catholic education taking advantage of the state’s scholarship tax credit program since 2022. The Catholic Community Foundation is pleased to once again sponsor two ASF Video Production days. All parishes and schools are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to collaborate with Shape Cleveland on the production of a promotional video that shines a light on this wonderful program. Your video will feature local people, staff, and students from your community, and is a great way to illustrate the positive impact that ASF is making for each of our schools. Filming will take place at Shape Cleveland in the Ohio City area on September 12th and 18th. Click here to schedule a time, or contact Kaitlyn Novicky , 216-696-6525, ext. 1680 for more information.

2024 Catholic Charities Appeal: Transformed by your love . Catholic Charities continues its work on the front lines to serve the growing number of individuals and families most in need. As of July 31st, more than 31,000 faithful donors from across the diocese have pledged more than $13.1 million to the 2024 Appeal.

Donor Advised Funds Would you like to streamline your charitable giving? A donor advised fund, also known as a “charitable checkbook,” is easy to set up and can offer immediate tax benefits while simplifying your yearly charitable giving, including your generous gifts to <>. Donor advised funds with the Catholic Community Foundation grow tax-free, have low fees, and are invested in accordance with Church teaching. To learn more, please contact Moira Wopershall at 216-696-6525 x8070 or visit www.catholiccommunity.org/daf .

Professional Advisors’ Seminar Join fellow professional advisors from the legal, tax, trust, insurance, and wealth management disciplines on Thursday, September 26th (12:15-4:30 p.m. followed by cocktails/networking) at the Diocesan offices 1404 E. Ninth St. Seminar topics include estate planning for a family member with a disability, uses of insurance products for charitable giving, and retirement plan distributions. Continuing education credit available. $50 registration; $25 for Catholic Lawyers Guild members. Click here for details and to register or contact Jessica DiSalvatore at 216-696-6525 x4080.

Women’s Giving Circle – Join us! Are you looking for a way to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to connect with other women of faith who share your values? The Catholic Community Foundation's Women's Giving Circle might be just what you've been searching for!

Our members gather throughout the year to learn about Catholic and other causes, pool their resources and collectively decide which organizations to support. We invite you to join us for our fall Women’s Giving Circle Sip & Learn event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at St. Basil the Great Parish in Brecksville, OH. Enjoy an evening of wine, cheese, and meaningful conversation as women from across the diocese explore the difference the Women’s Giving Circle is making in our community. Bring a friend, be inspired, and discover how you can join other women of faith in making a lasting impact!

For more information and to RSVP for the October 17 event, please visit: www.catholiccommunity.org/givingcircle or contact Mary Lou Ozimek at 216-696-6525 x4070.

**Please include this graphic in your parish bulletin.

FINANCE OFFICE

Update Expiration Date for I-9 Form U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the expiration date for Form I-9, which is used for employment eligibility verification, to May 31, 2027.

The form, which can be downloaded here , has a version date of Aug. 1, 2023. Depending on when it was accessed, the form may have an expiration date of either July 31, 2026, or the newly extended May 31, 2027. Both iterations of the form are acceptable for use until July 31, 2026, USCIS said. But the agency is recommending employers use the form with the 2027 expiration date.

Contact Human Resources with any questions.

SECRETARIAT FOR PARISH LIFE AND SPECIAL MINISTRIES

Initiatives, office for human life.

Every October, we celebrate Respect Life Month . We consider more deeply why every human life is valuable and reflect on how to build a culture that protects life from conception to natural death. Click the link for details: Respect Life Month: “I Came So That They Might Have Life”

Zelie’s Home , which provides shelter and support to pregnant and parenting women in need, invites parishes to join the "baby bottle drive" this October . They will supply baby bottles for parishioners to fill with donations and handle all the coordination to make the drive simple and efficient. To participate or for questions, please contact Erin Hathaway, Executive Director, Zelie’s Home at [email protected] or call (216) 307-1106.

Office of Youth Ministry

CLE 2:16 Ticket sales open September 1. Now is the time to buy tickets for your group to attend our diocesan youth conference for high school teens. Event date: January 4, 2025 at John Carroll University

Lay Ecclesial Ministry Office Redeeming Conflict with Reverence for the Other… and Self Saturday, September 14th, 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Center for Pastoral Leadership, Founders Hall Speaking out of her own experience as a lay minister and conflict mediator, Ann Garrido will share a framework for analyzing the ordinary tensions of working in a parish and concrete practices to constructively engage the tough conversations that need to be had with reverence. Register by September 9.

Office of Youth Ministry Pastor & Youth Minister Gathering Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 10:00am - 2:00pm | Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland All priests, deacons, youth & campus ministers, and principals are invited. Keynote speakers: Bishop Malesic and Aaron Richards, Co-Founder of Damascus Catholic Mission Campus Register by September 10.

Office of Young Adult Ministry Theology on Tap West: Identity. Community. Mission. Tuesday, September 17, 7:00-9:00pm | Forest City Brewery, Cleveland

Office for Human Life Birthright Lake, Inc. Bundle of Joy Brunch Sunday, September 22, 2024, 11:00am -3:00pm | Mentor Harbor Yachting Club, Mentor Click here to purchase tickets

Office of Youth Ministry First Things in Youth Ministry Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 10:00am - 4:00pm | Cathedral Square Plaza, Cleveland This Orientation Day is the beginning of the First Things in Youth Ministry Cohort. It is designed for those who have been doing youth ministry for 3 years or less - or those who would like a refresher on the basics. Register by September 18.

Office of Young Adult Ministry Theology on Tap East: Being Chosen – Our Experience on the Set of The Chosen Wednesday, September 25, 7:00-9:00pm | Bar Louie, Lyndhurst

Office of Marriage & Family Ministry Lesson from the Carpenter’s Workshop: Father and Son Retreat Saturday, September 28, 9:30am-4:30pm | St. Ladislas, Westlake Cost: $20 per person, lunch and snacks included.

Office for Human Life The Ohio March for Life October 4, 2024 | Columbus, OH

O ffice of Hispanic Ministry Celebración de FE Y CULTURA | La Santidad de la Familia Celebration of Faith & Culture 5 octubre 2024, 7pm | Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel, Cleveland Invitamos a toda la comunidad Hispana de Cleveland a celebrar juntos nuestra bella identidad como un solo Pueblo de Dios. Celebrante Principal: Reverendísimo Edward C. Malesic

Office for Human Life Called by Name: A Weekend Healing Retreat October 25-27, 2024 | Loyola Retreat House, Clinton Women suffering after an abortion are invited to a confidential, private healing retreat. Encounter the transforming presence of God's grace and mercy through the sacraments, scripture, and prayer. For more information, click the link to the Office For Human Life page Or contact The Community of Jesus, the Living Mercy, at 1-800-482-4100 or email [email protected] .

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES ASSOCIATION

[Please visit our website for the most updated schedule of events.]

National Day of Remembrance | Saturday, September 14, 2024 National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children - Solemn prayer service, hymns, scripture readings, and reflections by local leaders to honor the memory of the more than 50 million unborn victims of abortion. Simultaneous prayer services will be held at gravesites around the country where abortion victims have been buried, as well as at many other memorial sites dedicated in their honor.

Right to Life of Northeast Ohio : 1:00pm – 2:00pm | ON-SITE memorial service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron OH, Address: 100 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44319 | Visit www.rtlofneo.com (Events) or call Sarah McGervey 234-334-0088 for details.

Medina County Right to Life : 11:00am – 12:00pm | ON SITE memorial service at Resurrection Cemetery, Address: 6303 Center Road, Valley City, OH 44280 | Contact [email protected] or call Trish Shaw 330-667-0750 for details.

For more event information please visit: http://abortionmemorials.com/

Catholic Cemeteries Annual Walk to Remember | October 6, 2024 1 – 2 PM During October, the month of the Most Holy Rosary, Catholic Cemeteries Association invites families to participate in a half-mile walking Rosary in honor of departed loved ones. We walk, we pray, we sing, and we remember. For those who cannot walk, or in case of rain, the Rosary will be prayed in the mausoleum or in the cemetery office. At the end of the Rosary, there is a brief candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of our dearly departed. This is a great communal prayer opportunity for families and for Rosary Prayer organizations in your parish. Whether walking or not, you can also honor your departed loved ones by adding their names to our online “In Remembrance” Memorial Wall. Submit names by September 30th to be included for the month of October. Pre-Register and/or submit Remembrance Names by phone , email , US mail (return form at bottom of flyer), or online . Onsite registration is available the morning of the Walk.

Walk to Remember locations:

All Saints Cemetery | 480 W. Highland Road, Northfield OH | Starts at Nativity Mausoleum;
All Souls Cemetery | 10366 Chardon Road, Chardon | Starts at Mary Queen of Peace Mausoleum;
Calvary Cemetery | 10000 Miles Avenue, Cleveland | Starts at Main Office;
Holy Cross Cemetery | 100 E Waterloo Road, Akron | Starts at Sacred Heart Mausoleum;
Holy Cross Cemetery | 14609 Brookpark Road, Brook Park | Starts at St. Jude Mausoleum;
Resurrection Cemetery | 6303 Center Road (Rt. 303) Valley City | Starts at Main Office;
St. Joseph Cemetery | 32789 Detroit Road, Avon | Starts at St. Joseph Mausoleum;

MISCELLANEOUS

First Friday Club of Cleveland Fr. Larry Richards, speaking on: What Does it Mean to be a Disciple | Thursday, September 5, 2024 | Borromeo/Saint Mary Seminary, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092 | Registration and more information can found here .

First Friday Club of Greater Akron Ron Nowak, High School Youth and Young Adult Minister St. Mary's Hudson, speaking on: Cracking the code for keeping our youth in the Church | Friday, September 6, 2024 | Our Lady of Cedars, 507 South Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333 | Registration and more information here .

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Annual Blanket Sunday Appeal | October 12-13, 2024 The 38th Annual Blanket Sunday in-parish appeal kicks off the weekend of October 12-13, 2024. Last year, funds from the appeal were used to purchase nearly 5,000 new winter blankets that were provided to unhoused neighbors, in addition to beds and other necessities for low-income individuals and families throughout Northeast Ohio. The need is great and donations can be made securely online: svdpcle.org

Checks may also be mailed to: St. Vincent de Paul Society Blanket Sunday, 1404 East 9th Street-3rd Floor, Cleveland, OH 44114. Thank you for helping us ‘blanket’ neighbors in warmth and compassion.

Submissions for the next Memorandum should be made to Ann Marie Perkins by the 15th of the preceding month. Guidelines for submissions are available here

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Abuser Profiles

Msgr. Joseph P. Kelly – Diocese of Scranton

Horowitz Law | Jan 6, 2021 | Abuser Profiles , Catholic Church

Msgr. Joseph Kelly

Diocese of scranton.

Ordained: 1966

Assignment History:

1967: Ascension Church, Williamsport, PA
1968-1969: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald, PA
1970-1975: College Seminary of St. Pius X, Dalton, PA
1974-1978: “Boy Scouts Director”
1974-1978: “N.C.C.M. Director”
1975-1979: “Procuratores et Advocati”
1975-1978: “N.C.C.W. Director”
1975-1980: “Senate of Priests”
1975-1978: “Holy Name Society”
1976-1980: “St. Michael’s School for Boys,” Hoban Heights, PA
1977-1980: College Seminary of St. Pius X, Dalton, PA
1981-1985: St. Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow, PA
1984-1985: “Pro-Synodal Judges”
1986: Not indexed
1987-1988: St. Stanislaus Church, Scranton, PA
1988-1998: Holy Rosary Church, Scranton, PA
1991-1998: Camp St. Andrew, Tunkhannock, PA
1999: Not indexed
2000-2006: Camp St. Andrew, Tunkhannock, PA
2001-2005: Nativity of Our Lord Church, Scranton, PA
2006: Catholic Social Services
2006: St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Msgr. Joseph Kelly:

Msgr. Joseph Kelly was ordained a priest in 1966, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Scranton . According to media reports, two years after the sweeping 2018 PA Grand Jury Report on “widespread sexual abuse” throughout the commonwealth’s Catholic churches, the Diocese of Scranton is continuing to add names to its list of “credibly accused.” The only priest still living is Monsignor Joseph Kelly. Kelly taught for 25 years in diocesan schools in PA. He took a sabbatical in 1999. After his retirement in 2006, he continued volunteering at St. Francis of Asissi kitchen.

In July 2024, Joseph Kelly was found guilty under the Roman Catholic church’s canon law of sexually abusing two children. As a result, Kelly is permanently banned from acting as a priest and barred from wear clerical attire or presenting himself to the public as a priest. This decree came directly from the Vatican, which authorized the Bishop of Scranton to issue the penalty. Kelly has never faced criminal charges for sexual abuse of minors.

He is named publicly by the Diocese of Scranton in 2020 as accused, with seven allegations against him, four of them deemed credible. According to media reports , in 1994, he was named in a lawsuit that alleged he and other priests were part of a “sex ring” in the 1970s and 1980s at St. Gregory’s in Magnolia, St. Michael’s in Gibbstown, and St. Joseph’s in Camden.

Six men have said in lawsuits or media interviews that Kelly molested them, some when they were as young as 10. Two sets of brothers say the priest masturbated them and had oral sex with them when they were minors. Monsignor Kelly was placed on administrative leave.

According to a list maintained by Bishop Accountability.org, Monsignor Kelly was accused of sexually abusing a male minor child on at least eight occasions in approximately 1978 when the boy was approximately 13 years old. The sexual abuse took place at St. Michael’s School for Boys in Hoban Heights, Pennsylvania, where the boy lived at the time. Monsignor Kelly performed oral sex on the boy and masturbated himself in front of the child.

The claim settled in 2020 in the mid-five figures.

In January 2021, Monsignor Joseph Kelly was accused again in a lawsuit filed against the Diocese of Scranton. Kelly allegedly sexually abused another student at St. Michael’s School for Boys in 1975. The victim claimed Kelly repeatedly forced him to engage in various sexual acts starting when he was a 15-year-old student at the Falls Township facility.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Scranton. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Scranton may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and nationwide. We can help.