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| Press Room for the Diocese of Phoenix Rev. Joseph Lessard In 1986 Fr. Joseph Lessard received a probationary sentence as a result of charges of sexual misconduct with a minor. After receiving extensive therapy he was judged by professionals in the field of counseling to be a suitable candidate for reassignment to restricted ministry. In the fall of 1987, Fr. Lessard was accepted to serve as a hospital chaplain in the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois. Prior to his acceptance the Diocese of Phoenix disclosed the hospital and the diocese Fr. Lessard's history and treatment. In February 2001 the Diocese of Rockford notified the Diocese that Fr. Lessard had resigned his position as a hospital chaplain. Fr. Lessard subsequently returned to the Diocese of Phoenix. Fr. Lessard was informed that he would not receive an assignment to serve in priestly ministry in the Diocese. Fr. Lessard is formally barred from any future priestly ministry. Fr. Lessard was ordained June 7, 1980. He served as Associate Pastor from 1980 to 1982 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tempe and was then assigned to St. Jerome Church until he was placed on administrative leave in 1985. In December 1997 Fr. Lessard begain serving as a hospital chaplain in the Diocese of Rockford until his resignation from that position in February 2001. |
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