History

Monsignor Ralph Beiting, Founder - January 1, 1924—August 9, 2012

Mission Center Established 2006 

Father Ralph Beiting was ordained in 1950 and since 1951 has spread the love of God and the Catholic Church to one of the poorest sections of our country, the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Father Beiting began his efforts with a Bible school for children and street preaching. 

In his over six decades of ministry this amazing priest built 10 churches and established two parishes, repaired 5,000 homes, created a transitional housing community, opened 5 thrift shops, provided emergency housing to anyone who needed a place to stay and welcomed over 60,000 mission volunteers.  Father Beiting had a special concern for children who lived in poverty.  He organized Bible Camps and shared with them his love of boating.  He firmly believed that providing poor children with hope was one key to breaking the cycle of poverty.  Spiritual growth is continually promoted through all these programs. 

On August 9, 2012 Father passed away at the age of 88. Because of Father’s work and love of God and His people he was extremely popular throughout the country. In the weeks after his death, there were three memorial services and two funeral masses to accommodate hundreds of friends, family and former volunteers to pay their respects to this remarkable man.

Father’s legacy lives on as the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center continues his mission work and dedication to serving the “whole person.”  The Mission Center works closely with people who are reaching out for help. The Mission Center is dedicated to providing spiritual guidance, family, and employment to an ecumenical community.

The Mission Center is located in Louisa, Kentucky in the far eastern part of the state, just across the Big Sandy River from West Virginia. It provides programs and services to residents in the adjacent communities of Kentucky and WV. Throughout the year and especially during the spring and summer months, we rely on volunteers to help us work on dozens of projects. The Mission Center will coordinate appx. 350 volunteers per year, primarily high-school age youth groups, college students and adult groups from across the nation.