Celine Mitchell

Pentecost Today USA Council Member
Butler, PA

“Cecylia Kozek was born in Otfinow, Poland, 9th of 10 children. At the age of 6 I was given the opportunity to leave the communist days of the Iron Curtain as well as my entire family, to begin a new life in the U.S. I was adopted by American relatives and at the age of eight I received a new name and a new family. My Polish parents arranged for me to receive Jesus in Holy Communion the day I left Otfinow and my family so that I would not be alone on my long journey to America. My journey was definitely guided by the Holy Spirit and Jesus has accompanied me ever since, through my school days and as a wife and mother, and in my work in various ministries in the Church over the past 25 years.

My 2nd encounter with the Holy Spirit was at St. Thomas High School in Braddock where my English and Math teachers were Dave and Tom Mangan just a few years after their Duquesne weekend encounter!

The Fire of the Holy Spirit was re-ignited when I encountered the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a Spirit-filled liturgical and kerygmatic faith formation method for children that also changes the lives of adults who participate in the formation courses. Since 1954 this catechesis and evangelization method which is grounded in Scripture and the Liturgy has spread to over 100 countries on 6 continents and is spreading more in our Diocese of Pittsburgh and across our country as more bishops recognize that CGS is not only a gift to children but also to the Church.

Bob and I have raised 3 children and are now blessed with 8 grandchildren as we enjoy life in Butler at Good Shepherd House of Prayer. Although I retired from parish ministry as Director of Religious Education, my passion for bringing CGS to children, adults, and parishes gives me the energy to do CGS formation courses, to help all children and adults fall in love with Jesus and recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I now get to be a mentor and help others start up CGS and atria in their parishes all over the world.

In retrospect, I can see “”the golden thread”” of so many decisions and how the Holy Spirit guided each step once I said “”yes””. As a young child I dreamt of being a missionary. I never imagined the amazing journey that God planned for me and how God continues to surprise me and to nudge me to spread His Love and His Light.”

Updated 9/2022