Staff file photo The Rev. Michael Swierz celebrates Mass on St. Patrick’s Day. It was the first Mass at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard since a fire destroyed the church in January 2021. The church underwent a major reconstruction and was rededicated on the feast day of its namesake on March 17. Swierz has been removed from active ministry following an investigation by the Diocese of Youngstown that began in June.

HUBBARD — An independent review board has found the Rev. Michael Swierz, former pastor of St. Patrick Church, to be “unsuitable for ministry,” according to a letter sent by Bishop David Bonnar to parishioners and staff, and a news release sent by the Diocese on Thursday.

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.

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, Bonnar said.

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. Swierz was made aware of the recommendation, the release states.

Victor Geraci, legal counsel for the Diocese, said it wanted to emphasize the bishop’s desires for a safe environment, especially for minors.

“It’s a difficult situation for everyone, including the bishop, most especially, and a lot of people at the Diocese who’ve been around for a long time. So it’s a difficult time, but we are getting through it. We are. It’s a long process,” Geraci said. “It is the Curia in Rome (at the Vatican) who makes the ultimate decision.”

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

“The question is whether there may be some additional issues or actions taken by Rome, and that’s yet to be determined. We should not prejudge any of that process,” Geraci said.

Geraci said he was not at liberty to disclose any details of the “disturbing behavior patterns” yet, as part of the review process requires confidentiality. Anything released might allow people who were young or still in the area to be identified, Geraci added.

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 earlier this year 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.

While at St. Joseph, he took on additional assignments at St. Elizabeth and St. John the Baptist Churches, also in Campbell, until they closed under a Diocesan merger plan. He also served as chaplain to the Youngstown Fire Department.

A rally was hosted for him late June, where parishioners expressed their desire to have him back and circulated a petition seeking more information from the Diocese. At that time, the Diocese promised it would give details of the accusations against Swierz once the investigation was completed.

It is imperative in this difficult and painful moment that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and

behold his presence, for we believe that he is the way, the truth and life,” Bonnar states in his letter.

He also is asking for prayers for “those who are suffering and in need of healing, for Father Swierz and all church ministers.”