Wilderness Outreach

"What an outstanding group of individuals and leaders. I have had the opportunity to work with many great volunteer crews over the years and this group has to be rated with the best."

Mike Ketscher, Trailshots Superintendent, Sierra National Forest, USFS.

"While Listening to Mike Ketscher desribe the type of work we would be doing, I became nervous and thought that I was not going to offer my services as well as the other men. I, however let those thoughts pass quickly, trusted in God and began to work. By the end of the first day I knew exactly what had to be accomplished and how to work with the other men to get the work done. as I reflect on my Christian walk with Jesus Christ, I see a very similar parallel. Often times I cannot see clearly what I am supposed to be doing, yet if i trust God by taking a step of faith, God always brings me into a better understanding of His great mysteries."

Dominic DeMatte

"I sit here in my 10^th

floor office with a view over the city.  I am back from my adventure into the mountains.  I have grown in those 10 days I was gone.  I have grown spiritually, mentally and am physically stronger.  Each day as we woke and headed to our daily task of clearing the trails, I spent the day not thinking of the daily grind that awaited me back in civilization, but thinking of the greatness that surrounded me.  Each time I became exhausted I looked over my shoulder at the granite cliffs that surrounded me.  I stared at the mountains and the splendors of God’s creation.  It was awe inspiring and my energy was restored.  I miss the camaraderie and I miss the solitude.  Simply put, I miss the mountain.  This was a truly a life changing trip." 

Thanks again,

Walt Knox

"I am very grateful for the excellent work that was accomplished by the Wilderness Outreach Foundation Volunteers.  Your group demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail project in Northern New Mexico.  I was especially pleased that there was not a single issue raised or complaint about the conditions of the project site or the work to be completed. The quality of work on the trail was top notch.  Even after a day of hard work, each of these men came back to camp content and willling to help out with daily chores.  Your work ethic was remarkable!

On a personal note, spending time with these men was very refreshing and rewarding.  I was personally drawn to their after work activities and to their deep faith that some men lack.  Thank you for being good examples for many of us - - your group really stands out..   What a great  way to renew your spirit, out there in one of the most beautiful places on the Carson National Forest.  I look forward to working with the volunteers again."

 Ray Martinez

Carson National Forest

Conjilon, New Mexico

Working in the wilderness in silence, you draw closer to St. Joseph and Our Lord working long, hot hours in the carpentry shop in remote Nazareth, with no radio, no TV, no phones. For thirty years, Our Lord worked and prayed and hammered and chopped and sweated in silence in the blazing sun of a remote village in Palestine before taking up his proclamation of the Gospel.

The idea of fatherhood, whether being a spiritual father or a natural father, has been destroyed by the sexual revolution and the culture of death. Every man is called to give forth life (whether that is a spiritual birth or a natural birth) and to defend the life of his spiritual or natural children, even if he has to sacrifice his own body and wants/needs and life to do it. 
 W.O. helps restore a man's proper God-given role by calling on those great male virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, dying to self, and hope in a final completion. In this way, Man, created in the image of God the Creator, participates with the Creator in his creation.

Matt Morris

Columbus Diocese Seminarian