(April 18, 2017) On the early morning of Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, an intentional fire was set inside the sacristy of St. John the Evangelist Church (49 George St., Weston).

The parish team preparing for Easter Sunday celebrations discovered smoke inside the church when the building was opened at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday morning. Staff contacted emergency services and fire and police were on the scene in short order.

The parish shared surveillance footage with police of an individual committing this crime. Police released images to the public Sunday afternoon and the suspect was apprehended on Monday, April 17, 2017.

While the fire was limited to the sacristy (area where priests prepare for Mass), the church interior has sustained significant smoke damage. Crews are currently working to clean and repair the church with an initial estimate of between $50,000 and $100,000. It is our hope and prayer that services will resume the weekend of April 22/23. We will provide a further update to the community later this week.

We are grateful for the leadership of the parish staff, led by pastor Fr. Andrew Maderak. We also appreciate the tremendous efforts of our first responders and the thoughts and prayers that have been conveyed from throughout the community.