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At that time, the priest was prohibited from celebrating sacraments within the Diocese of Fort Worth.<\/p>\n
Courtesy: Google Maps<\/p>\n
A former Pennsylvania priest who led an illicit 2024 Mass for the Arlington Carmelite nuns<\/a> has been dismissed from the clergy, according to a statement from the Diocese of Scranton.<\/p>\n The former priest, Christopher Clay, submitted a petition for dismissal in March to Pope Leo XIV after a second credible allegation emerged that he had sexually abused a minor, diocese officials said. Clay is no longer permitted to celebrate Mass or confer the sacraments.<\/p>\n Clay was originally prohibited from celebrating any sacrament in June 2004 when the first allegation came to light, according to the statement.<\/p>\n Between then and 2024, when he led the Arlington Mass, the Diocese of Scranton was \u201cunable to locate him,\u201d according to a statement released at that time. Only after Clay was located did the diocese open an investigation into the second allegation of child sexual abuse, officials said.<\/p>\n As part of that investigation, Clay was prohibited from being present in the territory of the Diocese of Fort Worth, according to the 2024 statement.<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone is aware that Mr. Christopher R. Clay is attempting to exercise priestly ministry in any capacity, please contact the Chancery Office at 817-945-9315,\u201d Bishop of Fort Worth Micheal Olson said Tuesday. Olson noted that Clay now lives privately in Dallas.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram<\/p>\n