A former Pennsylvania priest who led an illicit 2024 Mass for the Arlington Carmelite nuns has been dismissed from the clergy, according to a statement from the Diocese of Scranton.
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.
Clay was originally prohibited from celebrating any sacrament in June 2004 when the first allegation came to light, according to the statement.
Between then and 2024, when he led the Arlington Mass, the Diocese of Scranton was “unable to locate him,” 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.
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.
“If 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,” Bishop of Fort Worth Micheal Olson said Tuesday.
Olson noted that Clay now lives privately in Dallas.