Fr. Joseph Tapella was born in Joliet, Illinois to George and Virginia Tapella. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Joliet and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Romeoville.

After obtaining a BA at St. Thomas College in Minnesota, Fr. Joe served at St. Dennis, Lockport, St. Petronille, Glen Ellyn and St. Isaac Jogues, Hinsdale before obtaining a Licentiate in Canon Law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

In May, 1987, he began to live in residence at the Cathedral and was assigned to the Tribunal of the Diocese of Joliet as an assistant Judicial Vicar. In 1990, Fr. Joe was appointed Moderator of the Curia and continues to serve on several diocesan boards, such as the Finance Council. Since June, 1997, he has been the Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal and in August, 2003 was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Joliet.