Hello!  I am Celena Colcombe, and I am beyond excited to be the new high school youth minister here at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish!  I graduated in May from Saint Vincent College with degrees in both psychology and theology. In addition to doing ministry, I am a licensed cosmetologist, and I have been working at a salon as a hairdresser for the past 5 years in North Huntingdon where I live. At the salon, I will often say that my chair is a sacred space where I hear about my clients’ lives each with varying life experiences. It is due to this unique setting that I can engage with the modern world from behind a styling chair where I have developed a comprehensive outlook on people, leading me to studying both psychology and theology at Saint Vincent College. I desire to have a holistic approach to ministry as I walk with the youth in their spiritual and psychological journey during their high school years that are often filled with much confusion and difficulties. 

During my teens I had a positive and life changing experience participating in high school youth ministry. I encountered Jesus in a deeply personal way, and He gave my life meaning and hope. I would not be the woman I am today if it were not for my high school youth group where I met some of my closest friends and I came to understand that I am a beloved daughter of Our Lord. High school is rough. Youth group was my saving grace each week where I was replenished as I grew in my faith and enjoyed fulfilling fellowship all while having fun. Attending retreats, conferences, and mission trips only furthered my love of Christ and His people. Soon I realized I had a tug on my heart from the Lord to participate in the ministry that was so vital to my own formation. Upon high school graduation I volunteered to be a part of the core team of adults that helped to facilitate youth ministry.  Then, in the following summers I became the intern youth minister as I led the summer events. At Saint Vincent College, I was blessed to be an active member in campus ministry growing deeper in my relationship with Christ. These experiences solidified my love of ministry and my desire to accompany teens as they come to know Christ. 

Taking my own time in high school youth ministry, the formative experiences from the salon, my experiences working in ministry, and my Benedictine education from Saint Vincent College, I want to create a space here at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish where teens can be part of a community that welcomes them, loves them, and accompanies them on their faith journey. My vision for high school youth ministry is to provide teens with quality fellowship, fun, and foster spiritual growth. Youth ministry is a place where high schoolers can enjoy sports nights, engage in friendly competition through various games, develop deep friendships, all while learning about scripture, diving into the rich truths of our Catholic faith, and learning how to live virtuous lives as young people in the current culture. I want the teens of our parish to thrive in their identity as a son or daughter of Christ and know in their heart what it means to be uniquely and personally loved by God. My primary role is to walk with teens to a place where they can encounter Christ and assist them as they understand the ramifications the radical truth of His love has on their lives. It is against the culture to be a young person of faith in our world today. I feel that the loneliness and restlessness that the youth often feel within themselves points to the reality that things are not as they should be and there is something greater, someone greater who calls us to Himself. 
There is the saying that “it takes a village to raise a child”, well I feel that it takes the whole parish to have a thriving youth ministry program. So, I would like to ask the parishioners to prayerfully discern how you can assist the youth of our parish whether you can give of your time to be a part of our core team of adults helping with logistics, participating in activities with the teens, or leading small group discussions when we hold our weekly Sunday night meetings during the school year. Or, if you own a business perhaps you would be willing to sponsor some of our activities. Jesus continually shows us in the Gospels His concern for both the spiritual and physical nourishment of His disciples, likewise our hungry growing teens need to be fed so maybe you would consider donating snacks to our program. I ask parents and grandparents to encourage the teens in your life to join the youth ministry community and support them by making the needed sacrifices to add youth ministry to the family schedule. I am 1 of 4 siblings and I understand just how busy family life can get, between the dance classes, track meets, theater rehearsals, family events, and whatever else was thrown into the mix of varied activities.  I know that my siblings and I are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices and love our parents showed us by making our faith nourishment a priority and taking us to youth ministry. Parents, know that I do not take it lightly for the times you entrust your children to me as they grow in their faith. To the teens, there is no youth ministry without the youth. I ask you to come see what youth ministry is all about, bring your friends and help me build up a solid community of young people in our parish.am here to walk with you as you come to know Christ and assist you as you come to understand what that means for your life as a young person today. And lastly, I ask you all for your prayers for the young people of our parish and the high school youth ministry program. I am thrilled to begin this adventure as I get to know the people of Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish.  Feel free to stop me and introduce yourself when you see me around. Please email me if you are interested in being a part of the core team of adults or if there is any way you can assist with the youth ministry program. 

In union with the hearts of the Holy Family,

Celena Colcombe

Let’s Stay Connected!

Email me: [email protected]
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Send a text to the number: 81010
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