A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Appalachia
September 25 – 27, 2017

This year’s Pilgrimage offers opportunities to integrate our faith life with the environment, health issues, and our lifestyles.  We will visit people and discuss:

  • Health Issues and a Free Health Clinic
  • Alternative Lifestyles Living Off the Grid
  • A Benedictine Monastery in Central Appalachia
  • Deane, KY, an area demonstrating the effects of mining
  • Appalshop, a multi-media community project
  • A Beyond Coal Business Start-Up
  • Resurrection Home, a resource for families in need
  • Wellness Ministry

Intended Participants

  • Those engaged in Appalachian ministries
  • People interested in the struggles of Appalachia from a faith perspective
  • Folks exploring environmental, health or lifestyle issues from a faith perspective

Costs and Considerations

  • The entire Pilgrimage will take place in Eastern Kentucky, beginning at Stanton, KY
  • Overnight accommodations will be at Mt. Tabor Benedictine Monastery, Martin, KY
  • Cost: $300 includes overnights, transportation and program expenses.  Partial scholarships are available, and no one will be denied participation because of costs.

Registration

  • Contact: Fr. John S. Rausch;  jsrausch@bellsouth.net;  (606) 663-0823.
  • Attendance is limited to 15 participants.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Pilgrimage Schedule

Monday, September 25
12:30 p.m.       Introductions and Orientation, Stanton, KY
2:00               New Hope Clinic, Owingsville (Health issues of
Appalachia)

 4:00                Living Off the Grid, Red River Gorge (Lifestyle
discussion)
6:00                   Dinner, Prestonsburg
Evening             Mt. Tabor Monastery

Tuesday, September 26
Morning          Breakfast, Mt. Tabor Monastery
8:00 a.m.         Prayer, Theological Reflection, Mt. Tabor Monastery
10:00               Deane, a mining area (Environmental discussion)
12:45 p.m.       Lunch, Whitesburg
1:30                 Appalshop, Whitesburg (Community discussion)
3:00                 Bluegrass Solar, a Beyond Coal Business, Whitesburg
5:30                 Dinner, Wherever
Evening           Mt. Tabor Monastery

Wednesday, September 27
Morning          Breakfast, Mt. Tabor Monastery
8:00 a.m.         Prayer, Theological Reflection, Mt. Tabor Monastery
10:00               Resurrection Home, Beattyville (Community discussion)
11:30               Interfaith Wellness Ministry, Irvine (Health Issues)
1:00 p.m.         Arrival and Parting, Stanton