Father John Fisher said he first noticed something was wrong when he heard movement inside his residence.
"And I hear a door jiggle in my sitting room. And I thought the other two priests I lived with would not have done that," he said.
According to Fisher, the intruder forced his way inside the church building.
The break-in happened around 3:30 p.m. Father Fisher said the suspect tried, but failed, to open a locked donation box for the needy.
Church officials believe the man ultimately escaped with only a few dollars and a small lock box containing paperwork described as worthless, in addition to causing damage to a couple of doorways.
Fisher said the encounter left him reflecting on compassion.
"We just should realize that we have to be compassionate for what people carry, as opposed to how they carry it, which is a Pema Chödrön quote," he said.
The church has faced hardship in recent years. Its parish school was destroyed by an electrical fire in 2023, and the newly rebuilt school reopened this past September.
Neighbors say the break-in was discouraging for a parish that has long been a cherished part of the community.
Northwest Detectives are investigating the case.
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.