Profile Facts
- Name
- Richard C. Ratajczak
- Role
- Priest
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
- Ordained
- 1958
- Status
- Accused
- Died
- 6/3/2010
- Records
- Diocesan and public records
It is never too late to ask what justice might look like for you. The clergy sexual abuse lawyers at White Law PLLC help Michigan survivors explore their legal options in a confidential, judgment-free setting.
Father Richard C. Ratajczak was ordained in 1958 and served in the Diocese of Saginaw. He was named publicly as accused in the Michigan Attorney General’s June 2026 Saginaw report after an allegation involving an altar boy. This page summarizes the reported facts and Michigan survivors’ legal rights.
Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Saginaw
The Diocese of Saginaw serves mid-Michigan as one of the state’s seven Catholic dioceses, together with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Gaylord, and Marquette. The Attorney General’s statewide clergy-abuse investigation, begun in 2018, issued its Saginaw report in June 2026, naming Ratajczak among the accused.
A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer can review the Attorney General’s findings with you and advise whether a civil claim is viable, even when a diocesan board could not reach a credibility determination.
The Allegations Against Father Richard C. Ratajczak
The 2024 Allegation
Published records indicate that in May 2024, the Diocese of Saginaw received an allegation that Ratajczak had sexually abused an altar boy multiple times in 1985 and 1986 at St. Hedwig’s in Bay City. According to the report, Ratajczak allegedly had the boy drink wine with him before Mass, then fondled the boy and had the boy fondle him while they were changing into their robes for Mass.
Review Board Finding
The diocesan review board determined that there was insufficient information to determine the credibility of the allegations. Ratajczak died on June 3, 2010, so criminal prosecution is no longer possible; however, a board’s inability to reach a finding does not bar survivors from pursuing civil claims against his estate or the diocese.
Criminal vs. Civil Sexual Abuse Cases
Think of the criminal and civil systems as two different doors. The criminal door is opened by prosecutors seeking punishment, including prison. The civil door is opened by survivors seeking compensation for what they endured. Either door can be used without the other.
Dioceses may be held responsible through the civil door when their officials knew or should have known about the danger, failed to prevent the abuse, concealed complaints, or did not properly screen and train clergy.
Statute of Limitations on Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Michigan
Michigan’s MCL §600.5805 gives survivors of sexual abuse ten years, or until age 28, whichever is later, to file a civil lawsuit. First-degree criminal sexual conduct has no limitations period. The extended civil window was written with delayed disclosure in mind, since trauma and memory suppression so often keep survivors silent for years.
Because the deadline can vary with the circumstances, an early discussion with an attorney is the best way to safeguard your claim.
View All Accused Clergy in Michigan
Pursue Justice With Help From White Law PLLC
Compensation in a civil case can cover the real costs of survival: medical and therapy bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress that may persist for a lifetime. White Law PLLC pursues these cases with the seriousness and sensitivity survivors deserve.
Call (517) 316-1195 for a confidential consultation. We represent survivors throughout Michigan.
Profiles summarize published records and allegations. Inclusion does not constitute a legal finding.