Holy Spirit continues to guide Diocesan Eagle Scout

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

NORTH HUNTINGDON – Sometimes the Holy Spirit guides us exactly where we need to be.

When Zach Hoffman was a first-grader at West Hempfield Elementary School in 2011, he wanted to attend an informational program about Scouting. When the family arrived at the school where the event was to be held, no one was there. They realized they were in the wrong place and followed someone who knew the right meeting location.

Zach became a Tiger Scout shortly thereafter. The family has no idea who the person was who led them to the right location. They believe it was a sign and a blessing.   

A Life Scout in Troop 480, Zach is now 16 and has completed his Eagle Scout project, one that will not only help his fellow parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, North Huntingdon, but the entire community.

Zach built a blessing box for people in need to obtain nonperishable food items. He asked parishioners of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Irwin, to help him fund the $500 project, and they exceeded his goal by $100.

Zach credits Father John A. Moineau, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish and Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, will helping make the project a reality.

“Father was all in, and willing to help me every step of the way,” he said.

Father Moineau said Zach has been an outstanding altar server for many years, and now he is showing, through his Eagle Scout project, a deeper awareness of service to the poor and needy.

“This project will provide others a chance to reach out to the poor as well,” said Father Moineau.

Zach’s brothers, Brad and Hunter, have also gone through Scouting and helped him with the project. His father, Rob, is treasurer of Troop 480, and his mother, Julie, is advancement chair. Zach will be a junior at Hempfield Area High School, where he is in the marching band.