Reverend Chris Keast, who served in the Australian navy for more than 10 years, arrived at the Holy Trinity Church on Saturday morning to find a storeroom had been ransacked.

But it was the theft of emergency relief vouchers for the needy and a safe containing three chalices that hurt Reverend Keast the most.

“I’m utterly devastated – it’s the second time this church has been hit in 11 years,” he said.

“We forgive those who did it, but please, if you could return them – they have real sentimental value to the people who worship here. 

“You’ve got no use for the chalices, they’re not worth anything.”

Police investigators said the offenders broke into the premises on Albert Street sometime after 5pm on Friday and before 8am on Saturday.

Once inside, the thieves stole a safe, three chalices, a ciborium, a bowl, keys and food vouchers.

There was no damage to the church and investigators have released images of some of the items similar to those stolen.

It comes just months after St James’ Parish Church was ransacked on the same street in Sebastopol in March.

Reverend Keast suspects it may have been the same group of offenders who struck Holy Trinity Church on Friday night.

“They were hoping for cash in the safe – other silverware in the room was not touched,” he said.

In a further blow, Reverend Keast personally owned one of the stolen chalices, which he planned on using when he is to be ordained in a month’s time.

“It’s like a kick in the guts, my wife and I had put aside some savings for it,” he said.

But Reverend Keast empathised with the offenders, hoping they would return the stolen goods. 

“Human need, it’s such a challenge and people feel it,” he said.

“But there are people who are offering help.”

Police told Reverend Keast they would attempt to track the emergency relief vouchers if they were cashed in around Ballarat.

Security has been beefed up at the church.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.