The Operation Appalachia Ministry at Notre Dame is a dedicated group of skilled and unskilled adults and youths who spend one week of their own time each summer repairing homes in Preston County, West Virginia. Projects include patching leaky roofs, replacing broken windows, painting, plumbing, flooring, and many other home repairs.
In return for their efforts, the team brings home a great sense of satisfaction in helping to improve the living conditions of the county's poor and elderly. Our volunteers often gain a valuable lesson from those they have helped - gratitude for what they have been given. It is an honor and a pleasure to be God's hands amongst His children.
The summer of 2024 marked our 31st trip to Preston County. In return, the team brings home a great sense of satisfaction in helping to improve the living conditions of the county's poor and elderly, as well as learning some valuable lessons from those we have helped.
Thank you for all your prayers! We had a wonderful week in West Virginia. Our 38 missionary disciples made up eight teams including the hard-working kitchen staff. We completed nine projects of home repair, from decks to bathrooms to walkways and roofs. We are so grateful for your prayers and ask you to continue to remember the good people of West Virgina.
Upcoming Meetings & Events:
Check back for the meetings and events for the 2024/25 year.
Dates of the 2025 Trip: August 2nd through August 10th.
Throughout the year adults and youth involved in the Operation Appalachia come together to plan for events that help raise funds for the trip. One major fundraiser is the sale of Christmas Ornaments and Alternative Christmas Cards during the Advent season. We also rely upon contributions from members of the Parish, corporations, and other private donors.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, you may send it to our Parish Office (Attention: Operation Appalachia. Checks should be made payable to Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel - Operation Appalachia), or online HERE (be sure to note Operation Appalachia on the reason for Payment/Donation).
Please note the following steps and guidelines:
Please download and complete the APPLICATION FORM. Paper forms will also available at information/planning meetings and also in the parish office.
There are specific Diocesan requirements for those who are or will be 18 or older at the time of the trip. Please click HERE for details and be sure to complete these requirements well in advance of our trip.
IMPORTANT: Please read the Updated Paterson Diocese Code of Conduct and the Wheeling-Charleston West Virginia Sexual Abuse Policy
Policies and Guidelines
Before applications may be received, we have a number of guidelines and requirements:
Volunteer Throughout the Year: Fellowship is at the heart of our ministry, and fund raising is the only way we can afford the materials, lodging and transportation for our week in West Virginia. We encourage everyone to attend meetings and help with our fund raising events and efforts.
Age Requirement: Anyone 16 years or older may participate in the trip to Appalachia . For those under the age of 16, you must be entering at least the 9th grade by the September following the trip and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
VIRTUS Requirements: Required for anyone 18 or over at the time of the trip, or anyone who has not had a background check completed within the last three years. The background check must be completed before attending Virtus Training. You may schedule both at the same time, but you must have the background done prior to participating in VIRTUS. Click HERE for details on how to fulfill these requirements. Please note that as Virtus training is only given a few times a year in our area, it is important to register and attend as soon as possible!