Father Charles Dolan

Charles F. Dolan Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1930

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1977

Assignment History

1931: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
1931-1932: Sacred Heart Church (Taunton, MA)
1932-1933: St. Mary Church (Taunton, MA)
1933: St. Francis Church (Wakefield, RI)
1933-1937: Immaculate Conception Church (Providence, RI)
1937-1941: St. Joseph Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1941-1942: St. Leo the Great Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1942-1943: St. Bernard Church (Wickford, RI)
1943: St. Agnes Church (Providence, RI)
1943-1949: Sacred Heart Church (Providence, RI)
Summer 1949: Via Coeli Monastery (Jemez Springs, NM)
1949-1952: St. Francis Home / St. Joseph Hospital Annex (Warwick, RI)
1952-1953: St. Brendan Church (Riverside, RI)
1953-1955: St. Anthony Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1955-1958: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Providence, RI)
1958: St. Ann Church (Cranston, RI)
1958-1967: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (Providence, RI)
1967-1971: St. Patrick Church (Providence, RI)
1971: Retired

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Charles Dolan

Father Charles Dolan was ordained a priest in 1930 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for approximately four decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Dolan has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Dolan was publicly named by the Diocese of Providence in 2019 as a priest credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The allegations against him were received after his death.

Allegations Against Father Charles Dolan at St. Joseph Church

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a woman reported to the Diocese in 2002 that Dolan repeatedly sexually abused her beginning in 1938, when she was 15 years old and he was assigned to St. Joseph Church in Pawtucket.

The complainant alleged that the abuse occurred while Dolan was assigned to St. Joseph Church. According to BishopAccountability.org, Dolan allegedly told her in 1940 to tell another St. Joseph priest about the abuse, and that priest also reportedly took sexual advantage of her when she was 18 years old.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report states that diocesan records referred to Dolan as a “sick priest” as early as 1949, although the first documented explicit reference to child sexual abuse allegations did not appear until 1992. In 1949, Dolan was sent to Via Coeli Monastery in New Mexico for treatment.

Allegations Against Father Charles Dolan at St. Brendan Church

In 1992, a woman reported to the Diocese that she, her sister, and “numerous other little girls” were sexually abused by Dolan while he was assigned to St. Brendan Church in Riverside in the early 1950s.

The complainant alleged that Dolan took girls to his room, had them undress, photographed them, fondled them, offered them alcohol, and told them he loved them while distributing Communion at Sunday Mass.

Dolan was transferred from St. Brendan Church after approximately one year. He remained in ministry until his retirement in 1971. Dolan died on November 5, 1977.

Dolan was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Charles Dolan

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father Charles Dolan listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Charles Dolan was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father Charles Dolan – Diocese of Providence