Tabernacle and chalice among items stolen from Detroit church for scrap metal

[marlysmom]

HI all,

This just makes me sick, it is another readon my hubby and I want to take our darling 2-year-old and leave metro Detroit. Things just keep getting from bad to worse and it’s spreading to our suburbs. To think someone would take such a precious item and us it " for scrap"!!! But really, it is the person(s) who commited this atrocity who should really be sorry, for he/she will answer to God for this.

Tabernacle, sacred goods stolen from Detroit church
October 24, 2007

BY BEN SCHMITT

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

A west side Detroit Catholic church is offering a $500 reward for the return of its tabernacle and contents stolen overnight during a break-in.

Parishioners arriving for 8 a.m. mass today at St. Andrew Church, 7600 McGraw, found someone had broke in through a window and stolen items worth thousands, including the tabernacle, a chalice, the top of a baptismal font and candelabra from the altar.

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Additionally, the Holy Eucharist was inside the stolen tabernacle.

“We believe that the Eucharist is the true presence of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Ed Zaorski, vicar of the Southwest Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Detroit. “This is central to our faith.”

Zaorski said most of the stolen items were gold plated or contained brass and copper. He said he believes the thieves stole the goods to cash in at a scrap yard.

“The scrap yards taking the stolen metals are just as guilty as the thieves, in my opinion,” Zaorski said.

Someone broke into the church two weeks ago and stole metal candlesticks and screens, he said.

“These are desperate people,” Zaorski said. “They obviously need help but what they did was wrong.”

Anyone with information leading to the retrieval of the tabernacle and other goods is asked to call 313-361-1717.

Contact BEN SCHMITT at bcschmitt@freepress.com or 313-223-429

 

[yugnok]

A couple of years ago someone stole a tabernacle at another Detroit parish. The thieves ate the hosts because they were hungry and said they felt guilty after eating them. They returned everything shortly after.

We can only hope that these thieves’ consciences move them to do the same.

 

[Rawb]

With any luck the owner of the ‘scrap yard’ will be a big, burly, devoted CATHOLIC

…and there won’t be any witnesses.

 

[Shoshana]

Let’s just hope and pray that they won’t be used for a Satanic Mass.

 

[Religion_Ninja]

Let’s just hope and pray that they won’t be used for a Satanic Mass.

Pray for the parish.

With the other Detroit parish that had its tabernacle stolen, they said they all felt like someone had died.

 

[Erich]

To say nothing of the fact that things like tabernacles, chalices, baptismal fonts, candelabrae hardly look like “scrap metal” … what are the thieves thinking?

I agree that the scrap yards, pawn shops, etc. taking the stolen items are just as guilty as the thieves.

 

[February]

terrible, yes. but not a reason to leave metro Detroit. i’m a lifelong metro Detroiter in a suburb that actually borders the city. these things can happen anywhere, marly(name removed by moderator).

 

[marlysmom]

To February,

Yes, you’re right, I realize these things can happen anywhere, and really, I think I was just upset upon hearing this news. I think what upset me more than anything was the cavalier way in which the local media ran the story – it was a short mention and then on to other irrelevent news – I am sorry if this sounds racist or intolerant, but I think if this had been a desecration of a Muslim place of worship, it would have been the lead story with an hour’s worth of quotes and analysis. But becasue it was an assault on Catholics, I guess it was OK in the eyes of the news media. So basically, I overspoke in the heat of the moment – I almost always over-react. Shoot now, apologize later. :banghead:

Like you, I’m a lifelong metro detroiter with VERY fond memories of Detroit in my early years – I was downtown staying with my beloved grandparents that hot summer day the riots broke out and I remember the fmaily all scurrying to get us kids out of harm’s way. Despite all that has happened in and around Detroit, I actually am a huge detroit supporter and no one was happier than me to see the “renovations” and comeback. I’ve worked downtown most my adult life before staying home now with my litte one.

It just seems I’m growing weary of everything around us here in Metro Detroit. My husband, who is originally from Canada, says he’s never seen me so despondent about where we live – maybe it’s a number of things making me want to leave lately…maybe I’m looking for a fresh start before my daughter goes to school in a couple short years.

Please pray for me, that God will point me (us0 on the path to where He wants us to be.

Thanks!