For two years, the Appalachian Project, sponsored by Columbus Christ the King and St. Catharine of Siena parishes, was at a standstill because of COVID-19. So it was with great joy that a group, smaller by design, returned in June for the 27th year to serve families in need in Scioto County.  

It was a cautious return to our mission of providing home repairs wrapped in prayer and hard work and inspired by the social teachings of the Church. The team members numbered 30 instead of 50, and all youth were over age 18 and had been former participants.  

Six worksites were selected, and all tasks were successfully completed June 26-July 2. Some people on the west side of Scioto County had waited two years for our return. We are well known for the quality of our work, which is funded by donations.

This year, the group was warmly welcomed by Father Brian Beal, pastor of the Scioto County Consortium of churches. Father Patrick Watikha, parochial vicar for the consortium, celebrated Mass for the group at Pond Creek Holy Trinity Church. 

Days were interspersed with work and prayer, and evenings brought planned activities and reflections on the purpose and meaning of the mission. The Appalachian Project provides an experience of service, interdependence and participation in the social mission of the Church as we promote discipleship and evangelization. 

This year’s team members repeatedly expressed that they were thrilled to be back, that they enjoy a sense of community together and getting to know the residents whose homes are being repaired.  

Brianna Mattox, a 2020 graduate of Columbus Bishop Hartley High School, said she enjoyed most getting a lot done in a short amount of time. She also liked talking to her host family every day, comparing their lives with hers.

Eli Kaltenecker, a St. Catharine parishioner and graduate of Columbus St. Charles Preparatory School, helped paint two roofs and install drywall and flooring in a home that needed much work. “I have spread God’s good news through giving the gift of home improvement,” he said. “I’ve learned that the people of Appalachia are tough and persistent; not much can throw them off course.”

Joseph Beckett, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton whose home is in Scioto County, commented, “I learned just how important even small acts of service can mean to someone in need. We evangelize by actualizing our prayer in works of service.” 

Corey Claprood, a 2018 graduate of Groveport Madison High School, said, “I was looking forward to just coming down as a group. It was tough the last two years we had taken off, and I had not realized how much I missed going. I missed everyone associated with this project, whether it’s the fellow members or the people we come down to help.”

For those like Claprood and the others who echoed his desire to be a part of the project in the future, we hope that next year we can once again invite high school and college age youth.  They will experience the work where adults teach new skills. They will also experience the loving sense of community, the presence of God and  the interaction among team members and those served.

Anne Jupinko is the Appalachian Project coordinator at Columbus Christ the King Church.