FLORIDA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM CHURCH http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/nation/15744192.htm

Little Haiti church suffers 3 burglaries
By TANIA VALDEMORO
tvaldemoro@MiamiHerald.com

This weekend, parishioners at Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church had planned to lift up their voices in a musical celebration.

But after three burglaries within a week, the church is without its musical instruments -- as well as fans needed to keep the expected 2,500 guests cool.

''One of the nicest things about the church is the music. It's the reason my wife and I attend every week,'' said Pat Santangelo.

Now the church is rounding up new congas, drums and other instruments for Sunday's Mass. It is also increasing security.

On Thursday, the Rev. Reginald Jean-Mary supervised workers as they installed new doors, new locks, an alarm system and cameras around the church, the school and the rectory.

''There are some concerns that with so many people coming, there may be theft again,'' Jean-Mary said. ``We need more police to patrol the neighborhood and clean it up.''

Miami police have made no arrests in the burglaries.

Sunday marks the beginning of Jericho, a weeklong series of Masses, prayer and healing services, being held at Notre Dame. Participants will chant and pray in the hope that their worship will bring them closer to God and provide them new blessings and a sense of spiritual renewal, Jean-Mary explained.

The first burglary took place Oct. 5 when several men broke into the school, then entered the adjacent church and stole a pastry warmer and fryer. They also took the musical instruments that were to be used in Sunday's service: a keyboard, two basses, a drum set, congas, two speakers, microphones and extension cords.

Two days later, an intruder broke into the school and stole books, three computers and six fans, according to the police report. The loss of the fans has caused the students to swelter.

The most recent break-in occurred Wednesday night, when a burglar climbed onto the church's roof, broke a window and climbed down into the main sanctuary. He then entered the adjacent school and vandalized two classrooms there, Jean-Mary said.

''It could be kids or someone may have a grudge against the church,'' said Miami Police Commander David Magnusson.

Meanwhile, the church is considering its options in replacing the stolen items.

''This is a poor community that is trying to build a new church. If you keep asking them for money, it will be difficult for them,'' Jean-Mary said.

Parishioners recently pledged $200,000 in Notre Dame's fundraising campaign for new facilities. The church has already collected more than $800,000, but church officials need to raise between $400,000 and $1 million more before construction can begin.