Mission Appeal for 

The Diocese of Lexington

Established in 1988, the mission Diocese of Lexington serves 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky. Only 10 counties are within the central bluegrass region of the state where economic conditions are favorable. The remaining counties are located in
Appalachia, which is noted for an extreme level of poverty.

The population throughout the Appalachian region is less than 1% Catholic and 60% are un-churched. Frequently, Catholicism is misunderstood or even met with hostility by the local population. In spite of this, our outreach services and parish evangelization
efforts are beginning to close the gap.

Our ministers and volunteers who work directly with the people of Appalachia have found a growing desire for liberation from generational poverty. Through ministries, the Church has brought the presence of Christ to an obscured rural population. Often residents are isolated from basic services of healthcare and education. Catholic efforts help to provide essential food, clothing, and shelter to many who have inadequate means of support.

The parishes and outreach centers in the region are dependent on financial assistance in order to remain in operation. Priests in the area serve multiple locations and often travel 35-40 miles between parishes over mountainous terrain to offer the Sunday liturgy. Deacons and religious provide a vital element in daily parish administration and service to the poor. Ultimately, the Catholic presence in Appalachia would diminish without the generous response from outside resources who share the common mission of Christ.

- from Fr. Dan Noll

We are committed to helping our communities in this time of crisis. Our diocesan Catholic Charities is cooperating with Catholic Charities USA to coordinate relief efforts, and our parishes are doing all they can to support their neighbors. We thank the several Catholic dioceses across the country that have volunteered their support, as well as those who have made individual contributions. Please keep all of those affected in your prayers.

For the reasons noted, Bishop Vásquez has sent Father Dan Noll, a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, to our parish to give the homily at all of our Masses on the weekend of August 13-14. At those Masses, we'll take up a special second collection to support the work of the parishes in the Mission Diocese of Lexington.

Please come prepared to be generous. To give to this special collection by check, by Venmo, or with an online gift, please indicate Lexington in the MEMO or FOR section. The button below takes you to the many ways you can give in response to this appeal. 

GIVE to the Mission Diocese of Lexington

Hindman, in the Diocese of Lexington

From The Record, the Archdiocesan News of Louisville 
CNS photo via Reuters

  The following are Washington Post photos taken by  

Jessica Tezak

A home near Pine Top

A kitchen in Pine Top