Each summer during the Mission Co-Op Appeal, our parish has the opportunity to learn about areas of the world in need of Christian charity, and this year’s Appeal focused on an area not that far from us, Eastern Kentucky. The Appalachian region of Kentucky is home to six of the ten most distressed counties in the United States, and only 3% of the population is Catholic. Father Dan Noll of the Mission Diocese of Lexington was our weekend celebrant, bringing inspirational stories of restored faith through the outreach and good works of others willing to support their fellow Americans and assist all people in the Universal Church.
Our Cherry Hill neighbors at Christ Our Light, offer a mission trip each May; after this year’s trip Julie DeMareo, shared her thoughts, “Our group continued to see the complexity of Appalachia throughout the week: the struggle of a grandmother trying to raise her three-year-old grandson alone contrasted with the infectious joy of a local community bluegrass music night. The lasting damage of a devastating flood contrasted with the physical beauty of the lush green trees covering the rolling Appalachian mountains. The lack of stable work and access to higher education in the region contrasted with the hope embodied by the students and faculty at the David School. This alternative high school ensures no student slips through the cracks. Certainly, we could not solve the structural injustice we witnessed throughout our week, but I am grateful to be present and care for this sacred place.” Accommodations for volunteers are clean and welcoming; join us next year, and the work of all is greatly appreciated. Father Dan thanks CTK for the hospitality during his stay and the almost $4,000 donated. For more information or to make a donation visit cdlex.org.