The Catholic Diocese has announced the Very Reverend Michael D. Balash will temporarily replace Father Michael Swierz at Saint Patrick's in Hubbard amid investigations into Swierz's past.

Effective immediately, Balash will serve as pro tem administrator until Sept. 9. This is in addition to his responsibilities as Vicar for the Clergy and Religious Services, director for the Office of Worship and sacramental minister at Trumbull North Parishes.

A native of Hubbard, Balash went to St. Patrick School and Hubbard High School. He later earned his master's in Divinity and master of arts in Biblical Studies at St. Mary's of the West in Cincinnati.

He was ordained in 1987.

After Sept. 9, Reverend John Rovnak will become the parish's administrator. Rovnak currently serves as the parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in Poland and Saint Paul Parish in New Middletown.

Rovnak will remain as chaplain at Cardinal Mooney High School and continue his studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, according to a news release from the diocese on their website.

This follows an announcement made last Sunday that Swierz had resigned in response to an ongoing internal investigation from what the diocese described as an issue that happened while he was at St Rose Parish in the late 80's.

"The investigation into these matters is ongoing and Father Swierz is cooperating in the investigation," a statement released by the diocese read. "The Diocese will not provide further comment on either the investigation or Father Swierz's situation at this time."

While the investigation is ongoing, what Swierz is being accused of is still not know. However, the results for the investigation will be made public when it's completed according to the diocese.

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.