Hey there,

      My name is Sarah Mountain and I am the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  I have been in this position since June 5, 2000, but let me tell you a little about myself and how I got here.

     I am originally from Wellsboro, PA (yes, that is still in our diocese!).   My home town is located about 2 1/2 hours north-west of Scranton in Tioga County. We are actually closer to Elmira, NY than any major cities in Pennsylvania.  My home parish is St. Peter's in Wellsboro and I am an alumni of the Wellsboro Area High School.

     While I was in high school I became active in my parish youth ministry program.  I really started when I was in seventh grade, but then began diocesan level involvement when I was a freshman.  I stayed involved all through high school by attending the programs offered such as ISLI (it was around then, too) and serving on the SDCYC (Scranton Diocesan Catholic Youth Council).  I went to National Conferences and anything I could be a part of.  I couldn’t get enough of the stuff!

     Then I attended college. I didn't go away - just to Mansfield University.  I studied Elementary Education and received my Bachelor's degree in 1997.  I took advantage of the opportunity to student teach on a Navajo reservation in Arizona for two months.  Talk about a learning experience!

     After I graduated college I had to join the real world.  I struggled finding a job and wound up working three and four just to make ends meet.  I was a substitute teacher, coach for an Odyssey of the Mind team, Youth Minister for my parish and the assistant manager of a video store.  Talk about time management!!  Through my youth ministry, I once again became involved with the diocesan programs.  It was because of these programs that I met the wonderful people who helped me get where I am now.  My friends alerted me to the position of director being open and I applied. I guess the rest is history!

     Well, that is my story to this point.  I don't think I left anything out, but you are welcome to e-mail me any time to ask questions.  I believe in an honesty policy, so I will answer your question to the best of my ability - but I get to say if it is too personal or I am unable to answer it.

     I hope to hear from you soon, or better yet, see you at one of the many programs or events we have throughout the year.  Thanks for stopping by!

           E-mail her at Sarah-Mountain@dioceseofscranton.org