YOUNGSTOWN (OH)
WFMJ-NBC/CW-21 [Youngstown OH]
September 20, 2024
By Zach Mosca and Chris Cerenelli
Investigation from the Diocese revealed a ‘disturbing’ pattern of behavior including serious boundary violations with minors, manipulation and abuse of power from Father Michael Swierz.
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has revealed the results of its investigation into a former pastor at Saint Patrick Church in Hubbard.
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According to a press release, an investigation from The Diocese revealed a “disturbing pattern of behavior including serious boundary violations with minors, manipulation and abuse of power” by Father Michael Swierz.
Allegations against Swierz date back to the late 1980s to early 1990s during his time as an associate pastor at Saint Rose Parish in Girard. He resigned as pastor and was placed on administrative leave in June of 2024 after the investigation began in March with a phone call to The Diocese from someone at Saint Rose.
Once the investigation was completed, the information was presented to the independent review board to determine whether or not Father Swierz was suitable to serve as pastor.
Ultimately, the Board unanimously agreed in its recommendation to Bishop David Bonnar that Father Swierz is “unsuitable for ministry” and is forbidden from returning.
The release did not go into detail as to what these boundary violations and abuses of power were. Victor Gerasi, an attorney representing The Diocese, said only that the incidents occurred both on and away from church grounds.
Bishop Bonnar is asking for prayers for those who are suffering and healing, as well as for Father Swierz and all church ministries.
“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 said.
Gerasi said “none of this was easy, none of the decisions were easy. The involvement of an independent review board also very difficult. So it has been a difficult time for everyone.”
When we asked if The Diocese had any statement for the alleged victims, he replied “our hearts are with them, the Bishop prays for them daily…they should understand that there was an effort to find justice and that if they need to reach out, that they should do so through the Office of Safe Environment.