In 2017, we were able to have our first face-to-face experience of the Capuchin Appalachian Mission (CAM).  Our lives will never be the same.

CAM is a service mission retreat, now in its 27th year, developed by the Capuchin Youth and Family Ministry (CYFM) out of their retreat center in Garrison, NY.  85 missionaries (teens and adults) will head to Harlan County, KY for the week of July 7-15.

Why do we go?  First and last, we go to be Jesus to people – to those in Harlan and to those with whom we travel.  Second, we go to experience the blessing of Jesus through others.  Third, we go to help members of the human family in their various needs.

What do we do there?  There are four aspects of the help we offer: a Vacation Bible School for children, visits to those in elderly care, distribution of clothes and children’s books, and repair and reconstruction of homes.  We were blessed last year to be on repair crews.  We also have presentations and meditations daily.  Oh, yes, and we have a lot of fun mixed in.

What can you do?  CAM has a saying: some give by going, some go by giving.  As we go, we ask you to give of your prayers.  Prayer is the most important aspect of this endeavor.  Please pray for the planning and execution, for the 85 missionaries, for those we will serve, and for our sponsor parish – Holy Trinity RC Church in Harlan.  We also ask you to make a donation.  Any amount is worthy; each donor is listed in the Donor Book and prayers are offered for them each day.  That is one of the memorable parts of the retreat – being able to pray for our support teams back home.  We would encourage you to even let your children donate their coins so we can prayer for them by name.  (Plus, it is a great way to teach about service and helping others.)

We are very excited about returning to Kentucky this year and bringing you with us in our hearts and prayers.  And we look forward to telling you all about it upon our return.

Peace and blessings,
John and Ben Reale