Statement on Nowicki trial

Rev. Aaron Nowicki resigned and was removed from priestly ministry on Jan. 25, 2019 due to allegations of an improper, but not criminal, relationship with a vulnerable adult. The allegations did not involve misconduct with a minor or a criminal offense. Following his resignation, a canonical (Church law) process regarding these allegations was begun. The allegations were also reported by the Diocese of Marquette to the Michigan Attorney General.

On Aug. 16, 2021, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department announced that Nowicki was arrested in connection with a “Ghost” operation conducted at that time concerning child trafficking. The Diocese of Marquette is not providing legal representation nor paying for Nowicki’s defense concerning this alleged offense. Following Nowicki’s arrest, the canonical process concerning the earlier 2019 allegations of misconduct was suspended pending the civil trial.

The diocese respects the Sept. 28, 2023 decision of the civil court.

To those who have been harmed by clergy sexual abuse, Bishop John Doerfler said, “Clergy sexual abuse is a grave evil that should never happen. On behalf of the Church, I apologize to all those who have been harmed by any bishop, priest or deacon. My heart goes out to you, and I pledge to accompany you on the journey to the peace and healing of Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Doerfler encourages anyone who has been abused in the diocese to contact Michigan’s Attorney General to report the abuse. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office can be contacted at its toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by email at [email protected].

The diocese’s Victims Assistance Coordinators are also available to help those harmed receive pastoral care leading toward healing. To bring a complaint regarding the sexual abuse of minors to the attention of the diocese, call one of the victims’ assistance coordinators: Stephen Lynott at (844) 495-4330 or Diane Tryan at (844) 694-4362.

Those who wish to put their complaint in writing may direct their correspondence to: Victims Assistance Coordinator, c/o Catholic Social Services of the U.P., 1100 Ludington St., Suite 401, Escanaba, MI 49829. The letter should be marked “personal and confidential” and indicate whether a response is desired by phone or by letter.

The diocese will also help anyone bring their concerns to Church officials outside the diocese if the sexual abuse occurred elsewhere and the person now resides in the Diocese of Marquette. If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, Stephen Lynott or Diane Tryan may be contacted at the numbers above.

The diocese always encourages those bringing a complaint to report the incident to local civil authorities. The diocese reports all allegations to the appropriate civil authorities.

Rev. Aaron Nowicki

• Entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary: August 2009.
• Assisted at St. Mary Parish and Holy Spirit Catholic School, Norway; and St. Barbara Parish, Vulcan: Aug. 2012-Aug. 2013 and May - Aug. 2014.
• Assisted at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bark River; St. Joseph Mission, Foster City: June-Aug. 2015.
• Ordained: June 3, 2016.
• Parochial vicar (associate pastor) of St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette; and St. Mary Mission, Big Bay: July 2016-Jan. 2019.
• Resignation: Jan. 25, 2019.