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The Rev. Ralph Beiting, a Roman Catholic priest who started the Christian Appalachian Project and helped nurture it into one of the state's largest charities, died early Thursday.
The Rev. Beiting, 88, had been treated for heart blockages and hospitalized at times in recent weeks, and he died at King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland at 1:20 a.m. Thursday, said Dominic Capria, director of operations at the Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center in Louisa.
Friends and acquaintances said the Rev. Beiting's work in poverty relief and as a minister had touched countless lives in Eastern Kentucky over more than six decades.
"He was a light in the darkness for thousands of Appalachian folks in need," said Guy Adams, president and CEO of the Christian Appalachian Project.
The Rev. Beiting, who grew up in a large Catholic family in Newport, was in seminary when he first went to Eastern Kentucky on a mission trip in the mid-1940s. He was assigned to work in the area beginning in 1950.
The Rev. Beiting said he saw a great need to minister to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of people in the region, one of the poorest in the nation in 1964 when he founded the non-profit, ecumenical Christian Appalachian Project, or CAP.
"You couldn't just tell some man to pray and have faith when he didn't have a place to sleep or a bucket of coal to burn to keep his family warm. You had to do more," the Rev. Beiting told the Herald-Leader in a 1985 interview.
CAP has a wide range of programs in Eastern Kentucky, ranging from providing food and clothing to repairing homes and operating domestic-violence shelters.
More than 36,000 people in 30 Kentucky counties received services or attended CAP meetings in fiscal year 2011, Adams said.
The organization also operates a program throughout all 13 Appalachian states to distribute goods donated by businesses.
The Christian Appalachian Project is the state's largest charity, as measured by philanthropic impact, Adams said.
The Rev. Beiting left the CAP board in 1999. He had started a mission in Louisa in 1991 that was later named for him, and he remained as its chief consultant.
The Rev. Beiting also helped other charities find buildings and raise money and pushed to start the Mountain Christian Academy in Floyd County.
Friends said the Rev. Beiting could inspire people to do things they hadn't thought to do, or didn't think they could do.
"He was able to see gifts in people that they didn't see themselves," said Sister Kathleen Wiegand, head of the St. Vincent Mission in Floyd County.
The Rev. Beiting stated working in Eastern Kentucky at a time when Roman Catholics were scarce in the region. He often preached on the street to spread the word.
He built the first Roman Catholic churches in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties, acquired financing for six more and pastored several, according to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington.
"Our diocese and the communities of Appalachia have lost a truly exemplary priest," said Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, head of the diocese. "His delight in the work he did, his love for the people he served and his passion for helping anyone in need never waned throughout his 63 years of ministry."
Capria said that even at 88, the Rev. Beiting got up early each day, celebrated Mass at St. Jude Church in Louisa at 7 a.m. and then worked many days until 10 p.m. or later on various projects, including raising money.
When Capria visited the Rev. Beiting in the hospital last weekend, the Rev. Beiting said he needed to get out so he could meet with volunteers who had come to the Louisa mission for service projects, Capria said.
"There was no holding him down," Capria said. "That's all he ever cared about — helping somebody."
By Bill Estep | [email protected]
14 Entries
May he know now the fullness of the joy of creation.
Robert Briel
August 15, 2012
Fr. Beiting, I had the privilege of joining with others from Massachusetts to work with you in Kentucky. You blessed so many people in your many years of service to the Lord. I can see God welcoming you to Heaven and saying "Well done, good and faithful servant. You can rest now, Father, your work is done." I love and miss you. Please pray for us.
Jean Michalozski
August 13, 2012
I never had a chance to meet Fr. Beiting but I talked with him a few times on the telephone about prison ministry. He visited an inmate that I knew that had a serious heart attack at the prison where Father had just left from. He went straight back to see about him when I told him because he too knew the inmate personally. I asked him if he would come to my prison where I volunteer and he agreed but his feet and other health issues prevented it. I have almost all of his books and enjoy reading them. I knew he was special the first time I read about him in Eastern Ky. when he did side-walk evangelizing. I always felt that he was a GIANT of a man. We need more GIANTS like him.I'm sure he will be missed much. May he rest in peace!
Nancy Lyon
August 12, 2012
We love you, Father. We were all so blessed to have known you and to have had you a part of our lives for so long. Such wonderful memories of the very early days in Lancaster. RIP!
Lucy Lynch
Sunnyvale, CA
August 12, 2012
Thank you for loving the people of Eastern Kentucky. Thank you for changing lives there. Thank you for not giving up.
Thank for you for saying "Yes" to our Lord. Rest in Peace. Your work has changed the region forever.
Esther Tattershall
August 12, 2012
Rest in Peace Fr. Beiting. A true inspiration for all that was so fortunate to be acquainted with you.
Robert & Wanda
August 11, 2012
Father Beiting ran the Berea Church during the 1960's next to my grandparents' house on Chestnut Street. He was a good man and once saved my grandfather from being burned in a gasoline explosion. Rest in peace, you were a good person who cared for others.
Jeff Isaacs
August 11, 2012
RIP, Father-thank you for your vision and love of the people of Eastern Ky.
Diane Blackburn
August 11, 2012
love you father beiting...you inspired so many, young and old, mountian people.you are so good, surly there is a special place in heaven just for you...rest in peace......
August 10, 2012
After I listened to Father Beiting at Sunday Mass, I was inspired and filled with hope for the week. He made the impossible seem possible. He was special--had an aura. He will never be forgotten.
Chris Howard
August 10, 2012
Melissa Greer
August 10, 2012
Fr. Beiting will be missed but he's rejoicing now! He doesn't have to deal with his debilitating health or body any longer. I was blessed to hear Fr. Beiting this past Lent - he was one of the guest speakers at St. Cecilia Parish - Oakley (Cincinnati, OH) during the weekly Lenten talks. His message was clear and concise - touching all hearts - you could have heard a pin drop that night. In June, I was blessed to participate in Fr. Beiting's Camp for Girls "Something Beautiful for God" - I was present at each Mass he presided over. He was remarkable and his love for Jesus shined forth like a beacon – it made you want to be around him. Fr. Beiting is a role model for all Priest! I will miss him but he's with me in my heart. Having been only slightly acquainted with him was an honor - you knew you were in the presence of greatness and sincerity. Fr. Beiting gave me confidence and inspired me to accept my vocation – I start classes this Fall at the Athenaeum of Ohio – my goal is a Master's Degree in Theology – it is my calling to teach children and to help others. Thank you Fr. Beiting for helping me see and for helping me build up my confidence! Thank you so much! I love you and will miss you.
Melissa Greer
August 10, 2012
I knew him in Lancaster as a very young man and he was a courageous good man whom I grew to admire more and more as time went on. Kentucky has lost a wonderful citizen and Heaven has, in turn, received a fine addition to its Saintly Corps.
David Layton
August 10, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Anton & Betty Osterman
August 10, 2012
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