Parishioners: Resigned Monsignor Still Officiating

WINONA, Minn. (AP) - Parishioners in the Catholic Diocese of Winona say the vicar general who recently resigned following reports of sexual misconduct continues to celebrate Mass and the sacraments.

The diocese said earlier Monsignor Richard Colletti had resigned effective June 1 following media reports that he had a relationship with a woman in 1986. The Post-Bulletin cited court documents filed in a personal injury lawsuit which show Colletti, now 63, admitted under oath in the early 1990s that he had a sexual relationship with a college freshman he was counseling.

Parishioners say Colletti has officiated at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St. Casimir, both in Winona, since his resignation.

Diocese spokesman Ben Frost says Colletti was not suspended from his assignment, he resigned his leadership positions. The vicar general is the second-highest ranking position in the diocese.