LOUISA —
Father Ralph Beiting, the Catholic priest who came to eastern Kentucky in 1950, founded the Christian Appalachian Project and spent the rest of his life here, died Thursday at the age of 88.
Beiting had been ailing, said Dominic Capria, director of operations at the Appalachian Mission Center in Louisa. “I saw Father on Saturday and he was weak. You just wear out,” he said.
Beiting, who was born and raised in northern Kentucky, devoted his life and ministry to the people of his adopted region, Capria said.
Assigned shortly after his ordination to eastern Kentucky, he developed the CAP to meet the physical needs of people in the area — food, clothing, furniture and other household items.
“He said you can’t hear the Good News until your basic needs are met,” Capria said. CAP has grown into one of the largest human services charities in the country.
The Father Beiting AMC will continue to provide disaster relief, emergency assistance, crisis intervention and other services in eastern Kentucky, often with the help of outside volunteer groups.
He founded the organization, originally called the St. Jude Mission, in 1991 as an outreach to the St. Jude parish in Louisa, where he was pastor.
Most recently, the mission center served as a clearinghouse for tornado relief after twisters devastated parts of Lawrence County in the spring.
Staffers and a few other worshippers learned of his death at a morning Mass on Thursday, Capria said.
The mission center will continue Beiting’s work in promoting family unity, fighting drug and alcohol abuse, performing home repairs and providing food and other household needs, he said. “Father may be resting, but we’re sure he’d like the rest of us to continue to work hard doing the work for the people of eastern Kentucky.”
Funeral arrangements include viewings from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at St. Jude Catholic Church in Louisa, 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ashland and 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Coldspring; and masses at 11 a.m. Monday at Holy Family and 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or
(606) 326-2652.
Local News
Founder of Christian Appalachian Project dies
- Local News
-
-
News in brief, 06/20/13
A West Virginia man has been arrested and charged with the robbery at the PNC Bank here on Tuesday afternoon.
-
Good River Gathering starts Friday
Pulling together musicians from the Tri-State and beyond, organizers of this weekend’s Good River Gathering say they are celebrating three years of continued effort to promote economic and community growth through heritage and culture.
-
Carter school employees receive 1 percent raise
The Carter County Board of Education voted Monday to award a one percent pay raise for all district employees in the upcoming year.
Superintendent Ronnie Dotson praised the board’s action in today’s “challenging economic climate.” -
APD investigating impersonation case
Police are investigating a reported incident of a juvenile impersonating a peace officer, which occurred on Monday just before 7 p.m. at a public place in the 700 block of Central Avenue. A juvenile female told police that a juvenile male dressed like a police officer approached her and stated he was working under the authority of the Ashland Police Department and had a warrant for her arrest.
-
Calling all angels
Mick Fosson is looking for angel investors who want something more substantial than a simple return on their money.
-
Grayson police officer fired
Grayson City Council met in special session Monday night to discuss the fate of police officer Chris Yavorcik.
-
Prison reforms having an impact but more could be done
Two years ago, Kentucky was on a path to putting 25,000 of its people behind bars when state lawmakers passed a sweeping reform of drug laws and sentencing and parole rules.
-
Contract awarded for bridge repair
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet today awarded a contract to Evers Welding Co. Inc. of Cincinnati to repair Ashland’s damaged 12th Street bridge.
-
West Virginia man arrested for bank robbery
A West Virginia man has been arrested and charged with the robbery at the PNC Bank here on Tuesday afternoon.
- Secretary of Education coming to Louisville
- More Local News Headlines
-
News in brief, 06/20/13
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
