Fr. Joseph Thomas Forcelle

Ordained: 1980
Status: Reinstated

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Worked in St. Paul-Minneapolis 1980-84, then Sioux Falls diocese beginning 1984; became its Director of Office of Youth Ministry. Incardinated into Sioux Falls 1988. Assigned to St. Leo’s in Tyndall and St. Vincent’s in Springfield when accused in 9/16 of sexual abuse of a minor late in the 1970s-early 1980s, while at St. Mark’s in St. Paul. Police department said it would not investigate. Forcelle denied the allegations. Put on Administrative Leave by Sioux diocese pending independent investigation. The Diocesan Review Board determined that the “facts asserted do not substantiate this allegation.” Forcelle was reinstated in 11/16.


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