YOUNGSTOWN — An Independent Review Board that reviewed circumstances involving a former local priest determined that the information presented warranted the actions taken by the Diocese of Youngsgown and the investigation was appropriate.

The Diocese of Youngstown released a statement this weekend that stated an inquiry was opened last spring regarding the Rev. Michael A. Swierz, who was most recently pastor of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard. Pursuant to diocesan policy, Swierz was placed on administrative leave and an investigation took place.

In September, the findings were presented to the Independent Review Board to provide an outside opinion to Bishop David Bonnar on the matter. As per Vatican policy, Bonnar forwarded the case to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith for a full review.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, which oversees religious discipline within the Catholic Church, reviewed the investigation in full, and also received a position statement from Swierz.

The statement notes the DDF determined the action taken by Bonnar and the Diocese to place Swierz on administrative leave was correct. Swierz has retired from ministry and does not have faculties to serve in ministry.

“These are never easy matters. Thankfully, we have a strong policy in place with procedures and protocols that ensure a thorough and just process of investigation. I am grateful for all those who participated in this inquiry, most especially the input of the outside Independent Review Board and the validation offered by the Holy See. This has been painful on many levels. I pray for healing for anyone hurt by any member of the Church,” Bonnar said in a statement provided by the Diocese.

The news release from the Diocese states it will have no further comment on the matter.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Last fall, a statement was released by the Diocese that an independent review board found Swierz to be “unsuitable for ministry.” Swierz was placed on administrative leave in June following concerns presented to the Diocese that date back to his time as associate pastor of St. Rose Parish in Girard in the 1980s, where he served until 1992.

The concerns were presented immediately to Swierz and a preliminary investigation began. The Diocese sought independent counsel to conduct a thorough investigation, according to Bonnar’s letter last fall.

According to the bishop, Swierz made some admissions during the investigation that established violations of diocesan policy, which resulted in his resignation and eventual placement on administrative leave. Swierz hasn’t been in ministry since June 17.

Findings from the investigation were presented to an independent review board composed of primarily lay people and an unidentified “experienced and respected pastor” of the Diocese. Board members also have experience with the protection of youth and vulnerable adults, according to the news release.

The board determined the information provided showed a “disturbing pattern of behavior, including serious boundary violations with minors, manipulation and abuse of power,” and it unanimously agreed Swierz was not suitable for ministry.

Bonnar last year also accepted Swierz’s resignation as president of St. Joseph the Provider School in Youngstown.

Swierz was named pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard in 2015 and was at the parish when it was severely damaged by a fire in January 2021 that caused between $4 million and $5 million in smoke and fire damage. The parish reopened on St. Patrick’s Day 2024 after $15 million in renovations.

Swierz was ordained in 1985 and served as pastor for St. Peter in Canton before being assigned to St. Rose in Girard until 1992. Swierz moved to Holy Family Church in Poland until 1998 and then spent time as pastor of St. Christine Church in Youngstown.

In 2000, Swierz became pastor of St. Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell and under his leadership, the parish’s namesake school moved from Campbell to Turin Avenue in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown to better serve its mostly inner-city students.