Statement of the Archdiocese of Washington on Father John Mattingly

Thursday, September 1, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In January 2014 the Archdiocese of Washington contacted civil authorities and turned over information pertaining to an internal investigation of financial irregularities that suggested possible improper handling of parishioner contributions by Father John Mattingly, a former pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Newtowne, Md. Father Mattingly retired in 2010 after serving at Saint Francis Xavier since 1994.

A review of parish financial records and a financial audit prompted the archdiocese to retain an independent accounting firm to examine deposits made into Father Mattingly’s personal account.  The records showed a substantial number of deposits, including checks made payable to Saint Francis Xavier Parish, the Cardinal’s Appeal, and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

Since these financial irregularities came to light, the archdiocese attempted to work with Father Mattingly in an effort to obtain repayment of all funds to Saint Francis Xavier, as well as for the costs associated with the audit and investigation. No restitution was made and this matter was turned over to legal authorities for further action.

Responsible stewardship of the financial gifts generously entrusted to the Church by the faithful is a responsibility that the archdiocese takes very seriously, and it does all that it is able to ensure that contributions by the faithful are used for their intended purposes in carrying forth its ministries

Given the ongoing nature of this case, the archdiocese cannot make further comment on the matter.

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The Archdiocese of Washington is home to over 620,000 Catholics, 139 parishes and 94 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

CONTACT:
Chieko Noguchi, 301-758-7901
Ed McFadden, 703-402-5036
[email protected]