Since the summer of 1972, the Spirit of God has been leading us to the mission territory of Appalachia, first in Kentucky, then in Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and most especially to West Virginia.  At first just a summer program for the students of Catholic Central and then Seton Catholic Central (both in New York), it has grown by the power of God's Spirit to the entire Diocese of Syracuse and is spreading to neighboring dioceses as well.

As we begin the process of forming Nazareth Farm in Doddridge County, West Virginia, we believe that we are being led by the Spirit of God.  The firm support of our leaders and shepherds in Christ, Bishop Frank Harrison of Syracuse, New York and bishop Joseph Hodges of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia testify to the fact that it is God's will and not just our own that leads us to Nazareth Farm.

This Land is Home to Me, a Pastoral letter of powerlessness in Appalachia by the Catholic Bishops of the region states: "In accord with the synod document, Justice in the World, we would like to commend where they exist and recommend where they do not, Centers of Reflection and Prayer in the service of action throughout the region."  We envision Nazareth Farm as just such a center.  It will be a center of prayer for our volunteers and for the people of the region and a center for service to the poor in whatever capacity we can.  It will be located in rural Doddridge county, West Virginia, and will serve the people of Doddridge, Ritchie and Tyler Counties, areas in which we have worked since the summer of 1975 with much success.

We envision, under God's Spirit, the purpose of Nazareth Farm to be:

• To announce the Good News of God's Kingdom, especially to the poor (cf. Luke 4:16-21 and Isaiah 61:1-2) by witnessing to the Gospel by loving service and by a life of voluntary poverty.

• To foster Christian growth especially among the young men and women who will volunteer and serve on the farm.

• To be community in the midst of a hostile and lonely world and to build a loving community among ourselves, in the midst of the poor and with the poor.

• To pray and to form a community of prayer to give praise to God and support to one another.

• To serve those in need whether it be the materials needs for food, clothing, shelter, education, health care, jobs, etc. or the spiritual needs of sin or the effects of sin, both in the volunteers and the people of West Virginia.

• To teach the truth by a living witness given to both the volunteers and the local people, of the generous, loving, forgiving God, so that all people can be free (cf John 8:32)

• To provide leadership for the Church by inspiring our volunteers to be leaders in forming community by serving the needs of one another and the people of West Virginia.

All staff will be unsalaried and will draw from Nazareth Farm and the Association whatever is needed for expenses.  As the Apostolic community, after whom we would try to pattern ourselves, we would strive to be of one heart and one mind, not claiming anything as our own, but rather holding everything in common. (cf Acts 4:32)  Trusting in God, our loving Father, we know that if it is His work that we do, He will provide for us.

Nazareth Farm is now a reality.  Bishop Hodges of Wheeling-Charleston has purchased it for our use.  It is a 98 acre farm in rural Doddridge County (Little Battle Run, Center Point, West Virginia 26339).  The program is in formation and the exact direction depends upon the talents of the people who staff, the response of the people of the area (which has been excellent during the past four summers) and the response of the short term volunteers (which has also been excellent).  But it mostly depends upon God and His Spirit and upon our openness to the Spirit.

By the Grace of God, we hope to continue the mission of Jesus and His Church on Nazareth Farm.