Msgr. John C. Allard
Ordained: 1975
Status: Removed from ministry in 2013
Deceased: 2018
Assignment History
- 1974-1975: St. Cecilia Church (Pawtucket, RI)
- 1975-1984: Immaculate Conception Church (Cranston, RI)
- 1977-1982: Providence South Catholic Youth Organization Center (Providence, RI)
- 1984-1986: St. Aloysius Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 1984-1996: Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry (Providence, RI)
- 1986-1996: Our Lady of Good Help Church (Burrillville, RI)
- 1986-2001: Diocesan Office of Evangelization & Spirituality (Providence, RI)
- 1996-2013: St. Agatha Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 1996-2013: Precious Blood Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 2006-2013: Father Marot CYO Center (Woonsocket, RI)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John C. Allard
Father John C. Allard was ordained a priest in 1975 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Allard has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and diocesan offices, including Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston, St. Agatha Church in Woonsocket, Precious Blood Church in Woonsocket, and the Father Marot CYO Center in Woonsocket.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Allard was removed from his positions at St. Agatha Church, Precious Blood Church, and the Father Marot CYO Center on February 25, 2013, after an allegation that he sexually assaulted an altar boy over a period of approximately two years. The alleged abuse reportedly began in 1981, when the boy was about 15 years old, and Allard was assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston, Rhode Island.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the complainant reported that the abuse occurred on multiple occasions between approximately 1981 and 1983. The alleged abuse reportedly occurred at Immaculate Conception Church, Allard’s home in Chepachet, and at least once in the complainant’s home.
The report states that Allard admitted during the Diocese’s investigation that the allegations were true and stated that there were multiple instances of abuse. The Diocese reportedly referred the matter to law enforcement, but criminal charges were not filed because the statute of limitations had expired.
After the Diocese’s Review Board determined that the allegation was credible, Bishop Tobin placed Allard on administrative leave, prohibited him from saying Mass and performing other sacraments, barred him from appearing publicly in clerical attire, and directed him to leave St. Agatha’s rectory. The Vatican later ordered that Allard be retired from ministry and live a life of prayer and penance.
Allard reportedly later returned to St. Agatha Church and worked as a part-time cook in the parish rectory approximately one year after his removal from ministry.
Allard died on April 27, 2018. In 2019, Allard 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father John C. Allard
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 John C. Allard listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Yes. Father John C. Allard 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 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.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.