Christmas Eve Services In Maryland Marred By Disturbance And Violence

What should have been a night of peace turned chaotic at two Maryland churches when a man disrupted Christmas Eve services. At Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, authorities say Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, entered the church during Mass and dropped an onion in the aisle. When a parishioner followed him outside, Von Goetz allegedly retaliated by throwing tangerines before leaving the area.

Hours later, Von Goetz caused further disruptions during midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown. According to witnesses, he poured whiskey into the holy water and attempted to attack parishioners with his liquor bottle.

Members of the congregation subdued Von Goetz, restraining him until deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrived. He was later transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation and officially charged on Thursday with offenses including second-degree assault, defacing religious property, and threats of mass violence.

Von Goetz’s actions left worshippers shaken, serving as a stark reminder that moments of joy and reflection can still face interruptions from unexpected threats.

The incident occurred during one of the busiest times of the year for churches, with both congregations hosting additional services for Christmas observances.

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