Delaware State Police say $18,000 went missing from a safe inside Holy Rosary Church on the 3200 block of Philadelphia Pike on Saturday.
The money was earned during a carnival at the church the day before.
Yesterday, two members of the church contacted police saying they believed their son, Jeffrey R. Maichle, 25, was involved in the theft.
Troopers obtained a search warrant for the home where Maichle resides with his parents, and recovered most of the money, as well as drug paraphernalia.
According to police, Maichle used his parents' keys to enter both the church and the safe.
"The person who took it, unfortunately, his parents are two of the most active people in our parish, and they spent hours and hours on that carnival, and therefore it was very difficult," Associate Pastor Leonard Kempski said.
Church officials say they have recovered a little over $17,000 back.
Maichle, who was taken into custody at his home, was charged with burglary third degree, theft $1,500 or greater, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institute on $6,200 secured bail.