As part of the Diocese of Columbus’ continued investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor brought against diocesan priest Father Dean A. Mathewson in January, the Reverend Monsignor Stephan J. Moloney, Diocesan Administrator, has accepted a May 16 recommendation by the Diocesan Board of Review for the Protection of Children that the allegation is credible and that his name be added to the published diocesan list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor, which has been done.
Father Mathewson, 77, remains on administrative leave during further canonical and administrative processes. Priests on administrative leave are prohibited from the public exercise of their priestly ministry. They cannot publicly celebrate sacraments, wear clerical attire, be housed at any parish or on diocesan property, or identify themselves as a member of the clergy.
A determination of credibility is never to be considered proof of guilt. This action and announcement are made in accordance with the Catholic Church’s Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Diocese’s published Policies for Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Response to Allegations Thereof. The meeting of the Review Board was convened to assess the results of an investigation and make a recommendation as to whether the allegations against Father Mathewson appeared to be credible.
An accusation of sexual abuse of a minor, allegedly occurring during Father Mathewson’s tenure at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Newark, Ohio, in the early 1990s was reported to the Diocese on January 19, 2022. This allegation had already been received by criminal authorities in Newark. On January 24, 2022, Diocesan officials notified Father Mathewson of the allegation and informed him of the details of the allegation. He was formally placed on leave, and he was advised about the steps the Church would follow as a result of the allegation.
Plans for outreach in the Diocese continue, and once that effort is finalized, more information will be provided to parishioners in the Diocese.
Fr. Mathewson served as the Diocesan Coordinator for Priest Hospital Chaplains from 2006 until January 2022, with part-time duties as Catholic Chaplain at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, and residence and part-time sacramental duties at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Columbus, during that same time period. He also has served as Associate Pastor, St. Brendan, Hilliard (2003-2006); Pastor, St. Francis de Sales, Newark (1995-2003); Administrator, St. Francis de Sales, Newark, (1994-1995); Associate Pastor, St. Francis de Sales, Newark (1991-1994); Pastor, St. Joseph, LaRue, with part-time teaching duties at Marion Catholic High School (1981-1991); Associate Pastor, St. Mary, Chillicothe, with part-time teaching duties at Bishop Flaget High School (1977-1981); and Assistant Parish Priest, St. Matthias, Columbus, with part-time teaching duties at St. Francis de Sales High School (1973-1977).
The Diocese of Columbus encourages anyone who may have claims of abuse by clergy or others associated with the Church to notify law enforcement immediately as well as the Diocesan Victim’s Assistance Coordinator (866-448-0217 or [email protected]); and, in this case, Detective Steven Vanoy, Newark Police Department (740-670-7928).
