Rev. Terence E. Hoppenjans was born in Covington, Ky and moved to Ft. Mitchell, Ky. He graduated from Covington Latin School before entering the seminary, and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1955. He briefly taught at St. Pius X Seminary before moving to Eastern Kentucky in 1960. Father spent the rest of his career at multiple churches in the Kentucky mountains, his latest in Paintsville, KY.
He was instrumental in founding the Christian Appalachian Project with Fr. Ralph Beiting and worked tirelessly for the people of Eastern Kentucky until his retirement at the age of 90.
His vast legacy in the region cannot be underestimated. He will be greatly missed by the many people his ministry has touched and particularly by his sister, Joan (Jack) Chadwick of Thibodeaux, Louisiana and by his many nieces and nephews.
Father has requested that memorials be sent to the charity that he established to help his work continue: St. Joseph Mission Workers, 1310 West Main St., Lexington, KY 40508