Maplewood Catholic Church fire investigated as arson

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — Maplewood authorities are investigating an arson after they say someone broke into a church and set part of the building on fire.

According to Maplewood police, they received a report around 12:40 a.m. Sunday of a burglary at St. Jerome Catholic Church in the 380 block of Roselawn Avenue East. The fire alarm had also been triggered.

When they arrived, they discovered that someone had forced their way into the building and smoke was coming from inside.

An American flag in the building was set on fire, as well as a keyboard in the basement. No one was injured, but the smoke and water damage cost the church tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

“We are very grateful, and thankful that the damage was, even though it was tens of thousands of dollars, that no one was hurt. The sanctuary was not hurt. We can still celebrate Mass. We can still gather together to pray, so we “I’m very grateful,” said Mery Beth Hess, the church’s music director.

She added that it is a small but mighty congregation, and they count their blessings.

Authorities say this was an isolated incident that resulted in minor property damage. Cleaning is already underway.

Maplewood Police are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.