Father Joseph Rappl
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1978
Assigned as Follows:
- 1978-1982: St. Peter’s (Lewiston, NY)
- 1982-1985: St. Catherine of Siena (West Seneca, NY)
- 1985-1989: St. Mary’s (Holley, NY)
- 1985-1989: St. Rocco (Hulberton, NY)
- 1989-1990: Not indexed
- 1990-1999: Military Chaplain
- 1999-2018: Counselor at a diocesan youth camp (Buffalo, NY)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Joseph Rappl:
According to media reports, in March of 2018, a 48-year-old man filed a complaint with the Diocese of Buffalo, accusing Father Joseph Rappl of sexually abusing him in 1981. The victim said that he was an altar boy at St. Peter’s in Lewiston when the abuse occurred, starting when he was just 11-years-old. The man also claimed that he had asked Father Rappl to hear his confession and the abuse would occur afterward.
Following the allegations, the Diocese released an updated list of credibly accused priests in which Father Rappl’s name was not included. He is currently living in North Carolina, where he has married and performed sacraments as a “Roman Catholic priest” who was “no longer in the clerical state.” He has also volunteered at a youth camp for the Buffalo Diocese.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.