Growing up in the Catholic church, Meghan Larsen-Reidy has always been very active in her faith life, a journey which she will continue on Waynesburg’s campus. She has often caught the eyes of the people around her with her heart for ministry in traditional church settings, as well as informal settings. In college, Larsen-Reidy gained a certification in lay ministry, a certification for non-ordained ministers and a master’s degree in teaching. Post-college, Larsen-Reidy continued her ministry calling as, most recently, the director of faith formation and youth ministry at a parish.

“[Ministry] is always something I was attracted to,” Larsen-Reidy said. “And it seemed to be just a natural fit for me and something that I loved and something that brought me joy.”

Larsen-Reidy, after noticing a job posting for campus minister for the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, realized that campus ministry was where she was called to serve.

Being a campus minister for the Dioceses of Pittsburgh means that Larsen-Reidy will be a presence at three different local campuses: Waynesburg University, California University of Pennsylvania and Washington and Jefferson College.

“My hope is to just be as present as I can to the students, staff and faculty of the three campuses and be a person to walk alongside particularly any students, staff or faculty that feels particularly drawn to the Catholic faith,” said Larsen-Reidy.

Larsen-Reidy also aims to be an approachable face on campus. Once her schedule becomes more solidified, Larsen-Reidy will be spending time each week in prayer, dedicated to the intentions of growth of Waynesburg’s campus.

“My plan is to pray for the intentions of anyone on this campus for at least an hour a week,” Larsen-Reidy said. “So, if anyone wants to come pray with me or share their intentions with me they can know that they are being held for at least a specific time each week.”

As the ministries grow on different campuses, Larsen-Reidy also hopes to bring more retreat and prayer service opportunities to the students.

Marybeth Cocchi, junior nursing major and president of the Newman Club Ministry is looking forward to Larsen-Reidy’s addition to the Pittsburgh Dioceses team.

“I think this is going to be very positive for our ministry because we, as students, only have so much time,” Cocchi said. “So, [Larsen-Reidy] is definitely going to be a really positive asset to work with to expand out ministry and get it to become more fruitful and keep growing.”

Expanding and growing ministry opportunities have been a common occurrence on Waynesburg’s campus and students, such as junior Monica Starre, vice president of the Newman Club ministry, are always looking forward to meting new leaders in ministry.

“I think [Lauren-Reidy] will affect the growth of the ministries by having someone else to reach out to people and help them encounter Christ,” Starre said. “I am excited that she will be present to all students and willing to help each of us grow in our spiritual path.”

Anyone who would like to meet with Larsen-Reidy can do so by e-mail at mlarsenreidy@DIOPITT.org.