HOW WE STARTED
The Mission of Hope ministry of St. Joseph Church was first introduced to the parish in November 2006 with the words: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” The parish sought volunteers to assist with ongoing disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina’s 2005 impact on the U.S. Gulf Coast. With the generous support of our parish and our pastor at the time, Fr. Robert Sanson, forty-five parishioners, ranging in age from 15 to 76, raised over $19,000 to cover the cost of air transportation to New Orleans and van rental upon our arrival. Our Parochial Vicar at the time, Fr. Barry Gearing, traveled with us to provide spiritual direction and liturgical support.
The purpose of our mission experience is not only to provide labor but to be a spiritual journey for our missionaries. We come to share not only our work but participate in daily liturgy; cook, serve and share communal meals; participate in guided scripture discussions during lunch; and incorporate opportunities for prayer and faith-sharing throughout the day. A special bond happens when you share your days side-by-side. We are family.
Berea, OH – Ohio Guidestone (July 2023)
- 25 volunteers refurbished a group home for 6–8 children.
- Sanded/refinished dressers, painted interior/exterior, and updated kitchen with new counters and hardware.
- Replaced carpets, safety outlets, and door strikers; repaired porch support post.
- Brightened color scheme and improved overall safety and livability.
- Guidestone leadership credited the project for enabling reopening by Oct. 1.
Pittsburgh, PA – Emmaus Community (July 2019)
- Worship Theme: Discipleship — “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
- 12 parishioners worked on renovations for group homes serving adults with special needs.
- Projects included bathroom/kitchen remodels, exterior repairs, landscaping, and interior painting.
- Renovated conference rooms and basement bowling alley; repaired water-damaged ceilings.
- Helped prepare “Mary’s Place,” a home for women with unplanned pregnancies.
Lexington, KY – Christ the King Cathedral (July 2018)
- Worship Theme: Faith — “Faith is not hoping God can, it is knowing He will.”
- 21 volunteers assisted homeowners and veterans with home repairs and maintenance.
- Rebuilt decks, replaced siding, painted homes, trimmed overgrowth, and repaired roofs.
- Supported a widow and stroke victim with major exterior repairs.
- Cleaned and landscaped low-income veterans’ housing complex.
Richwood, WV – Holy Family Catholic Church & Starting Point Center (July 2017)
- Worship Theme: The Fruits of the Holy Spirit — “But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
- 15 parishioners helped rebuild homes after flooding.
- Performed flooring, electrical, plumbing, and siding repairs on 3 homes.
- Built dorm rooms in former parish school and reorganized food pantry areas.
- Installed dishwasher at community center; donated $2,000 in supplies and gift cards.
Cincinnati, OH – Community Matters (July 2016)
- Worship Theme: Mercy — “The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel)
- Restored two floors of a historic building for future use as a restaurant and dorms.
- Demolished damaged areas, installed drywall, painted, and laid new flooring.
- Repaired plumbing and windows; installed rain barrel system and refreshed gardens.
Youngstown, OH – St. Patrick Parish (July 2015)
- Worship Theme: Answering the Call to Discipleship
- Painted and repaired church and school interiors.
- Prepped facilities for new charter school.
- Cleared debris from 10 abandoned homes and a vacant gas station to aid redevelopment.
Detroit, MI – Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (July 2014)
- Worship Theme: Confirmation — Called by the Spirit
- Rebuilt and refinished kneelers; repaired plaster walls.
- Cleaned and renovated rectory and parish hall kitchens.
- Restored water-damaged areas, repaired sandstone steps, and cleaned exterior drains.
Cincinnati, OH – St. Leo’s Church (July 2013)
- Worship Theme: Eucharist
- Painted and repaired a 3-story former convent for future lease.
- Renovated parish hall, repaired confessional ventilation, and installed prayer garden.
- Created a parish library with 300 donated books.
Felicity, OH – St. Peter’s Church (July 2012)
- Worship Theme: The Epistle of James — Practical Advice for Daily Living
- Partnered with non-profit to refurbish community ball fields and park.
- Repaired trailer and painted sheds for local residents.
- Assisted widows with porch and window maintenance.
Louisville, KY – St. William Church (July–Aug 2011)
- Worship Theme: Corporal Works of Mercy
- Assisted multiple homes through New Directions Housing Corp.
- Yard cleanups, gutter repairs, painting, and accessibility improvements.
- Repaired air conditioners and cleaned interior spaces for Catholic Worker House.
Pomeroy, OH – Sacred Heart Church (July 2010)
- Worship Theme: Sacrifice of the Mass
- Rebuilt collapsed roof and repainted parishioners’ homes.
- Cleaned and restored property for local families.
Charleston, WV – St. Anthony Church (Aug 2009)
- Worship Theme: Love and Mercy
- Built a chocolate factory in a donated home’s garage.
- Renovated buildings into bookstore/coffeehouse and autism program facility.
Charleston, WV – St. Anthony Church (Aug 2008)
- Worship Theme: Virtue
- Worked with Habitat for Humanity on new home foundations.
- Repaired church properties with drywall, plumbing, flooring, and painting.
New Orleans, LA – Catholic Charities (Apr 2007)
- Worship Theme: Called By Faith
- Assisted with cleanup and demolition following Hurricane Katrina.
- Helped restore housing for residents displaced by the storm.