Here's How You Can Help Franklin Lakes Church Destroyed In Fire

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ - After a Franklin Lakes church was destroyed in an early morning fire Wednesday, its congregation is working to move forward.

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, James Mayers, a 26-year-old borough man, intentionally set fire to Most Blessed Sacrament Church using gasoline and a lighter around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated arson, as well as burglary.

A parish center and Catholic school on the property were not damaged. On the day of the fire, classes were cancelled at the the school, which serves students in Pre-K through 8, but have since resumed, according to the Archdiocese of Newark.

Over the past few days, the church's pastor, John Job, said they've received many inquires regarding donations to help rebuilding efforts.

Job said anyone who wishes to do so, can mail a check to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 787 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417. Make sure to specify "MBS Restoration" on your donation.

In a message posted on the church's Facebook page, Job say he and the staff are "very appreciative for the outpouring of support and prayers from not only our parishioners but also the community.

See More:Franklin Lakes Man Faces Arson Charge In Church Fire

According to the Archdiocese of Newark, Mass services, as well as other parish activities, will still go on as planned in alternate locations.

• Sunday Mass, including the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass, will be held in the gymnasium at the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
• Daily Mass, including the 9:00 a.m. Saturday Mass, will be held in the parish center.
• There is no change to the frequency of Masses or times. Check mostblessedsacrament.ws or the church bulletin for Mass schedules.
• All major holiday Masses including the regularly scheduled Christmas and Christmas Eve Masses also will be celebrated in the school gymnasium. Consult the bulletin online for the complete Christmas Mass schedule, including the children’s Christmas Eve Mass, and Parish Advent Confessions.
• While weddings and funeral Masses will be relocated to neighboring parishes, Most Blessed Sacrament staff will continue to coordinate music and logistics for these events.
• The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated in the gymnasium during Masses.
• There is no change to the many parish ministries of Most Blessed Sacrament, which take place in the parish center and at other facilities.

For more information visit Most Blessed Sacrament’s website and Facebook page.