JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — The Catholic Diocese of Steubenville is announcing what it says is credible allegations of sexual abuse against a retired priest.

The Diocese said Bishop Monforton has removed Monsignor Mark Froelich from active ministry duties.

The allegations against Froelich, have resulted in his removal from any and all church activities.

"Bishop Monforton felt the allegations were credible enough to remove him from active duty,” said Steubenville Diocese Director of Communications Dino Orsatti. “He's been retired since 2014, but a lot of retired priests they help out with different parishes, with mass and confessions. But he's not permitted to do anything with any church in the diocese."

The former diocese priest, Froelich, is facing unspecified accusations of sexual abuse.

"At the time, the person was a minor,” Orsatti said. “It happened in the late 80s, early 90s, but the person obviously not a minor now, but it did happen when the person was under 18."

Here are the parishes where a statement regarding the retired priest was read:

• St. Joseph, Bridgeport
• St. Mary, Temperanceville
• Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Barnesville
• Sacred Heart, Neffs

And here is where the accused worked at several regional schools:

• St. Joseph Central High School, Ironton
• Guernsey Catholic High School, Cambridge
• St. John Central High School, Bellaire

If you were a member of any of these parishes, or were a student at any of those schools, contact your local municipal police department. Potential victims or those who have knowledge of credible allegations are also encouraged to contact the diocese.

In the diocese, victims are encouraged to contact:

Thomas S. Wilson
Diocesan Office of Civil Law
422 Washington St., Steubenville
(740) 282-3631