Msgr. Cleary was ordained Priest at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in Chains, Peterborough on May 30, 1926 and served as
associate at St. Peter the Apostle, Parry Sound 1926-1928.
He was pastor of Holy Family, Britt 1928-1933;
pastor of St. Peters, Parry Sound 1933-1937;
pastor of St. John's, Kirkfield 1937-1955;
pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, Port Hope 1955-1979;
Administrator of St. Alphonsus, Wooler in 1979;
and pastor of St. Therese, Courtice from 1980
until his retirement on June 3, 1987.
Msgr. Cleary built 8 churches and opened 14 schools in his career.