BOONE — The pastor of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is calling for prayers and the safe return of the Blessed Sacrament after the tabernacle was stolen from the church Tuesday night.
The brass tabernacle was taken from behind the altar inside the church sometime after 9 p.m. Tuesday. Staff discovered the theft Wednesday morning at about 9 a.m. and immediately alerted Boone police.
Father Brendan Buckler, pastor, is appealing to those responsible to return the Blessed Sacrament, if not the tabernacle. Catholics profess that the consecrated Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ, and stealing it is considered a desecration.
"We pray that your hearts may be moved to please return the tabernacle to us, but most especially the contents,” he said.
The church was open for Mass at 6 p.m., and the last person left the building around 9 p.m., Father Buckler said.
The individual or individuals apparently entered through a window and did not take anything else or cause any damage, he said.
The tabernacle held a ciborium containing multiple consecrated hosts.
Father Buckler is also asking people to pray and ask for reparation for the desecration of the church and the theft of the Blessed Sacrament.
Prayers will be also said in reparation for the desecration of the Blessed Sacrament and the sanctuary.
Boone police are investigating and say they have not seen any similar incidents at other churches in the area.
Anyone with information about the crime is urged to call the Boone Police Department at 828-268-6900 or Crime Stoppers at 828-268-6959 or 828-737-0125. You may also submit a Crime Stoppers Tip via their website, www.highcountrycrimestoppers.com or Text "NCTIP plus your tip" to 274637 (CRIMES). All information will be kept confidential.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor