The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced a full-time pastor for St. Patrick's in Hubbard. 

In June, Very Reverend Michael D. Balash was brought to the parish as a pro tem administrator, after Father Michael Swierz 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.

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. 

The Diocese announced on their website that Balash has been named the full-time pastor of St. Patrick's, in addition to his current responsibilities as Vicar for Clergy and Religious Services, Director, Office of Worship and Director of Seminarians.

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.