Police Investigate Break-In at Batavia
Damage to walls and doors in the offices of Holy Cross Parish and School in Batavia resulted from a break-in during the overnight hours of Sept. 16-17. Petty cash was stolen. Police continue to investigate. (Photos provided)
Shattered glass was some of the damage from a break-in at Holy Cross Parish and School, Batavia, during the overnight hours of Sept. 16-17. (Photos provided)
By Penny Wiegert, Editor
September 25, 2015

BATAVIA—Police were called to Holy Cross Parish and School, here, early Sept. 17 after Deacon Larry Motyka discovered signs of a break-in.

As Deacon Motyka arrived to prepare for Mass he found broken glass and signs of entry in both the parish and school office and called police.

There was no forced entry into the church or adoration chapel, Deacon Motyka told The Observer.

According to a release issued by the City of Batavia Police, the incident occurred sometime during the overnight hours of Sept. 16 and Sept. 17.

The staff at the parish and school spent the morning on Thursday inventorying items to determine what, if anything, was taken. School officials cancelled classes on Thursday due to the large amount of evidence processing that was conducted. School resumed Friday.

There was damage to window glass and doors in both the school and parish offices. There is no money kept in either office other than a small amount of petty cash, according to Deacon Motyka.

In a phone call Sept. 21 to Father James Parker, pastor of Holy Cross, he said that the petty cash appeared to be the only thing missing initially.

Damage estimates to the offices and their contents are still being determined and should all be covered by insurance, Father Parker said. He added that his staff would be meeting with representatives from the police and fire departments this week to discuss ways of increasing existing security at the parish and school.

The Batavia Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding the crime to call the investigations division at 630/454-2500.

“This case remains an open and active investigation,” the release stated.

 “We of course have to do the Christ-like thing and pray for that person and pray for their remorse and that they might have contrition of heart,” Father Parker said.

He sent a Flocknote message to parishioners letting them know school was cancelled and parish offices were closed on Thursday, apologizing for any inconvenience.

He said he also used his homily to ask people to pray and remember a quote from Romans 12:21: “Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.”