Father Herzig on Leave Amid Criminal Charges

Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., of the Diocese of St. Cloud was notified on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that Father Joseph Herzing, a priest of the diocese, was charged in Stearns County with one count of stalking, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of threats of violence, all involving one adult.

Bishop Neary has placed Father Herzing on leave immediately from his ministry at Christ the King in Browerville, St. Joseph in Clarissa, St. Joseph in Grey Eagle, St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Long Prairie, and St. John the Baptist in Swanville, and prohibited him from all public ministry, pending the outcome of the judicial process.

The diocese is cooperating with civil authorities.

Bishop Neary has named Father Arlie Sowada, a retired priest of the diocese, as parochial administrator of the affected parishes.

In October 2022, diocesan leadership was made aware of potential inappropriate behavior between Father Herzing and an adult. At that time, there was no indication of physical or sexual misconduct. Then-Bishop Donald Kettler met with Father Herzing and immediately placed him on administrative leave to undergo a comprehensive professional evaluation. Father Herzing then entered and completed a residential treatment program...

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