Appalachian Pilgrimage

Appalachian Pilgrimage

During spring break each year, Service and Social Outreach sponsors a pilgrimage to Appalachia.  Traveling by van, the staff and students make their way to Glouster, OH in Athens County.  There the students work with staff and volunteers at Rural Appalachian Housing Development.  R.A.H.D.'s mission is to assist low income homeowners with housing repairs and renovations.  Conscious of the fact that we can learn from other cultures, the students try to immerse themselves in the local community so that they receive from the people served as well as give of themselves in service.  Each evening the group gathers to reflect on that day's experience in light of the Gospel message and the evangelizing mission of the Church.

The members of R.A.H.D. and the Glouster community, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 residents, are warm and welcoming people and appreciate the assistance of the Walsh Community.  The people are proud of their culture and their community and are willing to share what little they have.  Glouster is one of the poorest communities in the state of Ohio resulting from the evacuation of the coal mining industry in the 1900's.  The students usually come home having received more than they have given.

Participation in the pilgrimage is open to all Walsh students.  If you would like more information in participating, contact Mary Niedenthal at 330.490.7182. 

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did to these least brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt, 25:40).