COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A man brutally beaten with a baseball bat after parking his car in a church parking lot on Christmas Eve is still in the hospital as police continue to search for his brutal attacker.

It happened right before Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in the 4900 block of Berwyn Road in College Park. Police are calling the violent mugging a rare and disturbing case, unlike anything they have ever seen.

As a result, there is a massive effort to catch whoever is responsible. Police, for a second day, are scouring the church grounds. They have also illuminated electronic billboards and continue to hand out flyers asking for information.

"He did what he did. He did it intentionally and maliciously, and he needs to be caught," said Major Kevin Davis, Prince George's County Police.

Wayne Williams, 69, had just dropped off his wife at the door of Holy Redeemer Church on Christmas Eve and was just getting out of his car when a man began to beat his head and face with a baseball bat--all for his wallet.

"To enact that kind of rage that kind of brutality there has to be some kind of mental defect, emotional defect," added Major Davis.

Williams was able to cal 911 before falling unconscious as the attacker ran off. The church pastor ran out to administer first aid until EMS units arrived. When officers arrived, they encountered Williams who they report had severe facial injuries. He was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Sources report Williams is expected to make a full recovery.

Police spent Christmas Day searching for clues that might lead them to the lone attacker. Meanwhile, parishioners at Holy Redeemer prayed Thursday for Williams' recovery and for the safety of their neighbors.

"Wayne is meek, mild, humble... just a wonderful guy," said Kathy Neiman, a parishioner at the church. "It's terrible that there [are] people [who] would do something like that anytime, let alone at Christmas Eve," she said.

Reverend George Wilkinson visited him at Washington Hospital Center Friday.

"Everybody has him on their prayer lists, and God knows he needs it," said Rev. Wilkinson, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

"It's a shame that something like this has to happen to somebody who has never done anybody harm," said Charles Thompkins, a friend.

Mr. Williams injuries are so severe that he hasn't been able to speak to detectives.

Police have vowed to make solving the case their highest priority. The assailant was described as a black or Hispanic male wearing a black sweater in his early 20s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 190 pounds.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's District I Investigative Section at 301-699-2601. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

The Prince George's County Police Department is offering a cash reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the suspect or suspects.

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