Father Andrew Pawlaczyk
Diocese of Erie
Ordained: May 1962
Death: 1982
Assigned as follows:
- 6/09/1962 – 1971: Cathedral Preparatory, Erie PA
- 1/22/1971 – 1976: United States Army
- 8 /1976 – 1978: Hamot Medical Center, Erie PA
- 5/01/1978 – 1982: Unites States Army
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Andrew Pawlaczyk:
According to media reports, in 2018, Father Andrew Pawlaczyk’s name was included in the Diocese of Erie list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse. He was also named publicly as accused in the 2018 PA Grand Jury report. The report revealed an April 2011 letter written by a victim addressed to Bishop Trautman, who alleged sexual abuse abuse by Father Pawlaczyk. The victim explained that it began when he was a student at Erie Cathedral Preparatory and Pawlaczyk took him to football games where they were permitted to sit in the press box. Soon after, Pawlaczyk began taking the victim to steam baths, where they sat naked together and Pawlaczyk noted that it was not unusual for one man to whisk the back of another with a strange looking brush while in the steam bath.
Pawlaczyk built a strong relationship with the victim’s parents and began visiting their home regularly. The following summer, Pawlaczyk picked up the victim and took him to a cottage on the lakefront. The first thing they did was go swimming without swimsuits. Although the victim thought it was strange, he attributed the behavior to simply being rebellious. After swimming, they went back to the cottage and Pawlaczyk took the victim into the bedroom and told him that he was going to give him a massage.
The victim was face down on the bed with no clothes on. Pawlaczyk then sat on the victim’s buttocks—wearing no clothes—while he massaged him. Then they reversed roles. After they were done, the victim found ejaculate in the bed which was not from him.
Continued Abuse Even After Pawlaczyk Moves
When Pawlaczyk was serving in the United States Army and stationed at Walter Reed Hospital, the victim’s parents arranged for the victim to fly to Washington, D.C. by himself.
When he arrived, Pawlaczyk took him to the Kennedy Center for a concert and to a basketball game to watch “Pistol” Pete Maravich. From the time he arrived, Pawlaczyk supplied him with cigarettes and alcohol.
After a few nights, Pawlaczyk suggested that instead of sleeping in separate rooms, they should sleep on the fold out beds in the living room. They again performed mutual massages and then Pawlaczyk fondled the victim’s genitals. Pawlaczyk asked him, “Have you ever had an erection like this?”
That same evening Pawlaczyk took the victim into the shower so they could wash each other. Pawlaczyk also let the victim drink heavily and the victim did not recall what occurred the following night. The next day, the victim left for home and never saw Pawlaczyk again.
The Grand Jury did not find any documentation that indicated that the Diocese of Erie ever reported the case to local law enforcement. Additionally, there is no indication that the Diocese offered any counseling to the victim.
Pawlaczyk is deceased and buried at Calvary Cemetery in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.