Profile Facts
- Name
- John A. Maksymowski
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Ordained
- 1929
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 10/4/1987
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
This profile documents the public allegations against Monsignor John A. Maksymowski, a longtime pastor in the Diocese of Grand Rapids accused of sexually abusing a minor. White Law PLLC’s clergy sexual abuse lawyers assemble these pages so survivors can find the verified record in one place.
Maksymowski led St. Adalbert’s Basilica for 35 years, and the allegations against him did not surface publicly until decades later. Survivors from that era deserve to know that coming forward late does not mean coming forward in vain.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Grand Rapids
The Diocese of Grand Rapids is one of seven dioceses in Michigan, together with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the dioceses of Lansing, Saginaw, Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo. The Michigan Attorney General’s investigation into clergy sexual abuse, launched in 2018, has issued reports on multiple dioceses, including Grand Rapids.
The Attorney General’s December 2025 report on the Diocese of Grand Rapids named Monsignor Maksymowski as accused. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can help survivors assess whether a civil claim remains viable.
The Allegations Against Father John A. Maksymowski
Decades at St. Adalbert’s Basilica
According to published records, Maksymowski was ordained in 1929 and served as pastor of St. Adalbert’s Basilica from 1935 to 1970. He was publicly named as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s December 2025 report on the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Allegations Known Since 1997
The report states that the diocese knew as early as 1997 of allegations that Maksymowski had sexually abused a seventh- or eighth-grade altar boy in the late 1960s. Maksymowski died on October 4, 1987, long before the allegations became public.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Monsignor Maksymowski died in 1987, so he is no longer alive for anyone to pursue criminal charges against him. Criminal prosecution is therefore not available in his case.
Civil remedies are a different matter. Survivors may still pursue claims against the diocese, particularly given that church officials were reportedly aware of the allegations as far back as 1997 yet the matter stayed out of public view.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan Legislature §600.5805 generally requires civil sexual abuse claims to be filed within ten years of the abuse or before the survivor turns 28, whichever is later. There is no statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan.
For survivors of abuse from the 1960s, timing questions are complex and the law continues to evolve. Only an individualized review by an attorney can determine whether a path forward exists.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
White Law PLLC welcomes survivors of clergy abuse to call (517) 316-1195 for a free, confidential consultation. You can also reach us at .
We handle these sensitive cases with the utmost discretion, and we will give you a candid evaluation of your options.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.