The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced the resignation of a Trumbull County priest.

Bishop David Bonnar accepted the resignation of Father Michael Swierz in response to an ongoing internal investigation, stemming from what the diocese describes as an issue that occurred while he was at St. Rose Parish in the late 1980's.

Father Swierz has been placed on administrative leave, which means he can't function as a priest in any capacity anywhere else until the investigation is complete. 

Father Swierz served as priest for St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard, the President of St. Joseph the Provider School and Dean of Trumbull County.

The following statement was provided by Dennis Biviano, Public Relations and Media Specialist for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown:

"On June 17, 2024, the Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown accepted the resignation of Reverend Michael A. Swierz from the pastorate of Saint Patrick Parish, the Presidency of Saint Joseph the Provider School and as Dean of Trumbull County. Father Swierz has been placed on administrative leave because of admitted actions that constituted violations of Diocesan policies. The actions at issue occurred while he was at St. Rose Parish, Girard, Ohio in the late 1980's. The investigation into these matters is ongoing and Father Swierz is cooperating in the investigation. The Diocese will not provide further comment on either the investigation or Father Swierz's situation at this time."

It's unclear how long the investigation will take but the diocese told 21 News the results will be made public.

Father Swierz was ordained in 1985 and served as priest for St. Peters in Canton before being assigned to St. Rose in Girard and served there until 1992.

It was during his time at St. Rose that Father Swierz told police he'd been attacked during a robbery at the church. A Vindicator article detailed the incident, saying Swierz was jumped from behind by two assailants and his wallet was stolen.

The diocese told 21 News they didn't know if this incident was related to the investigation.

Swierz moved to Holy Family in Poland and served there until 1998 and then spent time as the leader of St. Christine's Parish in Youngstown.

In 2000, Father Swierz became the pastor of St. Joseph the Provider Church in Campbell and took on the additional assignments of St. Elizabeth and St. John the Baptist Churches. He also served as the Chaplain to the Youngstown Fire Department around this time.

Swierz was named the pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard in 2015.

It's unclear who will take on the role at St. Patrick's Church. The diocese said that's going to be for Bishop David Bonnar to figure out this week.