John Dowling

Status: Deceased 2000.
Diocesan Response: After 1981 report of child pornography, faculties withdrawn and dismissed from diocese
Year and Place of Birth: 1909, USA
Seminary Attended: St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore
Date Ordained / Connection to Diocese: Ordained in 1943 for the Diocese of Savannah-Atlanta, Georgia. Served in Diocese of Sacramento from 1947-1981.

Assignments in Diocese of Sacramento

  • 1947-1950: Holy Rosary, Woodland
  • 1950-1956: Chaplain for the California Youth Authority, San Andrews, CA
  • 1957: St. Mary, Arcata
  • 1958: St. Joseph, Yreka
  • 1958-1961: St. Joseph, Redding
  • 1960-1961: CA Dept. of Corrections Honor Camp
  • 1960: Chaplain, Boy Scouts
  • 1961-1981: Holy Cross, Tulelake

Reporting Victims

Date range of alleged abuse: 1954-1981

  1. Male, under the age of 14
    • Nature of accusation(s): Sexual touching and fondling
    • Year reported to diocese: 2002
  2. Male, under the age of 14, reported by family member 
    • Nature of accusation(s): Sexual touching and fondling
    • Year reported to diocese: 2019
  3. Male, under the age of 14
    • Nature of accusation(s): Sexual touching and fondling, masturbation, oral copulation
    • Year reported to diocese: 2004
  4. Male, under the age of 14, reported by family member
    • Nature of accusation(s): Assault; specific details unknown
    • Year reported to diocese: 1983