JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A beloved determine within the Jacksonville Seaside group, Father William “Invoice” Kelly, died on Tuesday on the age of 90.
Recognized for his many years of devoted service, Father Kelly led St. Paul’s Catholic Church for almost 40 years, rising it into one of many largest Catholic communities within the space and leaving a long-lasting influence on numerous lives.
For greater than 50 years, Father Kelly devoted his life to the Church, embodying religion and repair. Born in Castlerea, Eire, he arrived in Florida in 1959 and served in varied parishes throughout the state earlier than settling in Jacksonville Seaside in 1977. Beneath his management, St. Paul’s expanded considerably, each in congregation dimension and group outreach. He was instrumental in supporting native charities, together with Mission Home and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Father Kelly’s service prolonged past the parish. He performed a key position in launching the Seashores Emergency Help Ministry (BEAM), which continues to assist native households going through monetary hardships. He additionally served on the board of Pablo Towers, a retirement group, advocating for low-income seniors.
Even after retiring in 2015, Father Kelly remained deeply concerned in ministry, visiting the sick, celebrating Mass, and mentoring youthful clergymen. His influence reached past the pulpit, incomes him recognition from each the Church and the Jacksonville Seaside group.
On Thursday, Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Seaside up to date their marquis to say “Father Kelly, Thanks.” Proprietor Ed Malin mentioned Father Kelly leaves behind a giant legacy.
“I can see, I can hear Father Kelly’s, Irish accent, saying my title each time he noticed me, and each time he noticed me, which is barely a few instances a 12 months, , he at all times knew my title,” Malin mentioned. “He at all times introduced up my dad. He requested me about my household. And that story is being advised many instances at present and for the following week, as a result of so many individuals bear in mind Father Kelly as he regarded you within the eye when he talked to you, and he remembered issues about you. It simply at all times astonished me his reminiscence. He was simply such an amazing a part of the Seaside, and actually, simply such an amazing individual. He at all times impressed me, each time I talked to him, to be extra like him.”
To honor Father Kelly, Angie’s Subs is working the “Father Kelly” particular beginning Friday. Historically provided throughout Lent, it’s a fried fish sandwich with American cheese and selfmade tartar sauce.
“We’ll positively proceed that custom, despite the fact that he’s gone on, he can smile down on it yearly round Easter and see his title at Angie subs,” Malin mentioned.
The Diocese of St. Augustine wrote that Father Kelly’s private type of ministry made a long-lasting impression on numerous lives.
“The priesthood is a troublesome however rewarding life,” Father Kelly as soon as mentioned. “I’m glad I may very well be concerned in so many individuals’s lives and be there for them after they want me. I’ve tried to make the world round us just a little higher. Working with different individuals to do that is particularly rewarding. You meet some nice individuals.”
His funeral will happen at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on March 4, with a livestream accessible for these unable to attend.
Monday, March 3
Visitation shall be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Seaside.
There shall be no visitation after the Vigil.
The Vigil Service, additionally at St. Paul’s, will start at 7:00 p.m. The presider and homilist shall be Father Thomas Willis.
Tuesday, March 4
The Funeral Mass shall be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s, with Bishop Erik Pohlmeier because the presiding
celebrant. Msgr. Vincent Haut would be the homilist. The Mass shall be livestreamed with a hyperlink posted on St. Paul’s web site.
Committal will happen at Our Girl of Hope Catholic Cemetery at St. Peter Mission following the funeral mass.
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