Derry church is target of repeated vandalism

Two break-ins and vandalism this week at a Derry Borough church have left the Rev. Sam Lamendola and his parishioners questioning why the house of worship seems to be a target.

“It’s been traumatic particularly to the parish staff who love and take care of the church day by day,” he said. “To see this kind of destruction, it is quite alarming because it is a small community. To feel like you’re being targeted or singled out is very unsettling.”

Borough and state police are working to determine who is breaking into the Catholic church and causing thousands of dollars in damages. There have been five acts of vandalism at the building since Halloween and three break-ins, Lamendola said.

The culprit or culprits have knocked over religious statues and overturned chairs in the sanctuary. A fire extinguisher was sprayed throughout the second floor classroom area and a paper towel dispenser ripped from the wall in a bathroom. Wooden crosses symbolizing the stations of the cross were thrown on the ground and an advent wreath was knocked over. A stand holding votive candles in the sanctuary was pushed over, causing a potential fire hazard and damaging the carpet from hot wax, Lamendola said.

State police are asking residents and businesses to examine any video surveillance footage.

“While the details of the investigation are being handled by the Derry Borough Police Department, as well as state police, we are prayerful that the eyes and ears of the people of Derry are open and help us put a stop to this,” said Paul Paterra, Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg spokesman.

Lamendola said the church is looking into getting surveillance and security systems.

The damage this week was discovered Monday morning. Then the residue from the fire extinguisher was found Wednesday morning after another break-in. Lamendola said it seems as though the burglar or burglars are getting more brazen in their vandalism.

He is praying for them.

“A place that is sacred to us all and to have religious symbols treated with disregard is hard to take for many people,” Lamendola said.