Local Church Vandalism

In our local news there was a report of vandalism to a church on June 29th in Rochester, NY. The update to the story in today’s paper reminded me of the topic. 

The story involves four teenagers in the town of Chili who broke into St. Piux X Church. It’s been in the paper and also discussed on at least one of the local radio shows a number of times.The teenagers broke into the church, rode their bokes around inside, smoked some cigarettes, broke into the sacristy, drank some of the wine and urinated in the holy water.

There’s been a debate over charges that the teens should face. Some argue that they’re just teenagers and that community service would do. Others have argued for jail time, and even being sentenced with a hate crime. My opinion falls somewhere in the middle, but first let me explain my background.

I’m a Roman Catholic (and St. Pius X is a Roman Catholic Church). I practice more like a lazy Protestant. However, St. Pius X is my parish. That church is where I was baptized, received first communion and eucharist, gave my first penance, and was confirmed. I attended the St. Pius X School  from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I still actively bank with their credit union.

While I am not actively attending the parish now (I’m a “big holiday” Catholic, and my church is in the city now that I’ve moved), and I do not practice as I should – the acts the boys committed are still quite offensive to me. Everyone knows that teenagers get into trouble – but these boys went beyond joyriding, smoking and horsing around. They desecrated the holy water and sacristy. I’d argue for a large amount of community service – service that is headed and run by St. Pius X Chruch or the Rochester Catholic Diocease. In addition, I’d argue that the boys should each formally apologize, in person, not only to the priests but the parish as well before one of the Sunday masses.

The point about the story that upsetts me most is that the boys have not tried to make amends or formally apologize. In fact, the priest has not spoken with any of the youths – but only one parent. The expectation is that the priest and parish may receive a written apology.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this is a hate crime, nor would I argue for jail – this is just stupid teenagers getting into trouble. But the nature of the trouble is disturbing, and the lack of apology more so. You can’t always fault the parents for trouble that their kids get into, such as the original act, since teenagers will misbehave if they want to – no matter their upbringing. But I do fault them for not prodding the children into openly and actively showing contrition for their acts.