Church officials in Burlington plead for stolen nativity statue's return: "Just bring baby Jesus back"



BURLINGTON -- You could say he left upon a midnight clear. Officials with Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington are hoping a thief or thieves will do the right thing after a statue of baby Jesus was stolen from their nativity display.

The nativity has belonged to the church for many years. This isn't a crime where the church will take a financial hit -- it's more the principle of the thing.

"He disappeared," said Barbara Sherrer with Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish.

Baby Jesus statue stolen from Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington



Outside the church is the nativity display. The Magi and shepherds are assembled near Mary and Joseph, who currently stare at a pile of hay.

"You see it's empty. They're looking at an empty crib," said Sherrer.

The nativity's central piece is away from his manger.

"He's gone," said Sherrer.

Baby Jesus statue stolen from Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington



Sherrer was walking into the rectory on Wednesday, January 6th when she first noticed the missing Christ child.

"I looked in there and I said, 'the baby Jesus is gone!'" said Sherrer.

She says it's possible the ceramic figure has been missing since New Years Eve -- maybe snatched by someone just driving by.

Baby Jesus statue stolen from Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington



"They thought, 'here's something funny to do' but it isn't funny because he's a very important part of our liturgical celebration," said Sherrer.

The figure isn't worth much. It's more the idea of the theft that has Sherrer upset.

"Not angry -- but disappointed that someone would do that," said Sherrer.

"If somebody stole it I hope they would speak up," students from Catholic Central High School said. "Maybe just even put it back without anyone knowing. That's the easiest thing to do."

Baby Jesus statue stolen from Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington



Sherrer says it's the right thing to do.

"I just hope anonymously they would just bring the baby Jesus back. That would be wonderful. Just put him back there and everybody would be happy," Sherrer said.

Sherrer says the figure isn't heavy and is maybe 12 inches long.

Interestingly -- it has actually been stolen before.

Sherrer is hoping it will be returned this weekend, so they can pack up the nativity display and put it away for next year.

Baby Jesus statue stolen from Immaculate Conception St. Mary Parish in Burlington