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Community members unite for prayer for missing Fitchburg boy

FITCHBURG, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong has asked community members to come together Thursday evening for a prayer for missing 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver.

Oliver has been missing for several months and authorities fear that he is dead.

"There have been so many people who have reached out to me from the community and from across the Commonwealth who want to express their solidarity in our search for Jeremiah," Wong said in a release. "Even though the focus remains on the investigation, I believe that in the power of prayer to bring people together in times of great need and distress."

Churches near Oliver's home will provide prayers for the missing boy.

"The Elm Street Community Church is praying that Jeremiah will be found, as well as for all who are heartbroken and struggling over his disappearance," Pastor Steven Mayo said in a release. "The church will be open for a special time of prayer and support on Thursday, Dec. 26, from 1-3 p.m."

New Creation Community Church will hold a time for prayer Dec. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 88 Boulder Dr. For more information contact Pastor Thomas Hughes at 978-627-3973.

"Until I have concrete information I'm gonna have hope, I'm gonna hang in there, I'm going to hold out hope. I'm going to tell people you know we've seen crazier things happen," Hughes said.

The city will provide angels at the Municipal Offices at 166 Boulder Dr., the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center located on Daniels Street, the Elm Street Community Church at 264 Elm St., and New Creation Community Church at 88 Boulder Dr., for those who would like to write a message to Oliver.

Oliver's mother, Elsa Oliver, and her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, are currently being held on felony charges. They are due back in court next month. According to authorities, they refuse to cooperate and will not say where Oliver is.

In the wake of all this, a DCF social worker and a supervisor were fired after six months went by with no check-ins on Oliver, his mother, or siblings.

Fitchburg police are working with the DA's office and state police to find the little boy.

"We're working around the clock on the case and we will be working around the clock on the case until we resolve the case," Fitchburg Police Chief Robert Demoura said.

So far police have received tips, including one from Florida and several from Fitchburg. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call police.