NEWS RELEASE

November 12, 2023

CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications
(330) 744-8451, ext. 320; jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org

Youngstown, Ohio – A review of financial irregularities at two Youngstown Diocese parishes has expanded beyond the Rev. Maciej (“Matthew”) Mankowski to include scrutiny of another priest, the Rev. Chris Henyk. The evidence collected thus far will soon be turned over to outside public law enforcement authorities.

The investigation began in December when concerns were uncovered at Saint Joseph Parish in Alliance related to the time that Father Mankowski was pastor from 2011-2021. It then extended to Divine Mercy Parish in Massillon, where Father Mankowski was then the pastor. The preliminary findings presented by an independent forensic auditor commissioned by the Diocese revealed irregularities that constituted serious breaches of Diocese stewardship standards. In July, the Diocese and Father Maciej (“Matthew”) Mankowski mutually agreed on Father Mankowski’s resignation as Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish.

The investigation has led to evidence that Father Henyk, Pastor of Little Flower Parish in Canton, in conjunction with Father Mankowski, actively failed to cooperate with Diocese investigators and undertook actions that hindered the progress of the inquiry. Father Henyk has agreed to resign from Little Flower. The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has appointed the Rev. Patrick Manning as Administrator Pro-Tem, or Temporary Administrator, at Little Flower Parish. An update on the investigation and Father Henyk’s resignation was announced to Little Flower, Divine Mercy and St. Joseph parishioners at Masses this weekend.

“I want to emphasize that, at this time, we have no evidence of financial irregularities at Little Flower Parish,” Bishop Bonnar said. “We have taken this step with Father Henyk to allow the investigation to proceed and to provide Little Flower with a priest who can fully focus on serving the parish. Now, out of an abundance of caution, we will be conducting a full audit at Little Flower as well.“

With the Diocesan Finance Council’s unanimous support, the Diocese will be submitting the evidence obtained so far to an outside public law enforcement authority, once the appropriate agency is identified. The Diocese of Youngstown is committed to transparency, discovering the full truth and protecting the resources given so generously by the People of God.

The Diocese of Youngstown’s Financial Controls include two parish auditors and adherence to a Financial Procedures and Control Manual. More information can be found at https://doy.org/financial-safeguards/.

Given that this is an ongoing investigation, the Diocese does not plan to have any additional comments at this time.