Fr. Joseph G. Gallatin

Ordained: 1997
Status: Laicized

Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Gallatin was removed from his Mendota parish in 12/2013 after a review of his personnel file by an outside agency found reference to an incident of inappropriate conduct with teenage boy, occurring around 1998. No actions were taken in 1998. Evaluation, counseling and monitoring were ordered in 12/2013; the act was classified as a boundary violation, not a crime. The matter was reported to criminal authorities and another review was conducted. The Review Board determined in 6/2014 that “significant restrictions” were to be placed on Gallatin with continued monitoring and limited ministry not involving children. Allegations surfaced that he abused the same boy on a 1998 mission trip to WV. He was reassigned to a position with no parish responsibilities or contact with youth. The Archdiocese stated 7/2/2014 that Gallatin was scheduled to attend graduate school at Catholic University in WDC; that assignment was withdrawn in 8/2014 after protests. Gallatin’s removal from ministry was announced 9/2/2015 after a new Ministerial Review Board found sufficient evidence of abuse. The case was referred to Rome for adjudication. Gallatin’s laicization was announced in 10/2021.


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