DC Priest Chases Thief, Goes on to Lead Mass

Not your average pre-Sunday Mass prep:

Prior to celebrating mass Sunday morning, a Capitol Hill priest went on a couple of runs -- one for some exercise and one to catch a thief.

[let's jump into the story:] Rev. Bill Hegedusich asked the man not to run in the church and then noticed two bags of money were missing from the safe, which was unlocked because church officials were preparing for mass. Hegedusich had to act quickly, as the man was sprinting toward the door.

The priest chased the man through an alley and down the street. Knowing where the alley came out, Hegedusich tried to cut off the man.

Thinking the man could be armed, Hegedusich kept his distance and yelled that he just wanted the money back. The thief ditched one bag on North Carolina Avenue SE and continued running with the other, the Washington Post reported.

Hegedusich picked up the bag and headed back to the church, where he celebrated 11 a.m. Mass a few minutes late. (NBC Washington)

Good for Fr. Bill! The Thief only made off with about $65 because of his brave (and prudent) reaction.