A Parker County church is picking up the pieces after being broken into last week.
Late last week, a group of burglars broke into St. Francis Anglican Church in Willow Park, about halfway between Fort Worth and Weatherford.
"Our back door frame was broken, and my office door was broken," says the church's rector, Fr. Sam Wilgus.
The thieves made off with some very sacred items.
A screenshot from the surveillance camera showing one of the culprits.St. Francis Anglican Church
"When we celebrate Holy Communion, we use precious vessels, cups and special plates (and) chalices," says Fr. Wilgus. "And they're made with precious materials like silver and gold. And they've been used in our church for many years, and so we were very heartbroken that those were taken."
Wilgus says the break-in will not dampen the church's spirit.
"We cleaned everything up, and we did what we always do: we worship the Lord," says Wilgus. "It was kind of a strange Sunday on Sunday, because we had to use a set borrowed from another church, which we were thankful for."
The church's surveillance system captured clear images of the burglars, and the church has turned those images over to the Willow Park Police Department.
Wilgus says while he wants the burglars caught, he has forgiven them for their sins.
"The gospel that we believe in leaves no room for ill will or resentment, even for those who have hurt us," says Wilgus.
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