What Would Jesus Do? The Same Thing Father Brauer is Doing After Parish Break-Ins

What would Jesus do if someone stole from him?

He would turn the other cheek and offer counseling.

That’s what the Rev. Mark S. Brauer of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Parish in Farmington plans to do in response to a couple of burglaries to the church’s donation boxes over the past two weeks, The Observer & Eccentric reports.

Brauer told the newspaper he has no interest in pressing charges.

“If they are need, we’d be glad to help,” he said.

Thefts were discovered at the church at 23815 Power Road on Feb. 17, when $80-$100 was stolen, and then about a month later on March 15, when an undetermined amount was taken. A third attempt to break into the church was unsuccessful.

Brauer said he’s heard of similar burglaries at other metro Detroit parishes. Donation boxes at his church are now being emptied more frequently, Brauer said, but the church isn’t changing its policy to keep doors unlocked from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

And, he said, the church is always open to help people, whether through counseling or referrals to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic charity that works to end poverty through systemic change.

“We’re all in this together,” Brauer said. “We’re here to help each other.”

Farmington police have no suspects, according to the report.