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Our team set off to Leslie County, Kentucky. We prepared ourselves for what would become the sweatiest mission trip ever recorded. It was hot! Some crews worked in temperatures over 90°F, digging holes, hammering, sawing, and building like real-life disciples. We learned that we are stronger—and more capable—than we think. We can do hard things.
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We returned on June 28th, exhausted, sweaty, grateful, and changed. We learned new skills. We grew closer to God. The teens were phenomenal. They sweated, struggled, and smiled their way through hard work, long days, and unexpected setbacks. And the leaders were the steady force behind it all.
Recap of 2025 Mission Trip to Leslie County, Kentucky
"We Can Do Hard Things": Wind & Water Mission Trip to Kentucky
June 20–28, 2025
Submitted by Maureen LeGros
At 5 AM on a sleepy Saturday morning (the birds were still asleep), 23 brave souls gathered in the St. Thomas parking lot. Groggy-eyed and with matching purple T-shirts, we packed the vans and received a blessing from Deacon Mike before setting off on our mission trip to Leslie County, Kentucky.
After a long scenic drive and a few bathroom stops, we stopped in London, KY to rest and attend Mass. This is where that devastating tornado recently hit. Our teens were warmly welcomed at St. William Roman Catholic Church, where they participated as ushers, cross bearers, and gift presenters. The congregation was visibly touched to see our crew reverently engaged, purple shirts and all.
Fueled by Culver’s gift cards (thank you donors!) and Wal-mart snacks (fruit & chips are a love language), we prepared ourselves for what would become the sweatiest mission trip ever recorded. No exaggeration, it was hot! Some crews worked in temperatures over 90°F, digging holes, hammering, sawing, and building like real-life disciples.
This year, we partnered with Appalachia Service Project (ASP), an amazing but new-to-us organization. Their projects demanded a higher skill level, which we met with open hearts and, occasionally, confused faces (Measuring twice and cutting once? Novel concept). Our group tackled everything from repairing and installing floors and unexpected air conditioner repair to building decks, ramps, footings, and even moving carports. Yes. Carports. One group fixed a chicken coop. One weeded a garden. We learned real skills, skills we’ll carry with us, and a deep respect for those who do this hard work every day.
Our accommodations? Let's say they were charmingly rustic. We were told there would be air conditioning. Technically, that was true... if you were lucky enough to be sleeping in the kitchen on the first floor, but that didn’t happen. The rest of us? Well, we made a late-night Wal-mart run for box fans which were donated back to St. Thomas afterward. Thank you, Holy Spirit and Wal-mart clearance aisle!
Due to a staffing shortage, poor April, our lone ASP cook, was left feeding 87 people solo. When food ran short (and it did), our leaders stepped in to help her prepare and serve all future meals—before and after long work days. We didn’t see any other church groups doing this, but St. Clare & St. Thomas did!
Evenings were spent at parish gatherings for reflections on days' events led by Mike Butscher and after? Searching for a cell signal, relaxing at the local Dairy Queen, or descending winding mountain roads to Hyden’s Subway. Not for sandwiches, but for that sweet, sweet WiFi. Being unplugged most of the week was surprisingly freeing, a real chance to be present with God, with one another, and with the communities we served.
The teens were phenomenal. They sweat, struggled, and smiled their way through hard work, long days, and unexpected setbacks. And the leaders, Mike Butscher, Brad Spiegelhoff, Pat McPhetridge, Mike Sponholtz, Mary Bose, Noel Tessmer, and Joy Sponholtz, were the steady force behind it all. Special shoutout to the teens who proved that this generation has grit:
Abby Mueller, Hadley Spence, Marley Brague, Gabrielle Ketterhagen, August Schneider, Taylor Jacobson, Elizabeth Stengel, Sophia Stengel, Ian Rastall, Evelyn Hoffman, Hannah Spiegelhoff, Greta Gorenc, Jossilyn Allen, Ella Sponholtz, and Nicholas Chmiel.
There are so many others to thank. Those who donated supplies, meals, gift cards, prayers, and time. Truly, thank you. Your support meant everything.
We returned on June 28th, exhausted, sweaty, grateful, and changed. We learned new skills. We grew closer to God. We remembered that we are stronger—and more capable—than we think. We can do hard things.
Discussions and meetings for the 2026 mission trip have begun! If you're interested in joining our mission team or would like information about the Mission Trip efforts of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Clare Parishes, please contact Maureen LeGros via email at legrosmaureen@gmail.com. We look forward to another incredible journey of faith, service, and fellowship.