Jesus Youth Concludes Three-Day Community Outreach Mission in Eastern Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY — Volunteers from the Jesus Youth movement carried out a collaborative outreach mission across the Appalachian communities of Harlan and Jenkins, Kentucky, serving alongside parish administrator Fr. Terrence Da Silva.

The three-day initiative, held from September 4 to 6, combined hands-on community service with pastoral engagement. Volunteers assisted with operational and household needs at the local Missionaries of Charity convent and joined area parishioners for the feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, celebrated by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington.

Outreach activities also centered on physical improvements to local church grounds, where volunteers helped clear and prepare land designated for a new Ten Commandments display and an outdoor rosary garden. In addition, the team spent time sorting and packaging upcoming Christmas gifts for underserved families in the region.

Throughout the weekend, the service was anchored in community prayer, fellowship, and personal encounters with local residents, emphasizing sustained pastoral presence and youth-led solidarity within the eastern Kentucky missions.