Father Joseph G. McCra

Joseph G. McCra Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1932

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1964

Assignment History

1932-1937: Christ the King Church (West Warwick, RI)
1937-1948: St. John Church (Warren, RI)
1948-1949: St. Lawrence Church (Centredale/North Providence, RI)
1949-1951: Our Lady of Good Help Church (Mapleville/Burrillville, RI)
1951-1952: Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Providence, RI)
1952-1953: St. Joseph Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1953-1955: Our Lady of Consolation Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1956-1958: Stella Maris Home for Convalescents (Newport, RI)
1958-1961: Novitiate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart (Harrisville/Burrillville, RI)
1961: Fraternité Sacerdotale (Montreal, Canada)
1961-1964: St. Ann Church (Woonsocket, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Joseph G. McCra

Father Joseph G. McCra was ordained a priest in 1932 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than three decades. He is one of several Catholic clergy members connected to Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse lawsuits involving the Diocese of Providence.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, McCra has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, McCra was accused of sexually abusing two boys and attempting to molest others. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report states that Bishop Russell J. McVinney was aware of allegations against McCra and repeatedly returned him to ministry. McCra died on May 14, 1964.

Allegations Against Father Joseph G. McCra

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, concerns about McCra’s conduct were documented as early as 1951. A parish employee reportedly stated that he saw McCra wrestle altar boys and place his hands inside their pants.

In 1952, an assistant priest reported to Bishop McVinney that a boy was spending every Sunday afternoon in the rectory with McCra and that McCra had taken the boy with him on a vacation to Canada. McCra was placed on a short leave and then reassigned to another parish.

In 1955, a boy reported that McCra sexually abused him and another boy the previous year at McCra’s vacation home. The boys reportedly alleged that McCra gave them alcohol and that McCra brought friends who drank alcohol. One boy also reported that one of McCra’s friends tried to touch him.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Joseph G. McCra Allegations

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, McCra was suspended by early 1956, but within months he was assigned as chaplain to Stella Maris Home for Convalescents in Newport. He was also allowed to assist at parishes on weekends.

At McCra’s request, Bishop McVinney reassigned him in 1958 to the Novitiate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. In 1961, McCra was suspended again and sent to a priests’ home in Montreal. According to the report, McCra pleaded with Bishop McVinney to be reinstated, and later that year he was assigned to St. Ann Church in Woonsocket.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report states that McCra remained at St. Ann Church until his death in 1964.

Father Joseph G. McCra and Institutional Failures

McCra’s case reflects a pattern seen in many clergy abuse cases: allegations were reported to church officials, but the accused priest was placed on leave only temporarily and then returned to ministry.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Bishop McVinney was aware of allegations against McCra but continued to reassign him. The report also states that there is no indication that certain allegations were referred to law enforcement at the time.

McCra was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Joseph G. McCra

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father Joseph G. McCra listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Joseph G. McCra was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father Joseph G. McCra – Diocese of Providence