REV. ANTHONY J. KELLY, SCJ

BANGOR and HERNANDO, Miss. – The Rev. Anthony J. Kelly, SCJ of Hernando, Miss., originally from Bangor, passed away peacefully Dec. 2, 2007, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Southaven, Miss. Father Tony was born Jan. 3, 1943, in Bangor, son of George A. and Martha T. (McHale) Kelly. He graduated from St. Mary’s grammar school and John Bapst High School. After graduation from high school in 1961, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Athens, Greece, until September 1964. He then followed his dream of becoming a priest by joining the Priests and Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Hales Corners, Wis. He was professed in 1966 and ordained a priest Sept. 1, 1973, in Bangor. He completed his undergraduate studies at Marquette University, Milwaukee, bachelor’s in sociology, and his theology at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, Wis. He also studied at the Jesuit School, Weston, Mass., and at the School of Theology, Berkeley, Calif. When Father Kelly returned to Mississippi in 2006 to serve as pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Hernando, Miss., he said he felt like he was coming home. Although away from the area for many years, it was Mississippi where Father Kelly first began parish ministry. His first assignment was at Christ the King parish, Southaven, Miss., 1976-1978, followed by first pastor of newly established St. Gregory’s, Senatobia, Miss.; St. Anthony’s Mission, Tunica, Miss., 1978-81; and Sacred Heart, Walls, Miss., 1982-86. In 1987 he became pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Houston. From 1993 to 2001, he ministered in South Dakota, first at St. Mary’s, Lower Brule and then at St. James, Chamberlain. From 2002 to 2005, he was part of the ministerial team in Raymondville, Texas. His last assignment as pastor of Holy Spirit Church, Hernando, Miss., brought him the joy and excitement of building a new Holy Spirit Church for the Lord and his parishioners. He lovingly and enthusiastically prepared the Lord’s home by daily watching the progress of the construction and being involved in this dream coming true. While Father Tony will not be present for the dedication in May, his spirit and his heart will be with the people who he shepherded at Holy Spirit Church. Father Tony had a lifelong interest in traveling. Some of his favorite places were Israel, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Hawaii and of course the land of his heritage, Ireland. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame football and the New York Yankees. Father Tony was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Lawrence, in 1996, and Patrick, who he shared a love of Notre Dame with, in 2006. Survivors include one brother, Roland W. Kelly of Bangor, whom Father Tony named “patriarch of the family;” five sisters, Theresa Kelly of Veazie, Frances and husband, Charles Murray, of Indialantic, Fla., Helen Colford of Bangor, Corena Kelly, and Mar-garet Kelly of Bangor. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and his community of Priests and Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Hales Corners, Wis. Rite of Reception will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor, where Father Tony’s body will lie in state 2-6 p.m. and family and friends are welcome to visit. A Mass of Christian burial will be concelebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor, and a time of continued fellowship will be held afterward in the church center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Holy Spirit Church Building Fund, 545 East Commerce St., P.O. Box 424, Hernando, MS 38632. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor.