Text scam preying on parishioners Newswatch 16's Chelsea Strub shows us why you need to think twice before you answer a text from your priest. Author: Chelsea Strub Updated: 5:44 PM EST February 25, 2021 AVOCA, Pa. — A parish in Luzerne County seems to be the latest victim in a text scam that has been lingering in our area for a while. Fr. Phillip Sladicka at Queen of Apostles Parish in Avoca says scammers are sending text messages to parishioners impersonating Fr. Sladicka and asking for iTunes gift cards to give to people battling cancer. "It's distressing because people today don't have jobs there, but they would do charity, they would do acts of charity, even as sacrifice, you know? It's not a matter of whether they would even have the resources, but they would do me a favor," Fr. Sladicka said.