Fr. Bernard J. Kaczmarczyk
Named as accused in 8/14/2018 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused. Removed from ministry in 1992 and went on leave of absence. Faculties were withdrawn in 2/1994 after the diocese received a report that Kaczmarczyk had sexually abused three boys, ages 17, 14 and 11. The boys were brothers and family friends of Kaczmarczyk. The eldest was “involved” with the priest from the age of 7. When he was 10 he started staying overnight in the rectory. At one point Kaczmarczyk had the boy make a “Consecration of the Mystical Rose” and wear a rosary ring on his left hand. The abuse occurred in the rectory of Holy Name of Mary in Donora PA and at Kaczmarczyk’s home in FL. Convicted in the 1990s, along with another priest, of mail fraud for operating a phony foundation since 1987 to raise money to build a shrine. Sentenced in 1/1996 to 27 months in prison. Kaczmarczyk spent $495,000 on a FL home and other luxuries. He also took $75,000 worth of items from Holy Name Parish before it closed in 10/1992. The other priest stated at trial that Kaczmarczyk began a sexual “relationship” when he was age 15 in the 1970s, which continued for years. The younger priest said he allowed it to go on because his family was in need and Kaczmarczyk would give them money.
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