The Fifth Annual Lynchburg Catholic Faith Community Appalachian Workweek, sponsored by the parishes of Holy Cross and St. Thomas More, took place the week of June 17-22, 2005.  This was a wonderful opportunity for middle school students, high school students, and adults to respond to our call to service.

 We spent the week in Hurley, Virginia, located in the mountains of southwest Virginia.  Hurley is a former coal mining community that has suffered economic loss as a result of many mine closings.  Unemployment is widespread and there is an increasing rate of disability among the former mine workers from mining related illnesses such as black lung and emphysema.  Poverty is a way of life but the community’s spirits remain high.

 Many of the homes are in terrible condition as a result of the poverty, general neglect, and harsh winters.  Our group was involved in roof repair and replacement.  Another group built a ramp onto a trailer.  Participants had the opportunity to learn construction skills, problem solving and how to cooperate as a team.

 As we prepared to leave our new friends, there were smiles, laughter, hugs, and tears.  However, we left knowing we had made someone’s life a bit better for our efforts and knowing that our faith had grown in strength by sharing our lives with our brothers and sisters in Hurley.