A popular Ottawa priest who stole $130,000 from his church is now out of jail after he was let out for good behaviour.

Father Joe LeClair, a diagnosed pathological gambler, pleaded guilty to defrauding Ottawa's Blessed Sacrament Church of the money over the course of five years.

He was sentenced in March to one year in jail and one year probation in an Ottawa courtroom.

He served two-thirds of his jail sentence and was to be released on Nov. 18 on "earned remission," after which he will be on probation for a year.

LeClair was released earlier, on Nov. 9, after he was granted a temporary absence.

Documents from the Ontario Parole Board approving his release comment on LeClair's good behaviour in custody and while he was awaiting trial.

His probation is conditional on good behaviour, being assessed and that he continues to receive counselling.

Church said it would aid LeClair's return to ministry

The Catholic Archidiocese of Ottawa investigated Father LeClair after a media report on financial irregularities at the Blessed Sacrament Church.

Fraud investigators said he stole tens of thousands of dollars from the church in cheques between 2006 and 2011.

Sarah Du Broy from the Archidiocese of Ottawa said the church has no comment on Father LeClair's release, saying the church stands by its statement from January of this year.

In that statement, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast said the church stood behind the priest and would work with him so he can return to the ministry.